Crate training - older dogs

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Crate training - older dogs

Posted : 8/17/2009 8:49:11 AM

I have 2 ***-a-poo dogs (>20bls each). One male is 5 and the male is 4. Both neutered. Both have never been crate trained and sleep in bed with us at night. At first dogs would just sleep at the bottom of the bed and didn't bother us. They would just cuddle up together and it was fine. Lately they are wanting to "take over" the bed. They still cuddle, but they want to be basically in the middle of the bed! We are also noticing in the middle of the night they are peeing and not waking us up like they used to.

My question is, is it too late to start to crate them? They are best buds and are always together. They constantly sleep touching each other. If I do crate them, should I crate them together? Also, we give them free rain of the house while we are out. The really only have access to the living room and kitchen because we close all other doors. If it is OK to crate train them at night, should I also crate train durring the day when we are gone?

If okay to crate train, what type of crate should we get for them? single, double, play pen? I don't know much about crate training.

JackieG

Posted : 8/17/2009 10:43:28 AM

I'm a firm believer in crate training for dogs of any age. It may be more of a challenge since your dogs are used to being allowed to sleep on the bed but it's certainly doable. As far as whether to get one crate large enoug for both, I wouldn't but that's just me. I have crated dogs together when necessary, when I knew they got along well but not for any length of time.

The type of crate is up to you. I have wire crates and the hard plastic airline type and both have their advantages. The wire crates are cooler and they are more portable because they fold up. The plastic crates provide a feeling of security that many dogs like. An exercise pen is also an option but would take up more space in your bedroom.

Positive reinforcement is best when crate training. Dogs used to sleeping on the bed aren't going to be happy with the new arrangement. Expect some revolt in the form of barking, crying, etc. I would take the time to introduce the crates slowly and hopefully the dogs won't fuss too much. I would spend several days training multiple times a day. Never let them out of the crate when they are barking or making any protest. You have to wait until they stop the noise or you will reinforce the bad behavior.