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Archived Message

ORIGINAL MESSAGE:
by Melanie

It's me again. I thought dogs were supposed to like their crates but Ziggy does not. Whenever it is time to go into his crate, he won't so I have to put him inside. I have even put treats and toys in there for him. He will run in to get the treat and then try to run back out. Now when I put the toys in there, he won't even go in to get them because he doesn't like his crate. When I am not home and he is in his crate and other family members are home, he is very well behaved and does not cry or wimper. When I am home and he is in his crate, he begins to cry and wimper. I am not sure what to do. Also whenever I leave him alone for a few minutes, he begins to cry. What can I do? So far, I have been trying to just let him cry because I am afraid that if I let him out it will reinforce the crying behavior. I know it has nothing to do with having to relieve himself because he has just gone outside. Does anyone have any suggestions for me? Ziggy is 10 or 11 weeks old. Is this something he outgrows? He spends anywhere from 6 to 16 hours with me/day.

DISCUSSION:

Monique did not adjust to the crate. After I'd had her for a month and she was still crying and really acting wild everytime I'd put her inthere, I resorted to something else. She was always wet when she came out of there. I don't use the crate anymore, I use the playyard (4 sides) in the kitchen, one weewee pad in there and a very small bed. Now she doesn't cry, she's not wet and she takes care of her business in the far corner(instead of stepping in it and smearing it all over her as she did in the crate). I've used the crate in the past to train pets,but she seemed really upset with the crate even after a month.I'd love to hear from experience. maybe, I should try the crate again now. I think maybe I give in to Monique too much.I've never had a pet that I just love looking at--even when she's asleep. She;s precious!!!
-JOY

Are you using a Wire crate or a pet carrier. I first tried a pet carrier with Dexter, but he seemed to hate it. Then it occured to me that he was unhappy because he could not see me or see what was going on. The next day I purchased him a large metal wire crate which is 33 x 24 inches and 24 inches high. Within one day he was much happier since it is not dark inside and he can see everything that is going on. He has room to play with his hedge hog and he can jump as high as he can and not hit the top of the crate. Dexter is 4 months old tomorrow and he has adjusted to the crate very well. He spends 6 to 8 hours a day in it with very little problem. I try to let him out every 2 hours or so to prevent his messing in his crate. BTW the crate is is necessary since he goes to work with me every day.
-David

I have used a large wire crate with toys tied from the sides and comfy bedding in the bottom. I always open one end and push the crate up tight against a doggie door so they can go outside whenever they need to go to the bathroom. I think the visibility through the crate is important. Also the ability to get away from their bed to take care of bathroom business when the urge occurs is important for puppies who may not be able to "hold it" very long.
-Stephanie G