Need some advice about crate training an adult dog

[Kimberly Keenan]

My mother is very sick & in hospice so my sister is taking her dog (Lucy). My sister already has a rellay great dog, but she knew my mother's dog needed a home. My mother's dog was very good for a week, but now she is pooping on the rugs. She used to do this when she was with my mother at her house from time to time. I think it was mainly because she was not let out often enough. Lucy is 7 years old.

I suggested my sister try to crate train Lucy and crate her when she goes out. My question is, can you crate train a dog at that age? She has never been in a crate before.

 

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

First let me say I'm so sorry to hear about your Mother and I commend your Sister for stepping up to take her dog.  I'm not sure why she couldn't crate train or at least attemt to do so.  I would just do it the same way you do a puppy by allowing just as much room as the dog needs to turn around so she won't poo in the crate.  If she hasn't done so already I would also get Lucy on a regular feeding schedule and potty schedule so she can know her poo times so as to limit the inside poos.  If she is going to leave her for several hours, make sure she takes her out and make sure she potties while she is out there.  I always take my girls out to potty on leash so I know if they have gone.  Sometimes if they are off leash they are to busy playing and when it is time to come in they haven't done their business.  If I take them on leash I know it has been done.  Also, if I'm off schedule or in a hurry I know that if I take them to the front yard instead of the back yard or a real short walk I can normally get a poo quicker.  Tha,t I have to do if say I have to leave early in the morning and will be gone longer than I normally would and I need to be sure they poo for me before I leave.  I think for a 7 year old dog that just learning her habits are going to be the key here.  Like how long after she eats does she need to potty and how many times per day etc.  She might just need a little time to adjust as well. 

[Tina, Clover, Plus 5 More]

Sorry to hear about your mother.  Lucy is not to old to be crate trained IMO.  Since she has never been in a crate before Lucy my get anxious/scared.  Your sister will need to find a way for Lucy to associate the crate with good things.  Maybe try feeding her in the crate if she is food motivated. 

 

[Adrianne Matzkin]

I am so sorry about your Mom. I sadly know what you are feeling. I give kudos to your sister for taking Lucy into her home!

I agree L&SsMom - her poop schedule is very important to know.Your sister has to think of her as a puppy in some respects until they truly get to know and trust each other.

I just want to add - remember, this poor adult dog just lost her home and has to be very scared. Even though Lucy knows your sister and may have been to her home before, that was a visit. She doesn't understand why she isn't going home. She must also pick up the 'vibe' of sadness. She has very stressed, confused and sad. They both need time and a schedule.

When is she doing this - night, day? Can your sister put a gate up and keep her in the kitchen to save the rugs? If that is not an option, I think it can work if your sister can work with Lucy to make the crate a fun place to go and not as a punishment.

[Kyoko]

I am so sorry to hear about your mom, and I am glad that Lucy is in good care. I a sure that she is pretty stressed about the whole thing.... I am wondering if she is used to having a free roam of the house, suddenly being in the crate for hours can be more stressful.... Do you have an ex-pen? This may be a little more easier to get used to.... I am sorry that I don't have a great advice...

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

I think it would be added stress, maybe she can get her on a schedule and everything will be ok?? All you can do is try, sorry to hear about your mom.

[Lynn & Casey]

I don't see why she can't attempt to crate the dog. My dog loves her crate. We don't even have to tell her crate anymore. Before work and before we go somewhere she just goes right in. I guess she starts to know certain times we are going somewhere. Now here are my tips. When you put up the crate make sure you don't go in it. She might think it's yours and then never go in it. Find something she absolutly LOVES! Favorite toy, type of cookie, etc. Put it in the crate (the back of the crate) and then get a cookie and tell her "crate" or "cage". You should hold her collor the first couple times and lead her in. Close the door and give her the cookie. She has probably already found her "surprise". Then go to where you want to go. If your going to bed listen to if she's barking. If you go out for a little while and come back, check if she went potty. If she did give her an old shirt that smells like you when you go to bed or go out. If she keeps barking and going potty, you might have to sleep close to her and slowly get farther away night by night. As she becomes happy going in her crate, and doesn't potty or bark, you can stop giving her cookies. The shirt and toy is up to you. If she doesn't like going in her crate but knows she has to, don't stop the cookies, shirt or toy. Good luck to your mom and with the training!