Crate Training issues

Question
QUESTION: Hey Kristen,
I recently adopted a rescue Lab Beagle Mix dog a little over a year old. He was used to running outside, but adapted very well to inside life with many long walks or runs during the day. I put him in the crate when I leave for work, and this went very smoothly the first week, now it is becoming a real problem.  Before I could coax him in with treats, now he will get the treats and take them outside of the crate. I know how much they say about not putting them in the crate manually,  but the last two days I have not had a choice.  I have had to physically pick him up and put him in after having given him 30 minutes to get in on his own...I don't know what to do. I don't want to continue to push him in but I don't know what else to do. When left alone one time, he chewed on the blinds. I left him alone, out in the apartment once more and he did fine-no accidents or chewing, but this was only for an hour. He has to be in the crate while I'm at work for 8 hours.  I could use as much advice as I can get..please help!
Ashley

ANSWER:
Hi Ashley,

Giving your dog the run of your home isn't the way to go if he's destructive.

Your dog might not want to get into the crate, but once he's inside how does he act? Does he settle down, or does he have a fit and howl or cry for the entire time he's being crated?

If your dog is calm while he's crated, it's okay to physically put him inside of the crate. When you're home at meal times, try putting his food bowl inside the crate (with the door open) get your dog used to associating good times with the crate. Also when you're home leave his favorite toys in his crate, praise him and give him a treat when he goes in on his own, keep the door open and him wander in and out as he wishes.

If your dog isn't calm when crated, rather than giving him the run of your home when you're gone, try containing him to one room, or part of a room with the help of a child gate or two. "Dog-proof" the room, remove anything that could be damaged. Be sure to give your dog something to do when he's left alone. Toys like a Kong or BusterCube that you stuff with food or treats will occupy your dog as he works to remove the food. If you freeze the Kong after stuffing it, your dog can spend hours playing with the toy as the food inside thaws. So it's a great choice for occupying your dog when you leave him alone during your workday.
Leave him with a variety of fun toys rather than the same ones all the time (or stuff the Kong with a variety of different foods) this will keep the toys new interesting, which means he'll keep busy with them, instead of your window blinds. A dog that is bored and under-stimulated will make his own excitement and entertainment, which as you've discovered is a problem.

The best thing you can do to keep your dog calm during the day is to give your dog about 45 minutes aerobic exercise before you leave him alone for the day. When you leave for work, you should be leaving behind an utterly exhausted dog, this will keep him calm and less likely to be destructive.

Eight hours is a very long time to leave a dog alone, without a bathroom break. If you can't get home at some point during the day to take your dog outside, ask a friend, family member or neighbor if they could take your dog outside for a short walk. Because you must leave your dog alone frequently during the week days, be sure to make extra time for him in the evenings or the mornings, and especially on the weekends, for play time and exercise time and companionship time with you.

Best of luck,

Patti

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Patti,
Thank you so much for your help! I really appreciate the advise and look forward to trying these new tips. I leave the door open with toys and treats inside and he occasionally wanders in, but I have not tried putting the food in the crate. He cries a bit after I put him in, only when he knows I'm there. When I've come home after five minutes to get something I had forgotten, he was quiet. I also leave my IPod on while I'm gone with soothing music. As it stands right now, he doesn't like to chew on the toys I've gotten him but I will try the Kong-I've heard that is a good choice.

Thankfully, as a nurse, my schedule is only 3 nights per week so I'm working while he's normally sleeping and while I'm at work, I have a friend that takes him out. Before I leave for work and when I get home from work, I take him for a long walk or run and the days I'm off I make sure to give him plenty of mommy time (he's definitely a momma's boy) and we go to outdoor nature walks at a local Nature Park. He really is a fantastic dog, I just feel so bad having to put him in the crate the way I have had to. Do you think that he will eventually become comfortable with the crate as he was before?

I haven't had a dog in a long time and at that time, I didn't have to crate train, so this is a brand new experience with the process. I am a worry wart when it comes to animals and feeling like I'm being cruel, so any tips on any other areas would be great too!

Thank you so much! I hope these tips will help, if not I will be in touch!
Ashley


Answer

Hi Ashley,

Because your dog isn't crying or howling incessantly while he's crated,  it sounds like you are having more of a problem with crating than your dog is having.  Of course your dog would rather be with you and not in his crate, but the fact he is calm and quiet while he's crated shows he's not having a problem with it. Crating isn't at all cruel, it's based on a dog's natural "denning" instincts. Being in a small contained space is a comfort to them during a stressful time, as being left alone can be.

Doing the feedings out of the crate should help him have better feelings towards the crate, besides that,  throughout the day drop small pieces of kibble or dog biscuits in the crate. While investigating your dog will discover edible treasures, thereby reinforcing his positive associations with the crate.  You can also play this enjoyable and educational game with your dog: without alerting your dog, drop a small dog biscuit into the crate. Then call your dog and say to him, "Where's the biscuit? It's in your room!" Using only a friendly, encouraging voice, direct your dog towards his crate. When your dog discovers the treat, give enthusiastic praise. The biscuit will automatically serve as a primary reward. Your dog should be free to leave its crate at all times during this game.

It's possible that the action of picking him up and placing him into the crate before you leave the house will become his habit, and he'll expect it of you. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, dogs are big on routine.

It's good you take your dog out for a long walk or run before you leave for work. Be sure that it's aerobic exercise (exercise that makes him pant).  To spice up your walks, vary your route once in a while to give your dog new smells and sights to enjoy. If you don't already have one, buying a leash that is extendable gives your dog extra room to run around while still leashed, is a good thing. This is an example of the kind of leash I'm talking about:

http://www.flexiusa.com

Playing games that make your dog run around while you mostly stand or sit still, are always good.  Games that fit the bill include fetch with balls, Frisbees or sticks, Hide-and-Seek, or catching bubbles. If your dog enjoys the company of other dogs, other easy options include taking him to a dog park, organizing play groups with friends or neighbors who have dogs or signing him up for dog daycare a few days a week. These options give your dog a chance to experience invigorating social play with other dogs. Boredom and excess energy are two common reasons for behavior problems in dogs.

Enrolling in a dog obedience class is a good way to learn how to control your dog and deepen the your bond with him,  your dog not only learns how to obey some commands (which is very handy!) but will also be mentally stimulated, have a chance to socialize with other dogs and build his confidence.

You didn't say how long ago you adopted your dog. It can easily take a month or so before a dog feels that your home is his home. Eventually, your dog may enjoy free run of at least part of your home and not need to be crated when you leave him alone. You'll find that as he gets older he'll be calmer.

I hope that helps!
Feel free to write back as needed.

-Patti