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The doghouse

If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

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Original poster

New puppy nightmare

54 replies

Sunny06 · 28/05/2023 07:33

Is anyone else having a nightmare trying to crate train? I’m on day 3 and feeling like a zombie as I’m running on no sleep 😵‍💫
It’s tough work but I’m trying to remain positive that it will get easier

OP posts:

DustyLee123 · 28/05/2023 07:37

Throw the crate away and reduce your stress.

stardustpixy · 28/05/2023 07:39

What type of dog have you got? The early days of puppy ownership are hell :/

Ylvamoon · 28/05/2023 07:42

Where is the crate and when/ how are you using it?
How big is the crate compared to puppy?

Frenchfancy · 28/05/2023 07:43

Crate training is not the only way to look after a dog.

Wolfiefan · 28/05/2023 08:01

Sounds like you’re doing it wrong!! Crate training doesn’t mean putting a pup in a crate and closing the door. Look at dog training advice and support on FB for advice. Your pup is a baby and wants to be with you.

primoseyellow · 28/05/2023 08:08

@Sunny06 I really really suggest that if there is any whining, crying or the slightest distress when your pup goes in the crate that you stop, the safer and more content your puppy feels at this stage the eaiser and more confident they will be later when it comes to being out and about and being left alone.

If they get stressed now it can cause separation anxiety later, basically I would say let them be with you 24/7 the first few weeks especially at night. Once they are happy to go off exploring in the house on their own start throwing a few treats on the floor and walking out the room for 4/5 seconds and coming back, don't make a fuss of them just carry on doing a random task in the room with them. Build up to being able to leave them in a room whilst you shower upstairs , this will take a few weeks most likely.

primoseyellow · 28/05/2023 08:10

@Sunny06 sorry meant to add can you get a pen rather than a crate? Get the puppy to settle in the pen with door open and you in the room. I would ignore anyone saying they will pee/poo in there, mine peed in the crate without waking me up at night and I'm a very light sleeper.

pilates · 28/05/2023 08:13

Not all like it- my puppy hated it and went ballistic. We ended up with a pen.

LacewingOrpington · 28/05/2023 08:25

Not all puppies like a crate. If they don’t like, I wouldn’t use it. Our current puppy loves his crate. Settles to sleep every time we put him into it and goes into it himself when he’s tired. Usually dogs/puppies feel the crate is their safe space. If they don’t then I don’t use it. There are techniques for helping them start to feel it is their safe place but that takes time and doesn’t involve leaving them crying in their crate.

WomanFromTheNorth · 28/05/2023 08:31

DustyLee123 · 28/05/2023 07:37

Throw the crate away and reduce your stress.

This. Dogs are not supposed to sleep in cages any more than we are.

twistyizzy · 28/05/2023 08:33

Crate training shouldn't be stressful, it should be a cosy, safe space that the puppy wants to be in.
Would recommend you read Easy Peasy Puppy Squeezy and also join the Facebook page: Dog Trainjng Advice + Support Group. It is run by qualified behaviourists so you get proper advice as no-one is allowed to comment other than the admins of the group.
The first few months can be hell but are also vital to build solid behaviour foundations.

twistyizzy · 28/05/2023 08:34

This the correct page for the Dog Training group on Facebook

twistyizzy · 28/05/2023 08:35

....

Bbqshowdownusa · 28/05/2023 08:37

Is the crate in the same room as you?

twistyizzy · 28/05/2023 08:39

WomanFromTheNorth · 28/05/2023 08:31

This. Dogs are not supposed to sleep in cages any more than we are.

Show quote history

Actually for any reactive/anxious dogs, crates are their safe space and therefore invaluable. It very much depends on the dog.

Gizlotsmum · 28/05/2023 08:40

How have you introduced the crate? Is it covered? Does pup go in it during the day ( door open and willingly) there are lots of tips on the Facebook page mentioned above. At night are you sleeping near the crate?

XelaM · 28/05/2023 08:43

I have never used a crate and our dog slept through the night almost from day 1. He slept on the sofa next to me. He has a play pen type of soft crate that always has the door open and he can go in and out when he pleases, but I never lock him in there.

SlipSlidinAway · 28/05/2023 08:51

Never used a crate. They're not compulsory you know.

coffeecupsandwaxmelts · 28/05/2023 08:55

We never crated our puppy and managed just fine without one.

They can be great tools but not all dogs like them or see them as their safe space - many find the idea of being shut in a confined space very distressing, no matter how positive you try and make it.

What I'm trying to say is - don't feel pressured into using a crate just because you feel you have to. And if you do decide to persevere, don't forget that it can take weeks for puppies to be able to left happily in their crates without company nearby.

Riverlee · 28/05/2023 08:57

You’re on day 3. It takes time. You pup has only just left his mother and siblings.

PrincessHoneysuckle · 28/05/2023 08:57

Crate trained for around 4 days then pup recognised it as her safe space and sleeping area.

Snoken · 28/05/2023 09:08

My dogs never took to the crate and they just sleep in their beds in the front room now from where they also have access to the kitchen and their water bowl. We now live in Sweden and have yet to see a dog crate in any home. It's actually illegal here to crate your dog unless they are being transported or are at a dog show as it is considered inhumane.

Snoken · 28/05/2023 09:09

Also keep in mind you have just taken your dog from it's mum. It has presumably never been alone before and you now expect it to sleep on its own locked away for hours on end. You wouldn't do that to a human baby.

SlipSlidinAway · 28/05/2023 09:22

@Snoken - I wish everywhere took such an enlightened approach.

Snoken · 28/05/2023 09:25

SlipSlidinAway · 28/05/2023 09:22

@Snoken - I wish everywhere took such an enlightened approach.

I agree, I think it's only Sweden and Finland who has banned it, but from experience I think it isn't common to use crates in that way in other European countries either. At least not Belgium and France where I used to live.

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