sleeping seperate from my husband, because of my dog

To be perfectly blunt, she's right -- you **will** have to sacrifice sleep.  If they are in the living room then you're going to have to trudge THERE to reinforce things.

In other words -- it's not just "ignoring" noise.  It's PRAISING them for being quiet.  So the further away *you* are the harder it is to manage. 

Trust me -- you're gonna be sleepless for a while, but it will accomplish what you need it to.  Training is training is training ..

Personally, I'm a believer in the fact that they eventually settle down better in the bedroom because of that pack "sleep smell" thing.  It's ALL training.  Trust me -- unless you live in Ft. Knox you are going to HEAR them carrying on in the living room. And it's likely if all 3 may ramp each other up.

I can hear you mutter "I can't WIN here can I?"  No .. you really can't "win" -- you can only train.  And persist.  But you will eventually get it under control.  and "manage" it.  And **that** is winning.

This vid shows how to crate train so the dog enjoys the crate.  This one is about crate training a puppy but the exact methods work for adult dogs.  Yes, you will lose some sleep but they do adjust. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5EAd1hLn38

An article that you might find helpful with more advice on crate training:

http://www.whole-dog-journal.com/issues/3_8/features/5135-1.html

I crate train every dog that comes into our home, whether it's a young pup or an adult and I've owned quite a few dogs in my sixty years.  Some are easier than others but I've never had any of them take more than a few days to adjust using positive methods.  Sometimes you can be in a situation where you don't have time to gradually introduce the crate.  Been there and done that too. I try and make it as positive as possible by giving the dog a filled Kong or other safe chew and ignore the whining, barking and craziness.  It's not different than raising a child.  Give in to the whining/barking and you've taught them, that whining works.  Ignore and praise/treat quiet and they learn to be quiet and settle down.

I agree that it's much better to crate them in the bedroom, if you have room.  That way you can praise when they settle down if they've been crying/barking.  It also makes it easier to hear them if they are sick and need to go outside.   As Callie said there are times when dogs have to be crated and a dog who is comfortable in a crate is well worth the effort. 

thank you so much for all your responses.  I am trying the crate training tonight :)

well, last night was a hit!  I put one crate on my husbands side and the other on my side.  I threw covers on top of both to make their crates like a den as everyone suggested.  I put a bone in each crate with some peanut butter in the middle. ( I will do the kong thing tonight since I think they will eventually get fat from peanut butter every night :))  Of course bella protested all night by whining. not barking or crying real loud (which I was surprised), just whining, then she fell asleep, woke back up to whine again.  this happened  through the night. it was tollerable though.  Sasha made a couple barks at the beginning and then nothing! She slept the whole night.  So ladies, progress thanks to all of you. Im tired, but think it will get easier. 

Thanks so much for all your help!

Lonnie

 The sleeping issue will get better and I'm so glad it's starting off so well for you!!

 It will get better when they get used to the new arrangement. Also, you will  have to put something in the kong for them to be interested in it. If you're concerned about calories, you can soak some of their own food in water, or if you feed canned food, just stick that in there and put that in the freezer.

griffinej5

 It will get better when they get used to the new arrangement. Also, you will  have to put something in the kong for them to be interested in it. If you're concerned about calories, you can soak some of their own food in water, or if you feed canned food, just stick that in there and put that in the freezer.

I actually do a combo of both soaked kibble and some canned to fill the kongs but I use them for AM and PM feeding. I've heard that frozen yogurt works too and that might be less calories.

 My guys LOVE greek yougurt with peanut butter stoppers.. Freeze and feed and I have a peaceful half hour

I'm so glad to hear that it went well! It may get worse before it gets better, but hang in there. They will adapt..

griffinej5

if you feed canned food, just stick that in there and put that in the freezer.