Help from veterans regarding puppy who barks in his crate during the day no matter what!

[Discussing Labradoodles & Goldendoodles]

I posted on the Puppy Madness forum (here) our only and lingering problem regarding our lovely and otherwise chill puppy Wrigley, and thought I'd seek out the advice of veterans and the general forum. Wrigley goes to bed at night just fine, but barks whenever we put him in the crate during the day. Yes, we've tried "very short" (one minute, five minutes) crate times, he gets special bones and Kongs in his crate, and we play the radio or music when we're gone. We even have one of the pheromone air plugs in the bedroom. All to no avail; we've taken to recording him when we're gone and he just barks the entire time we're away! About one minute on, one minute off, and never sleeping or eating his Kongs. He just seems so stressed he can't relax or sleep when he's in the crate during the day, even if we're still in the apartment. Of course, as soon as he's out of the crate he attacks his Kongs or takes a nap. Since I feel like we're trying lots of the "common wisdom" that's posted around the forum with no success, we would really appreciate it if anyone has had similar intractable problems and found other approaches that have worked. The only thing we'haven't tried and are reluctant to do is to cover his wire crate with a blanket, as he gets overheated very often, and seems to dislike his plastic and less breathable VariKennel crate that we now use in the car.

[Linda,Yankee & Finn]

Is there a room you can put him in instead of the crate during the day? Gate him into the kitchen or laundry room or somewhere like that to see if he stops. Make sure he can't get into anything in that room. That might work.

[HANNAH 8/2/07 & HONEY 7/2/08]

This sounds like a seperation anxiety issue, try talking with your Vet tell him all you have done and used. Maybe the pheromone collars would work better than a plug in.

[LuvMyAbby&Kaela]

I have had 4 dogs in my life. 2 would tolerate the crate . 2 would treat it as an utter complete claustrophobic torture. In my opinion not all dogs can be crated. Can you use something like a freestanding play-yard/gate system instead? I have this for when I need to leave. http://www.sears.ca/gp/product/B0010YWUMQ/sr=1-5/qid=1246510932/ref...

[Kai Doodle (Kathy & Keith)]

I couldn't tell from the video but have you filled the kong with anything to keep him busy? Does he have anything of yours, like a worn old shirt in the crate with him? Is there anything you can do to make him think you are in the house when he can't see you? Maybe a recording of you talking in another room? This must be so frustrating and upsetting for all of you. So sorry you are having this issue.

[HANNAH 8/2/07 & HONEY 7/2/08]

I lasted 2 1/2 minutes listening to Wrigley bark, even Hannah and Honey didn't like it. Hannah kept looking at the monitor and tilting her head. If you are really set on having him crate trained, if not you might want to gate him off, or try an animal behaviorist. Because of some of the abuse Honey suffered from..she has been wonderful helping us where other methods some have suggested have not worked. I don't really think covering him would work after seeing that video, he is not just barking, but he is also (biting, chewing) at the crate to try and get out. The only other thing with the crate I could suggest would be to put him in the crate like you do...leave and come right back...tell him good boy,..reward ...do this a couple of times, it may take quiet a few times...than increase it to a min, if he starts barking, no rewards, let him out and start again till he gets it....just really shorten the time and set him up for sucess.

[Lindsay n Archie]

Hi! I noticed this post is from years ago, so not sure if you are still on this board anymore. BUt I am having the same problems as you had. Wondering what ever happened????

[Star and Goldie]

Lindsay it looks like the person that posted this discussion is no longer a member of DK so unfortunately they won't see this to be able to provide an update. Your best bet is to search newer posts for updates or wait to see what kind of replies you get to your post and see if you can relate to those. Even in the older posts you will find some helpful information like the pheromones mentioned in this one.