Crate Training for a new puppy?

Bessiethebassetsdad · 06-08-2011, 06:38 PM

Hi all,

I am about to be a new dad to a cute little basset named bessie (Hence the screen name). You can see her 3wk old pic as my avitar. We will be picking her up at 8 weeks.....Can't Wait!

I have never owned a puppy before, so I am a bit green in the training area. I mentioned to my wife that we should probably crate train her and she said NO WAY. Every dog that she knows who is kept in a crate is a complete and utter spaz! In fact a friend of ours has a basset (Actually the basset is Bessie's aunt) who spends many hours in a cage and she is an absolute monster! I did not intend on keeping her in a cage all the time, just some time durring the day and eve.

What is your experiences in this regard?

RachelW · 06-08-2011, 06:56 PM

Congratulations on your new addition!

I sympathize with your concern and I have to tell you, I was completely against crating my dog when I first got her. It wasn't because of any bad prior experiences or preconceived notions, I just thought, "my dog won't need that!" When I left home when my Maddie was a puppy, I kept her in the kitchen with a baby gate. That lasted about a month and she grew big enough (and apparently smart enough) to figure out how to get out of the kitchen! I'd come home to torn up papers, shoes, etc., thinking she'd never get to them - after all, she's in the kitchen! Lol oooh Bassets!

After months of exploring other futile options, I broke down and bought her a crate. At this time she was probably 6 months old so she was quite confused and nervous when I put her in it for the first time. I left her in there for about 5 minutes, came back to let her know she wasn't in trouble, etc. Of course, as I'm sure you've read, you leave the dog in the crate for small intervals at a time and gradually increase the time so that they KNOW you're coming back and won't panic the second they set foot in the crate.

Anyway, Maddie is about a year old now, and she now goes into her crate voluntarily! Even if I'm at home, she'll go in there and sit for a little bit, or lay down. When I'm getting ready to leave, I can open the door to the crate and say, "come on!" and she'll head right in, no fits or fuss.

Basically, I think that most people don't WANT to crate their dogs, but in reality, it really is the best option for the dog. And, look at it this way, with your new puppy in her crate when you're away, you'll know for certain that she is safe; i.e. not getting into things potentially harmful for a puppy - trust me, even if you think your house is puppy-proofed, she'll find something she shouldn't!

And, I only put Maddie in the crate while I'm away. She sleeps in my bed with me every night (I know some people frown upon that, but she prefers it, and so do I, for that matter

). Anyway, I know it's a hard choice. And I avoided it at all costs, too, but this really is the best choice for us. Of course, I realize, every situation is different and I respect your decision either way.

BUT best of luck with making a decision and again, congratulations!! Look forward to seeing more pictures of Bessie as she grows!

RachelW · 06-08-2011, 06:58 PM

I forgot to mention, I don't think my Maddie is a crazy monster, by any means, but my boyfriend might beg to differ!

Annie714 · 06-08-2011, 08:44 PM

Annie has spent every night since I brought her home in her crate. It is her sleeping space and she goes in voluntarily. She isn't in there during the day unless the gardeners are here and it's too cold to be in the side of the house. That being said, it's the first place she goes each and every time she comes in the house. She runs in there just in case she needs to be there, I usually have to tell her it's ok for her to play in the living room. She is not a crazy monster by any means...she is a princess

Boomer's Mom · 06-08-2011, 10:35 PM

Well, of course she's a princess! My girlfriend wouldn't be otherwise!

mhvonalmen8908 · 06-08-2011, 10:45 PM

We crate both of our dogs purely for the reasons mentioned. If I had to come home everyday to something else chewed or torn up I would eventually end up resenting the dogs and that's not fair for anyone. We just started out getting them used to the crate by making it a game. We'd move the crate into the living room and just throw treats into the back of it so they could go get the treat and then come right back out. Eventually, when they would go in after we'd say "get in your kennel," we'd start leaving them in for short periods of time.

Doppler got used to his kennel really quick. He loves it. Virga took a little longer and would cry at night when we put her up for the night. We eventually figured out that she was lonely and so we moved Doppler's kennel to the same room as hers. She stopped crying that very same night.

I think we would go crazy if our dogs weren't in crates when we couldn't supervise them. It also helped with housetraining. I recommend a crate for your dog's and your peace of mind. And congratulations on your new addition!

houndmomma · 06-09-2011, 12:38 AM

Congratulations on your new puppy. I feel the pain you have about crate training or not if you’ve never done it. I use to think the same thing before I had a basset hound. As mentioned already it’s also safer for the puppy to be in the crate when you’re not home to keep them away from things that can hurt them. Their jaw strength is a lot stronger than they realize.

As long as you “NEVER” use the crate as a form of punishment they’ll learn it’s their safe place to go. When I trained mine I would put her in for short periods at a time – giving her a treat when I let her in and out. I worked up to leaving for longer bouts of time. Now that they’re older I can’t remember the last time I used it.

