Crate training older dog

Kuchi · 07-02-2007, 09:43 PM

Well, I don't think I could foster and my boyfriend knew it would be hard for me to let go, I will keep it in mind in the future, my emotions might change.
But...
I inquired about a rott/gordon setter/lab/? mix, she's two, about 55lbs and she was given up for "needs a bigger yard and doesn't come when called." Even though I have a large yard, I know its not getting mentally and physically tired, a mom at home with 3 kids, how would she have time to give walks? The issues are: tugs on leash, jumps on people, runs away and doesn't come when called. I don't see those as an issue to me, well use a halti, train commands more exercise; my issue is not crate trained. A dog at two years old has to be harder to crate train than a 8 week old pup. I was going to go about it the same way as using treats and slowing increasing the time spent in the crate, but this is a 55 pounder, I'm sure she could chew though the crate if she wanted to and had time. And I hear some dogs will even chew through the metal ones. I feel crate training is needed especially since I don't know how destructive she is. I can handle dogs in the bed with me, I'm such a light sleeper and since I have cats and don't know how well she'll get along with them a crate would be best bet, unless I want to put in a spare room, but then I risk replacing yet another floor destoyed by a dog.

Any suggestions on crate training an older dog, (I know she's still a pup), would be greatly appreciated.

britishbandit · 07-03-2007, 07:19 AM

Actually, the crate training for an older dog doesn't necessarily mean it'll be harder.

Some cases, yes, but not always. And I think it would be impossible for her to chew through a metal crate. Before I started letting the dogs in one at a time for walks (and taking the one left out so the other didn't know), both PJ and Tysa would go SPASTIC if they got put in their crates while the other got to get their leash/collar put on where the other could hear it. Neither chewed though their crates, but on occasion did make it collapse and got out. I put tie wraps on the crates so they couldn't do it anymore (funny how strong those little pieces of plastic are...LOL). The only problem with doing it I felt, was they had a way to escape in emergencies. If there were a fire, with the tie wraps on, they'd never get out. So since they don't try and get out at all now, they have been removed.

Anyway, just do as you would do with a puppy. Don't use force, and introduce it by tossing treats in there, feeding in there, making it a place to retrieve toys from.....etc.

If it's any consolation, my old dog Harley (Rottie/mix), didn't start getting crate trained until he was about 1 1/2. And although he did the same whiney "lemme out, I want attention" stuff a young pup does (which I ignored), he adjusted to the crate fairly fast. He was also about 70lbs when I started it.

Kuchi · 07-03-2007, 07:55 AM

You're right I guess it might not be as hard I think it will be. But I'll anticipate it being worse, so I'll be happy if its not.

Camz · 07-09-2007, 02:45 PM

Update?????

Let me know. I think we are about to follow in your all's footsteps and adopt a rescue dog as well to keep Orchid company. LOL!

Anyway...tell us how it goes! I'm curious for my own benefit as well.

Kuchi · 07-10-2007, 09:49 AM

updated with Dalmatian X post in non-sporting

07-02-2007, 09:43 PM	#1 (permalink)
Kuchi Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Denver, Colorado Posts: 379 Rep Power: 50	Crate training older dog Well, I don't think I could foster and my boyfriend knew it would be hard for me to let go, I will keep it in mind in the future, my emotions might change. But... I inquired about a rott/gordon setter/lab/? mix, she's two, about 55lbs and she was given up for "needs a bigger yard and doesn't come when called." Even though I have a large yard, I know its not getting mentally and physically tired, a mom at home with 3 kids, how would she have time to give walks? The issues are: tugs on leash, jumps on people, runs away and doesn't come when called. I don't see those as an issue to me, well use a halti, train commands more exercise; my issue is not crate trained. A dog at two years old has to be harder to crate train than a 8 week old pup. I was going to go about it the same way as using treats and slowing increasing the time spent in the crate, but this is a 55 pounder, I'm sure she could chew though the crate if she wanted to and had time. And I hear some dogs will even chew through the metal ones. I feel crate training is needed especially since I don't know how destructive she is. I can handle dogs in the bed with me, I'm such a light sleeper and since I have cats and don't know how well she'll get along with them a crate would be best bet, unless I want to put in a spare room, but then I risk replacing yet another floor destoyed by a dog. Any suggestions on crate training an older dog, (I know she's still a pup), would be greatly appreciated.

07-03-2007, 07:19 AM	#2 (permalink)
britishbandit Rottweiler Mum Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Windsor, ON Posts: 4,185 Rep Power: 180	Actually, the crate training for an older dog doesn't necessarily mean it'll be harder. Some cases, yes, but not always. And I think it would be impossible for her to chew through a metal crate. Before I started letting the dogs in one at a time for walks (and taking the one left out so the other didn't know), both PJ and Tysa would go SPASTIC if they got put in their crates while the other got to get their leash/collar put on where the other could hear it. Neither chewed though their crates, but on occasion did make it collapse and got out. I put tie wraps on the crates so they couldn't do it anymore (funny how strong those little pieces of plastic are...LOL). The only problem with doing it I felt, was they had a way to escape in emergencies. If there were a fire, with the tie wraps on, they'd never get out. So since they don't try and get out at all now, they have been removed. Anyway, just do as you would do with a puppy. Don't use force, and introduce it by tossing treats in there, feeding in there, making it a place to retrieve toys from.....etc. If it's any consolation, my old dog Harley (Rottie/mix), didn't start getting crate trained until he was about 1 1/2. And although he did the same whiney "lemme out, I want attention" stuff a young pup does (which I ignored), he adjusted to the crate fairly fast. He was also about 70lbs when I started it.
	__________________ "No matter how little money and how few possesions you own, having a dog makes you rich." - Louis Sabin

07-09-2007, 02:45 PM	#4 (permalink)
Camz Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 180 Rep Power: 49	Update????? Let me know. I think we are about to follow in your all's footsteps and adopt a rescue dog as well to keep Orchid company. LOL! Anyway...tell us how it goes! I'm curious for my own benefit as well.
Camz Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 180 Rep Power: 49

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Agility Wonder dog!	Persy Rules!	Dog Sports	10	01-21-2007 07:50 AM
Crate Training	flyndog	Dog Articles	0	05-18-2006 10:59 PM
More on crate training.	britishbandit	Dog Behavior and Training	8	04-30-2006 07:11 AM
Crate Training	flyndog	Dog Behavior and Training	1	10-17-2005 10:15 AM

07-03-2007, 07:55 AM	#3 (permalink)
Kuchi Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Denver, Colorado Posts: 379 Rep Power: 50	You're right I guess it might not be as hard I think it will be. But I'll anticipate it being worse, so I'll be happy if its not.

07-10-2007, 09:49 AM	#5 (permalink)
Kuchi Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Denver, Colorado Posts: 379 Rep Power: 50	updated with Dalmatian X post in non-sporting

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)