Crate training question.

[bolt94]

Rosie is our (approx) 6-month old foster dog. She came to us just over 6 weeks ago. She was not crate/potty trained but caught on rather quickly. She disliked the first few nights in her crate but has settled in beautifully... until last night!

We had our last potty break before bed at around 8:30pm. She went into her crate and settled down nicely. I layed on the couch for a little while watching tv (her crate is in our living room). At 10pm, I turned off the tv and got myself ready for bed. Not more than a minute after I crawled into bed, Rosie decided to cause a scene! This went on for about 40 minutes -- barking, whining, crying, etc. I didn't utter a word to her. I imagine she finally settled down because I didn't hear anything more from her until this morning when I was getting ready for work. She pulled the same stunt however, much quieter... probably because she knew my DH was still sleeping! :D

What gives? Why would she carry on like that last night after she's been doing so well the last 6 weeks? Was she just being a brat? I know she didn't have to go potty because even this morning when I let her out before work, she didn't run outside and immediately go potty.

Thanks for any insight!

~K

[harleychik66]

I would think that the honeymoon stage is over and Rosie is starting to test some boundaries. I'm assuming you had already let her out this morning before getting ready for work. If you did then yes she probably wants some extra play time before being crated. The only thing I would try is let her out one more time before bed.

I usually let our two out about every 3 hours after I get home from work(I get home at about 1:30-2:00). Hubby always lets them out when he gets home which is 8:30. After that no matter what time we go to bed , be it 9 or 11 the dogs get let out one last time. I've found that even if it's only 1/2 hour from the last time they were out they both enjoy the last romp around the yard and usually never potty. If we don't go straight up to bed after they come in they just don't settle as well.

[bolt94]

Originally Posted by harleychik66

I would think that the honeymoon stage is over and Rosie is starting to test some boundaries.

Kind of what I was thinking as well.

I will let her out a little closer to my bedtime if even for a few minutes.

Thanks, harleychik!

[Shelby427]

I agree with one more romp outside or something before bedtime. Both my dogs go out between 3-4 times per evening (I get home around 5:30) so I make sure they get outside to potty or just play a bit before bedtime. When we're just about to head upstairs to bed, the dogs go out one last time.

I agree with the honeymoon period being over. Set some rules and boundaries and get her on a schedule.

[bolt94]

Originally Posted by Shelby427

I agree with the honeymoon period being over. Set some rules and boundaries and get her on a schedule.

We're pretty good w/ our schedule which is why I was a little alarmed by her behavior last night.

[TrinaJ]

Have you ever had kids??? *grins*

You have to do the 'control whining' - like control crying with kids.

Also try and give your dog a play, run etc before crate time as suggested by the others.

Good luck, it wont take long. Just get yourself a set of ear plugs for a couple of nights.

You could also try freezing a kong filled with peanut butter and giving it to your dog when you crate her.

Trina

[Kittcatt57]

Hi, She is just testing you now, if you give in and let her have her way you will regret it. I let my dogs out until I go to bed and let them out one last time and then I trained mine to go into the crate with a treet. They love their crates and I never had a problem with them going in. Examine her crate, it is big enough for her growing body, they just need enough room to turn around and relax a bit. Is it clean, I mean the blankets, rotties love cushions. Is it secluded to where she feels secure? ask yourself all these questions and see if you could improve on anything and good luck. PS, never let a rottie in your bed.........If you do she won't want to leave!

Kittcatt