Crate training an older dog

[jemi152]

Hello! I'm new to this formum and have been reading practically every thread! I recently rescued an 8 year old male rott, Bear. He is a big sweetheart with some issues.

First, I keep him in a crate when I'm not home, he howls for the first half hour (from what I hear from my neighbors) He destroyed his first crate, which was a cheap one the shelter gave me. He was out when I got home (no accidents and everything was intact). I bought a second, larger more heavy duty crate and he already somehow cracked the plastic pan on the bottom in half. How can I get him to realize the crate is ok and I will be back?

Second, he barks at anyone that comes in the house or around the house. I'd like him to realize people aren't bad and that the people coming and going are friends and family. We are starting obendience class at the end of the month and I'm hoping that will help. I'm also trying to get him into a play group to socialize more with other dogs. If anyone is located in Rochester, NY, lets meet up!

I appreciate any and all help.

Thank you!

[Carol Burke]

You could feed him in his crate and give him a stuffed kong in the crate when you are leaving for any length of time.

With the barking, if you teach him to bark on command, then you can teach him to stop barking on command.

I don't know if a play group would be a good idea until you know this dog a little better. It generally takes about a month for a rescue to settle in and show what he is truly like. Sometimes a dog that age is not interested in playing with other dogs and may be dog aggressive.

Good luck with your new guy.

[Shelby427]

You will need to make his crate the best place in the world. Feed him in there, throw treats in the back of it and have him find them etc. You need to make it a positive place for him.

I also agree, I would concentrate with getting him settled before having play groups - do you know how he reacts around other dogs?

[Skip]

Originally Posted by jemi152

Hello! I'm new to this formum and have been reading practically every thread! I recently rescued an 8 year old male rott, Bear. He is a big sweetheart with some issues.

First, I keep him in a crate when I'm not home, he howls for the first half hour (from what I hear from my neighbors) He destroyed his first crate, which was a cheap one the shelter gave me. He was out when I got home (no accidents and everything was intact). I bought a second, larger more heavy duty crate and he already somehow cracked the plastic pan on the bottom in half. How can I get him to realize the crate is ok and I will be back?

Second, he barks at anyone that comes in the house or around the house. I'd like him to realize people aren't bad and that the people coming and going are friends and family. We are starting obendience class at the end of the month and I'm hoping that will help. I'm also trying to get him into a play group to socialize more with other dogs. If anyone is located in Rochester, NY, lets meet up!

I appreciate any and all help.

Thank you!

Do you have another (safe) room in the house that you could use instead of the crate? A room that you could make dog-proof? Like a laundry room?

[AngelBunny]

All our fosters have the crate set up in the bedroom.

I also feed all meals in the crate and all treats to a dog I'm crate training.

[Porscha]

It sounds like your dog "owns" the house. When people come in and out he feels he needs to protect or has anxiety about people invading his space. You need to claim the house, and be the dominant leader. A submissive dog is a happy dog. By your dog owning the house everything that comes in or out is (to your dog) his responsibility and he doesn't know how to control it.

As for the crate. I would try warming him up to it by putting him in there for periods of time. Rewarding after each successfull stay, and not rewarding an escape. Like others have said, start with a treat or two to get him to stay in the crate for a period of time (door open). Then once that seems to be ok, try closing the door and leaving for a minute or two. Let him out and reward. Try short time intervals at first and slowly you will find that crate = treat.

Make sure he gets exersize after the crate time, as he will need to get the blood flowing for circulation.

Hope that helps.

[Rubik]

I don't think that you should keep 8 year old dog in a crate. How would you feel staying in a crate for a day? I don't think that you would like that...why do you think your dog will like it? I have a 2 year old rottie. And I put him in his crate ONLY when people come in a house that he never saw before or when i'm vocuming or washing the floors.

[Shelby427]

Originally Posted by Rubik

I don't think that you should keep 8 year old dog in a crate. How would you feel staying in a crate for a day? I don't think that you would like that...why do you think your dog will like it? I have a 2 year old rottie. And I put him in his crate ONLY when people come in a house that he never saw before or when i'm vocuming or washing the floors.

this is a new dog to the OP. She doesn't know this dog. She doesn't know if this dog is able to be out roaming the house since she just got him. she's being SAFE and responsible by using a crate.

Please don't put human emotions on a dog that can't rationalize like humans can about safety. Have you ever used a playpen or crib for a child? Same thing, they are too young and can get into trouble if they are left alone unattended.

Besides, it's beneficial to any dog to be crate trained.