Crate training an older dog

[MaidofKent78]

Could I have some tips on how you sucessfully crate trained an older dog at nighttime?

3 year old dog has been with us since Weds. He has settled pretty well, but is still seeking comfort from us and wants to be with us constantly. Totally understandable and not a problem.

His crate is in the corner of the kitchen/conservatory and he happily goes in and out during the day, often taking himself there for a rest.

But he hates being left at night and needs the comfort of one of us. If we're there, he's happy. The crate isn't the problem, being alone is. Left alone, he whines and barks. Taking the crate upstairs isn't an option as it's far too large, and we're trying to keep upstairs a dogfree zone.

How would you deal with it? So far, I've set up a campbed in the conservatory and plan to gradually move it out as he settles. Is this completely over the top and unneccessary?

I'm quite happy for this to take as long as it takes but wondered if there was a better/easier way of teaching him that it's ok to be on his own.

[MaidofKent78]

Bumping for advice. I've managed to get as far as the front room :-)

[CMOTDibbler]

You are doing exactly the right thing. The slow retreat comforts them that you aren't abandoning them, and it just takes time. I can't tell you how many nights I've spent sleeping on a yoga mat for our fosters, and the vast majority end up sleeping happily in the crate after up to a week - obv an older dog can take longer especially as an only dog

[MaidofKent78]

@CMOTDibbler

You are doing exactly the right thing. The slow retreat comforts them that you aren't abandoning them, and it just takes time. I can't tell you how many nights I've spent sleeping on a yoga mat for our fosters, and the vast majority end up sleeping happily in the crate after up to a week - obv an older dog can take longer especially as an only dog

Thank you; that's reassuring. We'd had conflicting advice from various parties so even though it felt like the correct approach, I had a moment of doubt.

Last night I managed to settle him whilst I sat on the sofa in the front room, and then crept upstairs; he slept until morning so we're getting there :-)