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April 21, 2011

My pup does fine in the crate and puppy pen but whenever I leave the room or house, he whines and screams. Any advice?

Full Question:

Hi Ed:

I've been raising English Mastiffs and doing rescue for the last 17 years so I am not new to puppy training to say the least. I completely agree with your method of training so this was the first place I came now that I am having some issues with our new puppy, a rottie named Odin. Odin is 10 weeks old, I've had him for 2 weeks now. He was with his mother and siblings up until I got him. I introduced him to the crate day one. He goes in for his naps and at night or when we are not home. When he is not in his crate, he is leashed to me so I can move about freely and not loose track of him. When I need to get some things done where he can not be attached he is in a puppy pen. My retired mastiff plays a huge roll in correcting Odin when he play bites with her, showing him what is acceptable and what is not and we follow that lead. He's a great pup, with just a few accidents in the house, which obviously, was my fault as I didn't pick up on his need to go out. Sounds like a great pup... except for one little thing. He cries incessantly in the crate as soon as I walk out of the room. He also does this in the pen. While I am there, he is fine but when I (or any other family member) leaves the room or house or out of site, he whines and screams and howls. I don't cater to this not in the least. I continue to leave and not return until he shushes. Its been two weeks and I'm not sure if there is anything more I can do. I've never had a pup act like that for more than a couple days to a week. Any advice would be highly appreciated... I don't want this to turn into full boar separation anxiety.

Thanks so much :)

Gina

Cindy's Answer:

I’ve had several pups that were more challenging to crate train and teach separation to. One of them took a really long time to be quiet, and I know it can really grate on your nerves after a while. All you can do is keep doing what you have been and wait for it to pass. If he gets to be a 6 month old and he’s still doing this then you may want to consider a Tritronics Bark Limiter. Unfortunately, I own a dog like this (raised from birth here).

Are you giving him something to occupy him in the crate or puppy pen? We buy big soup bones from our butcher shop and those are only given in the crate or ex pen. It does wonders for teaching a pup that crate means “quiet time” but there are always individuals that just want to be with you. It’s a blessing and a curse, because this type of dog (in my experience) REALLY want to be with you all the time which makes training much easier. The down side is the possibility of separation anxiety, as you mentioned.

I think you are on the right track, just keep at it. Good luck!

Cindy

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