Dog Community

crate train older dog

Posted : 7/10/2006 9:28:21 AM

Hi, I'm new to the forum

We just adopted a 13 month old fox hound/boxer mix, Sammy (so we think - he might be other breeds as well) and he has severe separation anxiety. Right now my husband works from home, but in 6 weeks will be starting college again and away for the day. Right now he is only alone for a little while when we run errands or something. Sammy is perfect while we are home - housebroken, likes to play but is content to lounging around with us as well. Learning tricks and obedience very well. When we leave however, he barks, whines, howls, and would get into things. So, we're trying crate training. We don't much of his past except that a family took him in as a stray, had him for 4 or 5 months then turned him in to the humane society where we adopted him after he was there about 10 days.

It started out okay, letting him get used to the crate - he even layed in it on his own for a few minutes. Then came the time after a few days to close the door while we were home. Well, he thought we were mad at him and sulked the rest of the day and now will have nothing to do with the crate. He goes in OK when we have to trick him with treats but always leaves one paw outside the crate, so when we leave we have to get that one paw inside. All the chew toys and stuffed animals in his crate doesn't help.

We had started with a nylon foldable crate because we travel a lot to visit family, sometimes overnight, but he figured out how to unzip that one - and once he figured out he could get out, leaving him in there meant he was determined to get out again. So we bought a metal crate.

Does anyone have any advice on getting our wonderful dog used to his crate again? he still goes in for treats, but warily, as if he expects to get locked in. We'd appreciate it!!

cyclefiend2000

Posted : 7/10/2006 10:15:04 AM

hi and welcome to the forum! sammy looks like a cutie. i love brindle dogs.

do you crate him at night or just when you arent home?

you might try putting in an old shirt or something with your smell on it. you could also try making it more den like by putting a sheet or blanket over the top of the crate.

just a couple of ideas.

NicoleS

Posted : 7/10/2006 12:17:32 PM

Hi cyclefiend! Thanks for the help. You have a couple of adorable dogs yourself

We don't crate him at night since he is soooo well behaved when we are home. We were told that only crating him when we left though would make him realize that if he got in it we were leaving and make him not go in, so that was why we tried putting him in there while we were home - showering, making dinner, etc. and then when he thought we were punishing him and he got scared.

I did try putting his blanket over it, but I think he just gets so worked up he doesn't even notice.

Maybe I will try the shirt or something, it can't hurt anything. I appreciate the help, this is a really nice forum here.

cyclefiend2000

Posted : 7/10/2006 2:27:31 PM

i know you stated that you have toys in the crate, but have you tried a kong stuffed with something tasty? our dogs like plain yogurt frozen in the kong with a little peanut butter on the ends. keeps them occupied for quite a while. you could also try leaving the tv or a radio turned on.

a couple of other ideas that came to mind.

edit: also you dont say how long you have had sammy, but it could be that he just hasnt adjusted to your schedule and living in your house yet.

NicoleS

Posted : 7/10/2006 2:57:18 PM

We've had him about 6 weeks and been crate training for about 3 or 4 - it took us that long to realize that he wasn't getting any better when left alone.

And, I think I have the only dog on the planet that doesn't like Kong toys - but we give him a cow hoof with peanut butter or marrow bone with peanut butter but it doesn't stop the whining and barking. I should mention the only tmie he ever barks is when he is left alone or perhaps when he's playing rough with another dog.

I really do appreciate all your advice and helpful hints.....

I wish it was as easy as you make it sound!