crating troubles

[fez]

My 8 1/2 week old female rotti pup just doesn't like to be crated in the day. I got her Friday and brought her home in the vari-crate (platic crate). At night she is in her wire crate. The first and second night I slept on the couch next to the crate. Some barking to start but finally settled down. The up every two hours (understandable). Third night crate in the kitchen me in my bedroom so I could hear her. Worked OK. Last night I moved the crate to my bedroom and she slept sound from about 11pm to 6am, wonderfull. The problem is I am trying to get her used to the families schedule by crating her during the day around the times no one will be home each time is about a 2-3 hour stretch. It takes time for her to settle down. She just finished barking after 20min. My concern is that she is not associating with her crate. When in the kitchen she doesn't go to it or even lay in it. She follows everyone around and lays by their feet and must have them in her sight and she will sleep sound for 1 or 2 hours at a stretch. Is it better to use one crate or two (keeping one in the bedroom and the other in the kitchen)? Will she get used to going to the crate. I don't use it a punishment but rather a time out after she bites and plays rough. I put her back in after she has calmed down.

[Chloesmom]

Following you guys around and being near you is great. It says to me that she is bonding with you and looking to you for comfort. Your puppy is a baby that's been taken recently from her mother. She needs time to adjust! 11-6am is great. I agree with JonandMichelle, 2 crates should work for you. Try to get one secondhand.

Chloe's crate was on my nightstand for a long time so our faces were inches apart while we slept. Keep at the crate training - it will work! :)

One last thought. Did you throw a blanket over the top and the sides of her wire crate? That might make her feel more secure.

[ April 17, 2001: Message edited by: Chloesmom ]

[JonandMichelle]

Fez, your puppy is just that, a puppy. She is a new enviroment and it's quite scary for her. Give her time to settle in. I think it's a good idea to have more then one crate in the house. Just keep being consistant and have patience. Stick with your routine and use common sense. Again, give her time to settle down and get comfortable with her new family. This is all new to her. She will love her crates in no time. Hang in there.