Quote: eric skalski

Could you please give me some tips on how to deal with the behavior? If I had to guess at the underlying problem, I think it is that he just wants to be around us and the idea of him going in there means that we are leaving him alone. I would appreciate some advice from the experienced folks.

The joy of puppies! You started out strong with getting him into the crate but I say you need to go back to that point and work on making the crate a positive experience. I know it is difficult to work on when time is of the essence and you need to leave for work but maybe you can start this weekend to improve his associations with the crate.

I agree with your idea that he thinks the crate means you go away; so as much as you feel he is in the crate too much; I'd start having him spend more time (short increments)in it with your attention while he is in there. I only had the one crate(large airline approved type) and moved it room to room depending where the family was.

Get up a couple minutes earlier in the AM if you feel he needs to get out of the crate immediately when you get up. I found it easier to do when the crate was in the bedroom. Get up greet him; pet him through the crate offer a treat; do a couple of things in the room (get your clothes together) having a conversation with him; ignoring any whining etc. When he is quiet open the crate to let him out but withdraw your attention.

Take him outside to relieve himself; walk him as you do, but I would again spend some of that 2 hour free time making positive associations with the crate. What kind of toys does he like? What games does he enjoy playing with you? Use them in conjunction with crate time so he sees it as something other than a signal that you are leaving.

For example my pup loved to chase a ball on a rope; at first he is going to be suspicious and not want to go into the crate but if you can work him up to a state where he will chase it into the crate and then just as quickly move it out for him to chase; you can then turn the crate into the only place he catches it and can tug with you. Of course if he's not into that kind of game use what works for him and you. At this point you just want to break the pattern of crate equals goodbye pack.

Once he is worn out I'd settle him with a favorite chew toy; stuffed kong etc. I would also have him crated at least 10 minutes before you plan on leaving with the crate again in the room where you are getting ready so he is with you but I wouldn't play at this point since you want him to settle. Again I liked keeping my pup's crate in my bedroom and would put on talk radio at a low volume and draw the blinds. I always left with the command "stay home and mind the house". And then leave no fanfare.

When you come home again interact with him while he is in the crate wait until he is quiet before letting him out and follow above steps. Also it is important to practice coming and going so it becomes normal to him for instance put him in the crate and go into another room and then come back after a minute or two DO NOT COME BACK IF HE IS CARRYING ON.

Another thing; I would crate him in the kitchen while you eat.

This could be me and wishful thinking but I found always giving the "stay home and mind the house" when I was leaving left him with a job to do which he liked. My dog is 9 now and to this day when I am leaving for work and tell him to "stay home and mind the house" he knows I'm leaving and goes to his bed and lies down of course the exaggerated sigh accompanies the laying down but he knows what is expected and that is always a good thing for dogs.

Goodluck with your pup. The crate situation will improve in time even if you just continue to make him go in and ignore the carrying on but my dog found such comfort in his crate I think it is worth trying to make it pleasurable vs one of those things you have to do.

Thanks for all the replies! Glad I'm not the only one surfing the net on this holiday weekend

That's a great idea to check Craigslist for another crate. I would like to have more than one, but brand new they are almost $100! I've already spent a nice chunk of change on the little guy (my own fault....I'm a softie at the Pet Supply store and can't resist getting another toy, chew, etc). Thats a good idea.

I need to carefully re-read the replies, but really the only time he is in the crate is if we are sleeping or away from the house. I can see how that may make him anxious.

Knock on wood, but the past day and a half, he has gone in very easily with a couple treats. He is crying less too.

Be careful to avoid teaching him that crate=abandonement.
I.e., he is only in there when you are away.

Let him spend time in there during the day, nearby.
Vary how long you are gone; suprise him by coming back after only 5 minutes with a treat, and take him out to play. Get him good and tired, and then let him take a nap in his crate.