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July 11, 2014

My new 3 1/2 month old puppy goes beserk in the crate or ex-pen. Would an ecollar be warranted?

Full Question:

Good day,

I searched the site and founds lots of interesting information. My question is about my new 3 1/2 month old Belgian Mal. Understanding that she is not in control of her bladder and bowels yet, I have trouble crating her overnight and leave her outside. If left in the crate she makes a huge mess and acts like she is being tortured.

For whatever reason, she is happy going into the crate and sleeps in it outside. But, while in the house, if I place her in a crate or expen, even while sitting there in view, she goes berzerk. She bites the crate/pen and screams her head off. Nothing changes if I am not in the same room. As soon as I close the door to the crate or pen it is drama... hours of drama.?

In this case, would an ecollar be warranted or is she still too young for this? Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.?

Thanks in advance

Cindy's Answer:

This is not really unusual behavior for a puppy that hasn't been taught to be calm & quiet in the crate. I would absolutely NOT use an ecollar or bark collar. She's much too young and you mention she's new to you. She's likely worried about being alone & is suffering from some separation anxiety.

I'd suggest the videos Your Puppy 8 Weeks to 8 Months and Living with Your Puppy ~ Establishing Pack Structure.

You're going to have to ride this out and work in small steps. I would make sure she's really tired before ever putting her in the crate in the house. Unfortunately there are no shortcuts to this and some puppies are extremely challenging to crate train. I believe there is quite a bit of info about this on our website as well.

Cindy Rhodes

User Response:

Thank you very much. The information and reassurance is very appreciated!!

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