Would appreciate some advice. Suki is quite happy going into her crate, I’m putting in a Kong and as long as I am in the kitchen she is fine with the door of the crate shut. If I go out for more than a couple of minutes she cries. Suki is just over 9 weeks old and coming to the end of the second week with us. Do I just build up crate time with me pottering in and out of the kitchen for another week or two before trying to leave the room? Quite often she leaves her frozen Kong after a couple minutes once she has eaten the accessible layer. Thanks in advance, help with previous posts has been a godsend.
Hi - hope all is going well with your new arrival, having a pup in the house is so special. I would recommend to keep going, as long as you are in the position to be able to build up the time in the crate slowly for Suki then she should be able to adapt and learn. Have you tried feeding her in her crate, using a slow feeder bowl, lick mats or snuffle mats? These are all things that can keep her occupied for her time in the crate, and due to her being a lab, she will associate as a positive. She may also not be enjoying what is in her Kongs? It could be worth trying them chilled instead of frozen in case she is getting bored, and maybe trying things like mashed fruit, mashed veg, cheese, etc etc to mix it up a bit? If she is teething / chewing, chilled or frozen carrots are also a god send. It sounds like you are doing all the right things, keep going, training can take time Hope this has helped - any questions and updates post below, looking forward to hearing!! Holly and Nala x
Thanks. 13 weeks now and I’m still having to keep in sight. I do feed her in her crate with slow feed bowl but haven’t tried the other two suggestions. I’ll also try the alternate fillings. She is now lying down and more relaxed when I’m around. Feels like a little bit of progress.
