puppy wont sleep

Question
HI,

I have a 5.5 month ADT - this is my 4th Airedale,so pretty much aware of their personalities and energy level. Got her when she was 10 weeks.  She was a problem for the first few nights with the crate, then all seemed fine up to 4 nights ago, she won't sleep, she does not want to be in the crate, whins - then starts barking, she wants to run around.  Had her to the vet - health wise she is fine -- her schedule has not changed -- she is exercised for 2 hours in the morning this includes 1/2 training session, 1/2 hour mid day - then 4 hours in the eve this includes 1/2 training session and most nights an hour hike that includes swimming- have any ideas what to do?

Answer

Hi Jana,

It's great you're giving your puppy the training and exercise she needs. This will all pay off in the long run!

I can't say what caused your puppy to recently decide that crating and sleeping isn't for her. It may just be that your puppy is hitting adolescence, and is challenging you. I can tell you that letting her out of the crate, and giving into her whims will only enforce the behavior, and teach her that she can get her way if she persists. Your puppy needs a refresher course in the art of crate training.

I suggest you stick to your guns, and go about crating your puppy as you have been for the past five months. If this new habit of fussing and barking when she's crated has only been going on for four  nights, it shouldn't take very long (perhaps 2 weeks or less) to get her back in line.

If possible, place the crate near or next to you when you are home. This will encourage your puppy to go inside it without his feeling lonely or isolated when you go out. If the crate is in your bedroom, a good pair of ear plugs might be helpful during this retraining period.

You must ignore your puppy when she starts barking when crated. Don't yell at her, as even negative attention, is attention to your puppy. Using a shaker can (an empty soda can filled with a few pennies, and shaken so it makes a loud sound) when your puppy starts fussing from inside the crate could be enough to startle her into being quiet. Praise her the second she stops barking. For some dogs, a squirt of water from a squirt bottle or water pistol works better than a shaker can to shock them into silence. Tell your puppy "Quiet!" as you squirt her, praise the moment she's quiet, then leave the room, or roll over and go to sleep.

If you aren't already doing so, throughout the day, drop small pieces of kibble or dog biscuits in the crate. Your puppy will discover edible treasures, thereby reinforcing her positive associations with the crate. You may also feed her in the crate to create the same effect. If your puppy hesitates, it often works to feed her in front of the crate, then over the course of a few days move the bowl inside the doorway and then, finally, in the back of the crate.

You can also play this enjoyable and educational game with your puppy: without alerting your puppy, drop a small dog biscuit into the crate. Then call your puppy and say to her, "Where's the biscuit? It's in your room." Using only a friendly, encouraging voice, direct your pup toward her crate. When your puppy discovers the treat, give enthusiastic praise. The biscuit will automatically serve as a primary reward. Your pup should be free to leave its crate at all times during this game.

At different times during the day crate your pup for very short periods of time while you are home with her. You can stay in the room with your puppy (which might keep her calm and quiet). Only let her out of the crate when she's quiet, even if she's quiet for just 10 seconds.

It's going to be a battle of wills, especially if the fussing has worked for being released from the crate, but if you stick to your guns your puppy will re-learn how to behave when crated.

I hope I've been a help.
Best of luck,

Patti