December 19, 2011
We're crate training our new pup and she howls & barks excessively. If this contines for days or weeks, at what point do I intervene? How old does a dog need to be to use a bark collar?
Full Question:
I have an 8 week old puppy & have been crating her since day 1. Although it's only been 4 days. She still gets pretty frantic after putting her into the crate. She sreams, howls & barks exsesivly. It can last from 1 solid hour to 3 hours off & on. We ignore her while in crate. I have tried placing the crate both in site of us (day time) & out of site (night time) with no change. I do put an everlasting toy/treat along with another chew in the crate with her. Also at night I place a blanket over the crate. I realize this can take some time to break her into the whole crate concept, and I guess no one has the magic answer on how long.... But if this continues for days or weeks, at what point do I intervene & how old does a dog need to be to use a bark collar? Also, if I need to take her out for outside break is there any issues doing that while she is protesting? Or do I need to wait till she stops? When I do take her out of crate & outside she does pee & poo. Then I put her back in crate. Thx 
Cindy's Answer:
Since you’ve only had the pup in the crate for a number of days I think worrying about a bark collar is premature. I wouldn’t use a bark collar on a dog until at LEAST 6 months old.
Some pups are very challenging to crate train, some scream for weeks and some are quiet after a day or two. All you can do is be consistent in your handling and try not to let her out when she’s vocalizing (if you can help it). Sometimes pups yap when they need to go out and with time and experience you’ll learn the difference in a vocalization of protest and one that means “I have to go OUT.”
I’ve crate trained a lot of puppies over the years and I’ve had some REALLY loud & persistent ones. My 4 year old dog, Rush, still gives a yap or two in the crate at times. I also have a 6 month old puppy that yelled the first day and never made another peep since. I’ve been consistent but the dogs’ temperament and personality plays a part in it too.
Good luck, I hope this helps.
Cindy Rhodes
Some pups are very challenging to crate train, some scream for weeks and some are quiet after a day or two. All you can do is be consistent in your handling and try not to let her out when she’s vocalizing (if you can help it). Sometimes pups yap when they need to go out and with time and experience you’ll learn the difference in a vocalization of protest and one that means “I have to go OUT.”
I’ve crate trained a lot of puppies over the years and I’ve had some REALLY loud & persistent ones. My 4 year old dog, Rush, still gives a yap or two in the crate at times. I also have a 6 month old puppy that yelled the first day and never made another peep since. I’ve been consistent but the dogs’ temperament and personality plays a part in it too.
Good luck, I hope this helps.
Cindy Rhodes
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