[jade11]

Hi, I have an 8 week old female patterdale, I have a crate and play pen for her full of toys. At night she constantly cries, I know this is normal but its alot and very loud. I have tried putting her in her pen also in the daytime so she doesnt get used to being with me all the time again she always cries. I ignore her but makesure she has everything she needs and treat her if she is quiet etc but she doenst seem to be improving. I am taking her outside to the toilet every couple of hours even through the night but she can take 15 20 minutes t do her business and sometimes wont so i bring her in thinking she does not need it and then she will go when we are back in the house.so i was hoping you would have some tips/advice for me. There is so much conflicting advice and I dont wanna do the wrong thing and be going backwards.

thanks

 

[Sha]

It sounds like the crate is scary to her. One of the best ways to help is to get her to enjoy being in her crate, by making it a fun place. During the day, keep the door off/open and occasionally put treats in the crate. You can also feed her any of her meals in the crate.

The Crate Training FAQ goes into more detail about how to help your dog like the crate. http://www.dogforum.com/training-behavior-stickies/crate-training-faq-3974/

Also, is the crate in your bedroom or close to you when you're sleeping? Puppies are used to having lots of company, so loneliness can be a factor.

 

[Pax]

You have an 8 week old puppy that has gone from the comfort of her mother and siblings to snuggle with and be comforted by ever night of her existence to being forced alone in a dark and scary place...I would cry too!

Crate training is very valuable and can take time but I had to do it in steps with Pax. He had similar behavior even though he was in the crate in my room...problem was he could not see me up on the bed and he though he was alone. Once I figured this out I put his crate up on a bench with a dim nightlight in the room...once he could actually see me up in my bed he slept through the night...then I would eventually transition him to the floor...then to the other side of the room...baby steps. Now it is a non issue.

 

[jade11]

Thanks for your reply. She cried even in the day though if i put her in her pen even if she can see me and now she has started to wee or poo even if I have literally just taken her out. I have been reading alot about crate training, I have her in the kitchen atm with the crate door open. I have read about having them in the bedroom but also says shouldnt shut the door until they are 12 weeks old but i cant trust her in the bedroom with the door open. Over what time period were you able to go from bedroom to where u wanted yours?