Crate training - HELP!

[Marilyn Norberg]

Someone please help us with this crate training thing. Our "Irish" is only 8 weeks old and even though last night was only her 2nd night in the crate - she appears to absolutely hate it. She whined, barked and wimpered all last night. I've been trying the treat tricks, mealtime in the crate and leaving the door open but she doesn't like it. I'm beginning to think that maybe I should just leave the door open at night and lay plastic bags around her crate so I would know if she leaves the crate and that's all well and fine but what do I do when I have to leave the house for a few hours? I can't bear the thought of another sleepless night.........please help us! How long does it normally take for this crate training thing to work? Has anyone ever tried leaving a leash on their puppy and attaching the lease to be piece of furniture? We're willing to try anything at this point. Any suggestions, please!! Did I fail to mention that she also puked and "dumped" in the crate as well - and "no" her crate isn't too big for her!

[Leslie and Halas]

I just quickly read through the other posts, but I did what a few others said, which was sleep close to the crate for awhile. I slept on the sofa by the crate the first night Halas was home. On the second night, I went to bed for a few hours, but then slept a few more hours on the sofa by the crate again. By the 3rd night, I was back to sleeping in my own bed for the entire night. Halas would cry a little bit, but not more than a couple of minutes. I had the crate in the family room, because that's where I spend the most time. At first, I got up every 2 hours to let him out to potty. I slowly increased that time, but I was getting up during the night for several months. I think crate training really depends on the dog. Although most probably like having their own space, I know of some that never did like the crate. Halas sleeps with me now, and he has the run of the house when I'm gone. His crate is still there, but he doesn't use it or even pay any attention to it any more. So it worked for us, and helped a lot with training (I think it's the reason why I can give him the run of the house now), but he doesn't go back to it all the time like it's his "safe" place or anything.

[Mommy2Max]

I wanted to ditto what Leslie said - Max is the same way with his crate now. He'll always choose to be with me or nap on a sofa or the floor. He doesn't dislike his crate but, it isn't his favorte place to be. At least not now at 5 months old. The only time he chooses the crate with some passion is after his last walk of the evening. I turn down the lights, walk him and by the time I get back inside from potty, he is dragging me to the crate.

[Tara aka Harry & Wally's Mom]

I just got thru my 2nd night of crate training my 7 week old puppy. The first night was very hard, he did not sleep at all, he cried, whined, barked. I found when i laid right next to the crate and petted him thru the wires he relaxed and ended up falling asleep.
Last night was my 2nd night, We put the crate on the floor right next to the bed so he was close to me. At first when i closed the door of the crate he cried and whined, i put my fingers thru the wire of the crate and petted him and he calmed down, he fell asleep, we took him out every 2 hours so he could go to the bathroom. By this morning he was well adjusted to the crate. He slept 3 1/2hrs straight in the crate before he woke up.
Again it is only my 3rd day with him, but i thnk it all just takes time and patience. but the key for me seems to be make sure he is close to you.

I also have his food dishes, blanket, and toys in the crate so he has to go in the crate to eat, and get his toys to play, this is making him adjust very quickly to the crate, and i give him treats anytime he freely goes into the crate so he knows he is doing a good thing. Praise is very important!

[Marilyn Norberg]

Sounds like you and I are going through this crate "thing" together. Last night was our 4th night with her. Our "Irish" who is 8 weeks old just experienced another very good night. I even got rid of the night light last night. She was a very good puppy. She went to bed around 10 - got up 3 times - which was one more time more then the previous night - but I really can't complain. Once again she was ready to start her day around 5:30 so we walked, ate and now she is taking a morning nap. I should do the same but I need to get things done around the house while she sleeps. Do you put your puppy in her crate during the day while you are at home or do you just keep an eye on her? I am so glad that I am retired because if I was still working I would be a raving B---- at work!

[Marilyn Norberg]

Up-date on Irish and how last night went! I just want to thank everyone for all of the suggestions. Last night Irish was the best little puppy anyone could wish for. I took MANY of the suggestions that everyone shared. Here's what I did - I fed her meals in the crate with the door open during the day - I elevated her crate so that when she is lying down her eyes are level with ours. I managed to make her crate even smaller by adding some more boxes - kept on a night light - and pushed her crate close enough to our bed so my fingers could go through the crate door. She was the quietest puppy - she was just the best! We went to bed around 10 - she wimpered around 1:30 so I took her out and then she wimpered again around 4 - so we went out again. She was ready to begin her day this AM around 6 - which was just fine. But once again "thank you" everyone for your suggestions. So now I'm hoping that tonight will be a repeat performance - so keep your fingers crossed.

[Adina P]

I'm so happy to hear this Marilyn! It will only get better from here (overall).

[Mommy2Max]

Yay!

Hang in there. I've noticed that just when I think I've had enough of one behavior and I just can't take it anymore - it gets better. Then, I'm on to the next thing - LOL.

[Kyoko]

Yay!! Good job! Irish and mommy!!