Crating

[Eris's Mom]

Hello All. We have a question about crating. Eris is four months old and we have never crated her. But, the chewing is getting worse and worse and she is using the bathroom everywhere when we are gone. We've decided that a crate would solve all of our problems, but is she too old to crate. Have we waited too long, I'm scared she'll freak out. Also, we have another dog, Samson, who is two years. Should we put him in the crate with her? She can't stand to be away from him. Help! We don't know what to do! Thanks

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Mandy and Craig- proud owners of Eris, 09/08/00, flashly female Brindle, natural ears; Samson, 2 years, terrier mix rescued from shelter; Jasper and Abby, 7 months, kitty cats

[Jessica]

Hi Mandy and Craig: I saw no one had posted a reply to you, so here's my two cents worth. I don't think any dog, at any age, is too old to crate. It is more difficult to break their habits, but can be done. The key is consistency and firm training (Not being mean, just meaning what you say ) We have two dogs, Jake is two and has free reign of the house, but it took him a year and a half to "earn" this privilege. Zoe has been crated since the day we brought her home. There will be crying, wailing, whining, and complete distress at first, but you have to suck it up and ignore Eris. She won't like it and isn't going to quietly go in and lie down. I would start off very slowly, when you're home. Make it fun, put her toys in there and treats, leave the door open. Let her investigate and check it out. All the while teach her a key word, kennel or crate, and use it whenever she gets near it or goes in it. I would then tell her to go in the kennel and shut the door. She will cry, but you CANNOT let her out until she's quiet. If you let her out while she's crying, it will teach her that crying gets her the results she wants. Also, pay no attention to her, act as if the crate is totally normal and her being inside it is fine. If you stare at her, talk to her, etc. she will want out all the more. I don't leave them in it for more than 5-10 minutes at first, but attempt this 2-3 times per day, then put them in it when I'm leaving the house or it's bed time. (Bed time is different if you want to do that, keep the kennel by your bed the first couple of nights to let her hear you, sniff you, etc.) Make sure they have toys to occupy their time and don't fuss over them. It takes a couple of days, but they will adjust and all of your torture will be very worthwhile! Oh yeah, I wouldn't torture Samson by making him go in if he doesn't need to. Zoe never seemed to notice or mind that Jake wasn't in the crate, too, and she goes EVERYWHERE with him. I think she just accepted that this is the way it would be. When she gets older, she'll get the same privilege of staying out, too, but not for another year or so. It's safer for them and your house, I couldn't get by without one. Good luck and let us know how it goes. Jessica
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Zoe-1/16/00, plain fawn, cropped, spayed, docked
Jake-2/3/98, yellow lab

[This message has been edited by Jessica (edited 12-13-2000).]

[This message has been edited by Jessica (edited 12-13-2000).]

[Linda]

Four month is NOT too old to begin crate training! In fact, I think Bailey was about the same age when we got her crate.

Remy was 7 years old at the time and I was sure he would NEVER use the crate. He's done fine with it.

When we got the crate, he had been sleeping in the garage at night. I took the door off of the crate and put his bed inside. His choice was sleep on the concrete or the bed INSIDE the crate. He very quickly decided the crate was not so bad. After a while, I put the door on the crate and began closing it when he was inside. He had no problem at all.

Now, Bailey's another story. She would whine, cry, slobber... It took a couple of months for her to get calm in the crate.
It's important to be consistent and make the crate a nice place for her--toys, soft blanket. Don't use it for punishment.
Start out slow and put her in for short periods (maybe only 5-10 minutes) and gradually increase the time she's crated.

Good luck. Keep up posted. There are a lot of people here with experience and opinions to offer.

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Linda
Remy -DOB 6/2/92; white male w/brindle patches;
Bailey - DOB 10/16/99; flashy brindle female
Shannon - 1992?-12/7/99 Flashy fawn; We miss her!

[Jenn U]

I definately do not think 4 months is too old. We got our boxer when he was 4 months and he immediately warmed up to the idea. Now there is no other place he would rather be !

Good luck.