Oh the other hand, Lucy my rescue came to me as crate abused. She was 2 years old and created 23 & hours a day – only let out for an hour. She would be let out to eat and have her water. Her kidneys were so weak that she would drink and immediately have to go out and go potty – most times she would only make it to right outside the door and couldn’t even hold it to get to the grass. If you can believe it she was even water aggressive. When we first got her when she would see a crate she would snarl at it and wouldn’t get near it. At night when I dump out the water she wraps her paws around her bowl, puts her head in it and moans and moans and moans. I feel so bad but she never developed strong kidney strength so I don’t have any other option.
Anyway, I only told you all about Lucy and her crate experience because if you see in the photo, she watched Rickie go in and out of his so many times she learned it was a safe place to go and she has managed to fit her fat ass in his crate and Rickie is only 17 pounds. (But don’t tell him, he thinks he’s a 60 or 70lb basset like his sisters) It’s a hoot to watch her get in and out or to turn around it – but she love’s it.

Congratulations again – and the best of luck to you – you’re in for at least one laugh a day

Jen

steve m · 06-09-2011, 12:51 AM

My Woody is not a crate guy, he lives in my daughters cubby house when we are not around, nice and secure in the back garden. the door is always left slightly open so that he can come and go as he pleases, and he has a nice comfy bed and an old kids sofa in there too.

charady2 · 06-09-2011, 01:08 AM

I was very lucky in that the people we got flash from kept mama and pups in a HUGE crate at night. So he isn't scared of the crate at all. But the first night still was a battle of wills-he didn't want to be alone. My son had also had surgery that same day we acquired flash. Luckily my husband had the night off, so he started out the night in with our son and I was out in the living room with the pup. I would get him to sleep, I would lay on the couch and an hour later he was awake and whining. Take him out and he would instantly fall asleep on me-so back in the crate he went. At about 4 am, hubby was no longer comfy with the 4 year old, so we switched places. Except hubby stayed up and flash slept curled up under his feet. That was the only trouble we have had with the crate

Sorry, this ended up much longer than I meant!

Annie714 · 06-09-2011, 01:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boomer's Mom

Well, of course she's a princess! My girlfriend wouldn't be otherwise!

If by princess we are referring to the pitiful pile of basset girly-ness that is currently snoozing in a puddle of drool because momma takes her for 4 mile walks everyday? Then yes...her momma will concede that Annie is one heck of a royal pain in my a...I mean, Princess

PS...Annie + Boomer sittin in a tree(crate)...

06-08-2011, 06:38 PM	#1 (permalink)
Bessiethebassetsdad Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Sunny South FLA Posts: 191	Crate Training for a new puppy? Hi all, I am about to be a new dad to a cute little basset named bessie (Hence the screen name). You can see her 3wk old pic as my avitar. We will be picking her up at 8 weeks.....Can't Wait! I have never owned a puppy before, so I am a bit green in the training area. I mentioned to my wife that we should probably crate train her and she said NO WAY. Every dog that she knows who is kept in a crate is a complete and utter spaz! In fact a friend of ours has a basset (Actually the basset is Bessie's aunt) who spends many hours in a cage and she is an absolute monster! I did not intend on keeping her in a cage all the time, just some time durring the day and eve. What is your experiences in this regard?

06-08-2011, 08:44 PM	#4 (permalink)
Annie714 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Huntington Beach, CA Posts: 1,164	Annie has spent every night since I brought her home in her crate. It is her sleeping space and she goes in voluntarily. She isn't in there during the day unless the gardeners are here and it's too cold to be in the side of the house. That being said, it's the first place she goes each and every time she comes in the house. She runs in there just in case she needs to be there, I usually have to tell her it's ok for her to play in the living room. She is not a crazy monster by any means...she is a princess __________________ Blog about the antics of Annie and I. http://thechickandthehound.blogspot.com

06-08-2011, 10:45 PM	#6 (permalink)
mhvonalmen8908 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Sumter, SC Posts: 671	We crate both of our dogs purely for the reasons mentioned. If I had to come home everyday to something else chewed or torn up I would eventually end up resenting the dogs and that's not fair for anyone. We just started out getting them used to the crate by making it a game. We'd move the crate into the living room and just throw treats into the back of it so they could go get the treat and then come right back out. Eventually, when they would go in after we'd say "get in your kennel," we'd start leaving them in for short periods of time. Doppler got used to his kennel really quick. He loves it. Virga took a little longer and would cry at night when we put her up for the night. We eventually figured out that she was lonely and so we moved Doppler's kennel to the same room as hers. She stopped crying that very same night. I think we would go crazy if our dogs weren't in crates when we couldn't supervise them. It also helped with housetraining. I recommend a crate for your dog's and your peace of mind. And congratulations on your new addition! __________________ Megan & Chris -Mom & Dad to Doppler (2 year old Basset/Redbone/Golden mix) and Virga (1 year old Basset)

