Crate training puppy- HELP

[CApighunter]

We have an 18 week old basset hound puppy, super smart and trainable, but he’s been fighting us with crate training. He’s totally fine if someone is in the room, but as soon as he’s left alone the crying/whining/howling starts. He sleeps in his crate at night but doesn’t like being in there if he’s awake. Any suggestions on how to get him to the point of being ok for an hour or two in the crate by himself? We’ve tried all the YouTube videos without much luck.
Picture of the little knucklehead in question.

 

[NevadaZielmeister]

It's pretty simple really. You just ignore the whining/crying/howling and eventually the dog will learn that when he goes to his crate ("kennel") that it is time for sleeping. The only time he will need to get out is to eliminate. Once he is done outside, then put him RIGHT back in. So when he does his whimpering/crying/whining routine, you bring him out. Then right back in after he is done. If he does it again, bring outside again, then right back in. Don't play with him or do anything else. He will learn.

The way it is working now, he is training you to let him out when HE wants.

I would highly recommend the book "Gun Dog" by Richard Wolters. He will REALLY help with your training, even if you are not using the dog for hunting. He also wrote a similar book, "Family Dog."

Good luck.

 

[Bobbyboe]

Don't give in to him. If he is whining and howling to get out, and you let him out, he wins. It reinforces bad behavior and lets him know all he has to do is fuss to get out. Its just like a kid, learned behavior.

 

[Scotto]

It's pretty simple really. You just ignore the whining/crying/howling and eventually the dog will learn that when he goes to his crate ("kennel") that it is time for sleeping. The only time he will need to get out is to eliminate. Once he is done outside, then put him RIGHT back in. So when he does his whimpering/crying/whining routine, you bring him out. Then right back in after he is done. If he does it again, bring outside again, then right back in. Don't play with him or do anything else. He will learn.

The way it is working now, he is training you to let him out when HE wants.

I would highly recommend the book "Gun Dog" by Richard Wolters. He will REALLY help with your training, even if you are not using the dog for hunting. He also wrote a similar book, "Family Dog."

Good luck.

This^^^^^.
I have a copy of Water Dog by Wolters. He touches on behavior from the puppies first day. Excellent book for any dog breed. I referred to it for training a couple labs and one German Shepard.

 

[GrayGoose]

I echo the above reccomended books and tactics. With my lab, I spent time with her as a puppy having her go in and out of her crate with some positive reinforcement. Make it a place they want to be in. Its tough to ignore, but you have to outlast the whining. It'll come to an end eventually.

 

[zacattack]

Got to make him comfortable being in the crate, toys, blanket etc. Noise canceling headphones work as well.

 

[Wellsdw]

Everything above is absolutely correct. I would add that he needs to not associate the crate with you leaving, guests coming by, or bad behavior. This is one of the few times routine is bad in training. Just randomly put them in, and randomly take him out.

 

[CApighunter]

This^^^^^.
I have a copy of Water Dog by Wolters. He touches on behavior from the puppies first day. Excellent book for any dog breed. I referred to it for training a couple labs and one German Shepard.

We do have a copy of that book. It’s definitely been a big help. Our issue seems to be not with the crate itself but him being alone, while in the crate. He’s totally fine if we’re in the room and he’s relaxing in the crate, but as soon as we walk out the door the crying starts.

 

[ChiefO]

The gun dog book is a fantastic tool for someone learning ...especially with a pup. I was in your shoes a few years ago. It’s very daunting at first but better days are ahead.

 

[wymtnpounder]

You might try squirting him in the face with water. No command, he cries give him a squirt.

 

[BRTreedogs]

Are boxer pup did this and I had to put her crate in the garage so we could sleep thru the crying.
Took about 3 nights.
Was fine in the crate rest of her life.

 

[sndmn11]

Feed him in the crate, put his water in the crate, store all his toys in the crate. Do not lay any attention to him in the crate. DO NOT give any corrections or negative attention for bad behavior.

After a week of happy dog in crate, then only give positive attention. If he is in a 20mim trial of crate time while you do some work, and he is successful, slip him a treat, leave the room for several minutes, the lett him out. When you return from being gone, enter the room, and do something...anything, for several minutes to many, and then let him out. You will train self control and that he doesn't immediately come out when he sees you.

Ideally your dog will want to go in his crate, and you need to do everything to keep it a happy and safe place.

 

[wyoguy]

I would put a blanket over the crate with our pup at night sometimes it helped with her relaxing. We had to put her in the mud room by herself for a few nights and there were a few restless whining nights but she got used to it and she now loves her kennel and goes in there for her alone time and to sleep.

 

[Rob5589]

You might try placing the crate away from where you are. Get him used to being inside alone. Keep at it. Those little buggers can be stubborn.

 

[Elcy]

Kinda a thread hijack....

We've got 2 blue heeler puppies joing my family next week, are all of the Wolters book the same as far as basic obedience? Or is one recommended over another?

 

[Superdoo]

Don’t forget to stake him out on a 2’ lead in the yard. He needs to see that being put in a place is just part of life. Start with short time then work up to longer time. Never let him off if he’s whining.

 

[Coupe de Gras]

The blanket over the crate worked for my lab, but also what everyone else is saying. Don't give in to the whining.

 

[30338]

Youtube videos by Stonnie Dennis provide tons of great ideas on basic training. I field train my dogs with help from various guys who understand them, but all basic training things are Stonnie Dennis. Easy to listen to and great ideas.

 

[CApighunter]

The blanket over the crate worked for my lab, but also what everyone else is saying. Don't give in to the whining.

We do use a blanket and it made a huge difference in getting the pup to sleep through the night.

 

[GLB]

My Blue Heeler was the Same way. She is 11 now but still remember that pathetic locator howl she did every time I left her alone.
She just got use to it after awhile. I started when she was just 8 weeks old an I think that makes it easier.