Some advise please folks - first question since joining so be gentle LoL izzy has been wthi us since last Friday (13 Wks old) and we have a crate in the kitchen for her, which she potters into during the day at times to get some quiet time, however it is the bedtime routine that I think is starting to get difficult. Each night she has had a couple of treats (Kibble) in her bed and has happily gone in to get them, I then close the door and don't make any fuss, but walk out of the kitchen, turn the light off and head off upstairs. So far she only cris for a minute or two then settles down fine. However, as each night has gone on she is becoming savvy to the bedtime routine and now just sits outside the crate staring at the treats licking her chops in anticipation, but won't take the step into the crate, because she knows the door will close for the night. Tonight it took a number of pieces of chicken to encourage her to go in, again followed by about 2 mins of crying after I suspect cleaning out her Kong. She fine during the day, going in and out without enticement, just nighttime. Any suggestions on how to make this a bit easier as I don't want to have to 'put' her in the crate. Thanks
Hi Mulski, Sounds like Izzy may be anticipating losing your company overnight. It may help her settle if you could move her closer to you at night. Lots of people take their pups to sleep in a box beside their bed for the first few nights/week. Izzy is a little older so a bit bigger. Would you be able to move the crate nearer to where you sleep so she can hear or see you? You may not want that, but it often helps. Otherwise, you could consider a puppy pen set up in the kitchen? Or puppy proof your kitchen and leave her in the room, with a closed door or a baby gate? Sometimes you just have to ride it out. Remember to try and get her to quieten before letting her out the crate, otherwise you are "rewarding" her for the crying. Hope things improve
This is the downside to food training -- you become a resource for treats. Do what the above poster suggests and change the routine by bringing the crate into either your room or another. Nothing stays the same for long with a growing pup.
It doesn't sound as though she is really crate trained. It sounds like she'll just go in for treats, but isn't really happy to be in the crate overnight. So when faced with what is just a bribe, she won't go in the crate as she knows it's unpleasant being left over night. This isn't a downside of food, it's a downside of bribing a dog with food. So, you need to look at how to get her ok with being left on her own, and left in a crate. As Jackie says, it might be easier to give her some company at night for a bit. Or, if you don't want to do that, leave her in a larger pen (or in a safe room) until you have time to work on her being happy and alone in her crate for a few hours.
Try a night light, radio on quietly and a ticking clock. Sleep with one of her blankets then put it in with her with your smell on (I rotate them - wash/sleep with/put in with pup) You could also sit by the crate for a minute or two while she settles. .
Thanks for the tips folks; well last night Izzy calmly just walked into her bed, closed the door and she settled right down; no whining or crying, so...maybe...we have turned a corner. She did however have a full day yesterday, 2 walks (morn & evening) and a trip into town to help with socialising, so was well worn out. Time will tell.