06-09-2011, 12:38 AM	#7 (permalink)
houndmomma Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Chicago Posts: 503	Congratulations on your new puppy. I feel the pain you have about crate training or not if you’ve never done it. I use to think the same thing before I had a basset hound. As mentioned already it’s also safer for the puppy to be in the crate when you’re not home to keep them away from things that can hurt them. Their jaw strength is a lot stronger than they realize. As long as you “NEVER” use the crate as a form of punishment they’ll learn it’s their safe place to go. When I trained mine I would put her in for short periods at a time – giving her a treat when I let her in and out. I worked up to leaving for longer bouts of time. Now that they’re older I can’t remember the last time I used it. Oh the other hand, Lucy my rescue came to me as crate abused. She was 2 years old and created 23 & hours a day – only let out for an hour. She would be let out to eat and have her water. Her kidneys were so weak that she would drink and immediately have to go out and go potty – most times she would only make it to right outside the door and couldn’t even hold it to get to the grass. If you can believe it she was even water aggressive. When we first got her when she would see a crate she would snarl at it and wouldn’t get near it. At night when I dump out the water she wraps her paws around her bowl, puts her head in it and moans and moans and moans. I feel so bad but she never developed strong kidney strength so I don’t have any other option. Anyway, I only told you all about Lucy and her crate experience because if you see in the photo, she watched Rickie go in and out of his so many times she learned it was a safe place to go and she has managed to fit her fat ass in his crate and Rickie is only 17 pounds. (But don’t tell him, he thinks he’s a 60 or 70lb basset like his sisters) It’s a hoot to watch her get in and out or to turn around it – but she love’s it. Congratulations again – and the best of luck to you – you’re in for at least one laugh a day Jen Attached Thumbnails

06-09-2011, 12:51 AM	#8 (permalink)
steve m Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Australia Posts: 9	My Woody is not a crate guy, he lives in my daughters cubby house when we are not around, nice and secure in the back garden. the door is always left slightly open so that he can come and go as he pleases, and he has a nice comfy bed and an old kids sofa in there too. Attached Thumbnails __________________ Living in the Land Down-under.

06-08-2011, 06:56 PM	#2 (permalink)
RachelW Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 40	Congratulations on your new addition! I sympathize with your concern and I have to tell you, I was completely against crating my dog when I first got her. It wasn't because of any bad prior experiences or preconceived notions, I just thought, "my dog won't need that!" When I left home when my Maddie was a puppy, I kept her in the kitchen with a baby gate. That lasted about a month and she grew big enough (and apparently smart enough) to figure out how to get out of the kitchen! I'd come home to torn up papers, shoes, etc., thinking she'd never get to them - after all, she's in the kitchen! Lol oooh Bassets! After months of exploring other futile options, I broke down and bought her a crate. At this time she was probably 6 months old so she was quite confused and nervous when I put her in it for the first time. I left her in there for about 5 minutes, came back to let her know she wasn't in trouble, etc. Of course, as I'm sure you've read, you leave the dog in the crate for small intervals at a time and gradually increase the time so that they KNOW you're coming back and won't panic the second they set foot in the crate. Anyway, Maddie is about a year old now, and she now goes into her crate voluntarily! Even if I'm at home, she'll go in there and sit for a little bit, or lay down. When I'm getting ready to leave, I can open the door to the crate and say, "come on!" and she'll head right in, no fits or fuss. Basically, I think that most people don't WANT to crate their dogs, but in reality, it really is the best option for the dog. And, look at it this way, with your new puppy in her crate when you're away, you'll know for certain that she is safe; i.e. not getting into things potentially harmful for a puppy - trust me, even if you think your house is puppy-proofed, she'll find something she shouldn't! And, I only put Maddie in the crate while I'm away. She sleeps in my bed with me every night (I know some people frown upon that, but she prefers it, and so do I, for that matter ). Anyway, I know it's a hard choice. And I avoided it at all costs, too, but this really is the best choice for us. Of course, I realize, every situation is different and I respect your decision either way. BUT best of luck with making a decision and again, congratulations!! Look forward to seeing more pictures of Bessie as she grows!

06-08-2011, 06:58 PM	#3 (permalink)
RachelW Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 40	I forgot to mention, I don't think my Maddie is a crazy monster, by any means, but my boyfriend might beg to differ!

06-08-2011, 10:35 PM	#5 (permalink)
Boomer's Mom Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Nebraska Posts: 1,736	Well, of course she's a princess! My girlfriend wouldn't be otherwise!

06-09-2011, 01:08 AM	#9 (permalink)
charady2 Senior Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Iowa Posts: 184	I was very lucky in that the people we got flash from kept mama and pups in a HUGE crate at night. So he isn't scared of the crate at all. But the first night still was a battle of wills-he didn't want to be alone. My son had also had surgery that same day we acquired flash. Luckily my husband had the night off, so he started out the night in with our son and I was out in the living room with the pup. I would get him to sleep, I would lay on the couch and an hour later he was awake and whining. Take him out and he would instantly fall asleep on me-so back in the crate he went. At about 4 am, hubby was no longer comfy with the 4 year old, so we switched places. Except hubby stayed up and flash slept curled up under his feet. That was the only trouble we have had with the crate Sorry, this ended up much longer than I meant!

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