New Puppy-Crate?

[WIRott]

Hello All! I just got my first rot puppy on friday night and he's 8 weeks old. This is my third dog that I have in my house. I have an 8 yr old rot/chow mix and a 2 yr old black lab both of which were crate. Last night was the second night this pup was in the crate and I guess I'm still learning but it seems he really doesn't want to be in there at all. He cried all night. I know there is a transition period but I was wondering if crating is the way to go only because it seemed as though my friend who has a 12 week old rot they started to crate and then stopped. I know all breeds are different and just want to make sure I am doing the best thing for him. Tank seems to be a very people person pup and loves to be with me all the time. Last night I didn't know who had it worse him or myself because he was breakin' my heart:( Any suggestions or comments would greatly be appreciated. My other two after one night being in the crate were use to it and never cried after the first night.

Thanks!
WIRott
Tank's mom :)

[Birdie'sMom]

Hi! Rottweilers definitely love to be with their people! But crates are a good thing to get them used to. It took us about 2 weeks to get Birdie used to being in her crate at night. Don't give in - she'll get used to it! I know it does break your heart though when you hear them crying! Good luck!:)

[Carina43]

Ear plugs help!

Make him go in periodically throughout the day with a really good treat or favourite toy, just for short periods of time...even with the door left open. Make it a happy exciting thing, never use it for punishment or time out...so he doesn't necessarily see it as being isolated...I know it's a heart breaking sound when they're crying like that!

[Judi W]

He's crying not because he's in the crate, but because he is in a new place all by himself. Remember that he arrived from his familiar home and littermates to snuggle up to.

[Grendl]

With one of my Rottie puppies, I spent the first several nights sleeping in my sleeping bag on the floor next to the crate, with my hand through the cage wires. An extreme solution, perhaps, but she was my only dog at the time, and it didn't last more than 3-4 nights. Then she was fine.

[WIRott]

Thanks everyone:) I just wanted to make sure a crate was the right way to go:D I did catch him in it by himself today. I keep the door open and its in my room next to my bed. So I am hoping he'll realize its a place to go and relax and a safe place :) I appreciate all the suggestions and comments..glad I found this place:D

Thanks again!
WIRott
Tank's Mom:)

[SABELLESMOM]

:D :D I was lucky enough to have a very compassionate male Cocker Spaniel, named Digbee, who volunteered to sleep next to Sable's crate. ;) I'd lend you Digbee but he and Sable are pretty much inseparable.

You're lucky Tank is going in by himself! Sable goes in if you say "kennel," before you leave the house. But otherwise? never! I know I always felt, if nothing else, at least she wasn't home chewing electrical wires or eating onions out of the garbage when I wasn't home. :(

[WIRott]

I wish my other two would be so loving towards Tank. My lab has finally warmed up a little when they go outside otherwise all Tank has to do is look at them and they do a low growl. :( I am hoping they will eventually warm up. I think its because he's so small compared to them right now that they don't know what to do with him.hahaha. I feel much better knowing like yourself that nothing will happen to him while I am not here.

WIRott
Tank- 8 week old Rottweiler :)