I have looked through all the forums but haven't found the answer to our specific dilemma. I ordered a bunch of DVD's but haven't received them yet.
I have a 4 month old male dachshund which we've owned from 8 weeks old. We've been crate training him since. At first he barked a lot but now goes in there without a fight and is quiet. He naps, plays, etc and only barks when he needs to potty. I treat him every time he goes in the crate. (airline plastic style) He is doing very well with housebreaking.
Now the problem: Whenever we LEAVE to go upstairs for more than a few minutes he is whining and then starts barking. We have our bedroom upstairs and his crate stays downstairs (DH has bad allergies) He can be perfectly happy and calm in the crate, but if I go upstairs to shower or anything he will start whistling and whining and barking. I make sure he has stuff to chew on in the crate, but I suppose it doesn't distract him enough from feeling abandoned.
Niomi Smith Webboard User Reg: 04-20-2009
Posts: 786
Loc: Whitehorse, Yukon
Offline
What do you do when he whines and you are upstairs? Do you go down to see what he is doing, or to let him out?
Is there any way you can just let him get it out of his system without getting an eviction notice ?
Could you exercise him and do some OBD so he is nice and tired, put him in the crate and go straight upstairs. Then let him do whatever he needs to do to become comfortable with you up there.
When I hear him whining I just ignore it, I can differentiate between his "attention bark" vs his "potty time bark" so when he is whining I don't want to give in. But it gets so annoying that I do end up going back downstairs -I do have neighbors.. I don't go near his crate but he senses me and shuts right up. Should I deliberately avoid the 1st floor when he whines/barks??
After we exercise him a lot he falls right asleep in the crate, but he bounces back fast and wants attention.
But it gets so annoying that I do end up going back downstairs...
Sadly, the fact that you eventually return to the first floor while he's making a racket is reinforcing this behavior. And, the longer you wait before giving in and going down, the longer he's being conditioned to keep it up. Drag, isn't it?
You simply have to quit coming down when he's making this kind of a fuss. Otherwise, he'll never stop.
Do you have an attached garage or basement where you could crate him? Might help to muffle the sound until he learns. Also, you could try covering his crate with a sheet; that's usually for cutting down visual stimulation, but it may be worth a try to see if it helps him calm down sooner.
I will try my best to avoid coming downstairs unless he is quiet.
I put a bully stick in there and that keeps him occupied for a little while at least. I just wish it wasn't so stinky.
When purchasing any product from Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. it is understood
that any and all products sold by Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. are sold in Dunn
County Wisconsin, USA. Any and all legal action taken against Leerburg Enterprises,
Inc. concerning the purchase or use of these products must take place in Dunn
County, Wisconsin. If customers do not agree with this policy they should not
purchase Leerburg Ent. Inc. products.
Dog Training is never without risk of injury. Do not use any of the products
sold by Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. without consulting a local professional.
The training methods shown in the Leerburg Ent. Inc. DVD’s are meant
to be used with a local instructor or trainer. Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. cannot
be held responsible for accidents or injuries to humans and/or animals.
Copyright 2010 Leerburg® Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved. All photos and content on leerburg.com are part of a registered copyright owned by Leerburg Enterprise, Inc.
By accessing any information within Leerburg.com, you agree to abide by the
Leerburg.com Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
whining and barking when left "alone"
#278194 - 05/31/2010 02:00 PM 
Top
?
Previous Topic
Index
Next Topic
.jpg)
