Meralee Crowl
Posted : 4/21/2007 9:01:32 AM
I've got a similar problem with my current foster dog. The previous owner would talk to him to try to get him quiet in his crate, so he whines, cries, barks, and yelps like crazy. I simply ignore him 100% until he's quiet and it's gotten better. I also feed all my dogs and my fosters in their crates. It's really for safety reasons (never know who will be food agressive), but it also makes the crate this magical place where they get fed. The crates are in the computer room so if anyone whines, it's not quite as bad. At night the foster and my lab, Gracie are both in their crates, but throughout the day, I'll put the foster in his crate with nobody else in the room and leave him for 30 mintues or until he gets quiet for a few minutes (whichever is longer).
I've had Charlie (the foster) for a week, and he's doing much better, but still has plenty of work to go.
Good luck, and the cookies suggested sound like a good plan...perhaps include some earplugs as well!