I have a new pup, 9 week old siberian male. When I got him he was completely paper trained and never messed in his crate, (we are working on outside potty now) At first he accepted being in his crate when I couldnt' tend to him but now that he has been around the house a bit more he howls in his crate for the entire time he is in it, up to over 2 hours. I have even moved him into the smallest crate possible. I read Ed's article and it says just let him howl, but its been a few days now shouldnt' he have accepted it by now? I know he doesn't have to go to the bathroom. Also how do you get him to go poo outside he only pees out there and still thinks he is supposed to poo on paper even when I take him out every hour or more.

Wow Julia .. been there. Hopefully you can get some use out of these suggestions.

Take the paper and move it outside. Hold it down with stones. That will act as a reminder. We used to praise AND treat when they do their business outside. We'd say "go bathroom" and when they did, we praise and treated. Now they go on command (very convenient when traveling).

Save one really good treat just for the crate and crate alone. Something they really like. But save is only and only for the crate (I have a crate time video on my website you might consider downloading). Say "crate" and put the treat in the crate. Soon, you justs have to say crate and he'll go in on his own.

If the crate is new don't make them stay in too long. Work your way up from 30 minutes to 2 hours. The less accidents they have in the crate, the better. Build a history of success.

Use a poopy/pee-pee log.

The position and type of crate matter. We've found that a wire crate is better. To make it look nicer, decorate with colorful towels. Corners are better for dogs that value security. a wall in a busy spot for dogs that like more action.

Sometimes they get bored in the crate, a stuffed kong is the classic solution. Cottage cheese, they love it and its seems to be good for them.

Finally, a very very good tactic is to exercise the snot out of him before you crate. They fuss for a few seconds and then they are out cold.

Most importantly - don't stop.

Hope that helps!
David C

Thanks David,

I do say crate and he jumps in and waits for a treat...but then howls when the door is shut. I just figured out about an hour ago that he will go under the bed to sleep, so I covered the crate with a towel and left a bit of air space at the bottom, he went straigt to sleep.

Nice work!! Come to think of it, our crates are the same (with towels covering the top) .. I guess it makes it more "cave-like" and a secure.

PS - its a great place to put other stuff since they can't get at it now with the towel in the way.

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