New Member with Crate Training Question

[Archie's world]

I have a 10 week mini Goldendoodle that I am trying to crate train. There are a couple of factors to consider; I work from home and I have 2 young children at home most of the time with their mother. Archie is rarely alone.

At 10 weeks he is still sleeping in a box in our room, getting up 1x night to go to the washroom so I am trying to introduce the crate during the day with plans of him sleeping in the crate at night.

When I do put him in the crate during the day, giving him a break from the kids and vice versa he spends most of the time whining and barking. I think its because he can hear us and the chaos going on.

Any suggestions or does it just take time?

[totallyhip]

hi and welcome!

First off where is the crate? How did you introduce the dog to the crate? I am putting excerpts in here from a training pdf that we give to all our adopters.

Move the crate from room to room with you and allow your new dog to sleep in the crate in your bedroom at night. This gives them a sense of security and they will settle down much more quickly knowing you are right there.

What's inside the crate? I love the Kongs! Stuff it full of good yummy things Most of our dogs that we crate don't even notice if we leave!

Toys and Treats: Place your puppy's favorite toys and dog treats at the far end opposite the door opening. These toys may include the "Kong" or a ball. Toys and balls should always be inedible and large enough to prevent their being swallowed. Any fragmented toys should be removed to prevent choking and internal obstruction. You may also place a sterilized marrowbone filled with cheese or dog treats in the crate.

Bedding: Place a towel or blanket inside the crate to create a soft, comfortable bed for the puppy. If the puppy chews the towel, remove it to prevent the pup from swallowing or choking on the pieces. Although most puppies prefer lying on soft bedding, some may prefer to rest on a hard, flat surface, and may push the towel to one end of the crate to avoid it. If the puppy urinates on the towel, remove bedding until the pup no longer
eliminates in the crate.


Location of Crate
Whenever possible, place the crate near or next to you when you are home. This will encourage the pup to go inside it without his feeling lonely or isolated when you go out. When you are not home, the crate should be placed in whatever room your family spends the most time in (living room).

Introducing the Crate to Your Dog
DO NOT SHOVE THE DOG IN THE CRATE YOU JUST BOUGHT AND WALK
OUT THE DOOR! In order that your puppy associate his/her kennel crate with comfort,
security and enjoyment, please follow these guidelines:
1. Introduce the dog to the crate GRADUALLY! Start on a Friday night and finish
by Monday morning before you leave for work.
2. Occasionally throughout the day, drop small pieces of kibble or dog biscuits in the
crate. While investigating his new crate, the pup will discover edible treasures,
thereby reinforcing his positive associations with the crate. You will also feed him
in the crate to create the same effect. If the dog hesitates, it often works to feed
him in front of the crate, then right inside the doorway and then, finally, in the
back of the crate.
3. In the beginning, praise and pet your pup when he enters the crate. Do not try to
push, pull or force the puppy into the crate. At this early stage of introduction
only inducive methods are suggested. Use as treat to lure him into the crate, give
him another treat once he is in the crate. Do not close the door. Do this several
times throughout the day. If you try to do it only when you’re going to lock the
door, the puppy will get wise and not enter at all. Overnight exception: You may
need to place your pup in his crate and shut the door upon retiring. (In most cases,
the crate should be placed next to your bed overnight.)
4. You may also play this enjoyable and educational game with your pup or dog:
without alerting your puppy, drop a small dog biscuit into the crate. Then call
your puppy and say to him, "Where's the biscuit? It's in your room." Using only a
friendly, encouraging voice, direct your pup toward his crate. When the puppy
discovers the treat, give enthusiastic praise. The biscuit will automatically serve
as a primary reward. Your pup should be free to leave its crate at all times during
this game. Later on, your puppy's toy or ball can be substituted for the treat.
5. It is advisable first to crate your pup for short periods of time while you are home
with him. In fact, crate training is best accomplished while you are in the room
with your dog. Getting him used to your absence from the room in which he is
crated is a good first step. This prevents an association being made with the crate
and you’re leaving him/her alone.

Good luck!

[Winston]

Totalyhip! couldnt have put it better!