Crate Training and More

apprehensive5 · 07-09-2005, 12:12 AM

Hi everyone. I'm not really sure if I'm doing the crate training right. This is what I've been doing with Ranger. After he goes pee, we'll play with him for 30-45 minutes, then put him back in his crate. Then after an hour to an hour and a half ( we try to have him go every 2 hours) we take him outside, tell him to go peepee, and when he does, we'll give him a treat. Then we repeat the whole cycle over again. During the first few days, we would play with him for an hour after he pees, but then he wounds up peeing inside, therefore, we decided to have him playing for 30-45 mins. If we noticing him sniffing around during his play time, we would take him outside agian, and he'll pee. Is this okay? Are we socializing him enough. The reason we had him out for an hour the first few days was becasue we wanted him to be properly socialized, but then he kept peeing, so we thought he was out of his crate for too long. I really want him to be house trained, but i also want him to be socialized. And the thing is, we take him out, and he goes pee right away, then i let him romp around a bit just to see if he has anymore peeing/pooing to do, but he takes a while ( he sniffs around), so I assume he doesn't. Take him inside, then (sometimes) 20-30 mins later he pees inside. And how do I make him go on command?? Am I doin this crate traing properly?

Another thing, today when I was playing with him, we were playing with his stuff bone, one of his favorite toy ( i think ), like we normally do, the tugging game, and he growled. That scared me. I love the little guy, but when he growl it really freaked me out. Do you think its becasue he was cooped up in his crate more then he was the first few days? or we not socializing him? Or is he turning into an agressive little monster? or is he acting like a normal puppy? And sometimes, when we play, and get a little to crazy, he bites me. I don't know if my hand jsut happened to be there when he opens his mouth, or he actually wanting to bite me. I say no bite, then stop playing with him for a while then continue. Then I put my hand if front of him to see if he would bite me, and he ususally doesn't, he sniffs me, then sometimes give me a lick. I feel lost right now. And it seems like he doesn't listen to me. He's 9 weeks, should I start training him now? stupid question, I know I should..hehehe. Does anyone have any tips on training the basic commands, stay, give, come, no bite, etc.... If anyone can let me know how i'm doing and what i should do, that would be much appreciated!!!!!! Thanks!!

Sorry, its so looooonng!

Peanuts · 07-09-2005, 12:37 AM

I admit. I didn't read every last detail but form what I got, you are doing everything right. When Schroeder was at this stage, I remember thinking, "What am I doing wrong?"

Probably the best rule of thumb is take him for a pee after playing, sleeping, eating, drinking, if he continues to have accidents in the house.

I would nto be overly concerned about the growl, if it did not 'come from his belly'. From what you are saying, I am assuming it was a play growl, with no harm done. If you have ever listend to a litter of young puppies, you will notice they will often play growl with each other. In my opinion it is like little kids showing off their 'big muscles'.

Stopping the play after he bites you (whether intentional or not), is the correct thing to do. When Schroeder would 'nip', I would say loudly, to slightly startle him, "OW!", and then turn away with the toy and not play for a minute or two to stress the point that playtime is not rough.

Others will be able to help more but hopefully this makes sence.

Last thing. Have more confidence in yourself, you are doing a great job

.

Barrett · 07-09-2005, 01:04 AM

I only used the crate / play pen for night time and when I couldn't keep 100% attention on my pups like when I was on the phone, taking a shower, cleaning the house etc. Sometimes I used the crate / play pen when I just needed a 10 minute break, puppy watching can be tiring! Other than that my pups were out and playing and sleeping on me. I kept a hawks eye on my pup while she was investigating the house and playing and when it looked like she needed to go I would take her to her potty place. I put her on a leash and gave the command " go potty". I said it over and over in an encouraging voice until she went. Always give tons of praise " good potty " and a small treat immediately afterwards. Now you can let your pup off leash to play, play, play!

You might want to buy a few books on how to train in obedience or sign up for a puppy training class. The classes are awesome and they are great for socializing. Your trainer can answer any questions you have and they teach you how to train your pup.

***Cassiepeia*** · 07-09-2005, 01:27 AM

As far as biting goes...he's 9 weeks old so that's perfectly natural. The growling is probably just him playing, not aggression. Pups (and adult dogs) growl when they play with each other too.
When he bites you, yelp like it really hurt (even if it doesn't), wait a few seconds and then give him something appropriate to chew on and praise him when he does.

Sit is the easiest command to teach a dog. Take a treat (something he doesn't normally eat, like chicken or liver etc..) and get his attention. He'll probably try to jump up to grab it, when he does just pull it away don't say anything. Then when he's calm, hold the treat over his nose and say "Sit" (once only) as you move the treat over his head.
He'll naturally follow the treat, tilting his head back and automatically sit down. As soon as his bum hits the ground, give him the treat and praise him.
It'll take a little while if he's really excited about the treat, but be patient and he'll have it in no time at all.

Cass.

Liz · 07-10-2005, 09:56 AM

First of all congratulations on your puppy!!! It seems like you are doing the crate training correctly. Are you home during the day? It sounds like it from what you wrote. I don't think it's necessary to keep him in the crate while you're home, but maybe you're just trying to get him used to it (?). Like Brit said, I think it's important to take him out after he sleeps, plays, eats, and drinks. Does he drink a lot of water after you play with him and before you put him in the crate? How does he do at night? does he make it through the night? Maybe he pees in the crate during the day because you play with him and then he drinks a lot of water before going in.

As far as the growling, I agree with everyone else, I wouldn't be too concerned. I think the important thing to remember is that 9 weeks is very young. I wouldn't expect him to be fully housetrained for a couple months yet. Every dog is different, but I don't think most puppies that young can hold their bladders for very long.

One last thing. How often does he pee. From your post it seems like quite a bit. Have you ruled out a UTI? Just a thought.

Anyway good luck with your puppy. The next couple months will probably be stressful, but remember, things do get better!!

07-09-2005, 12:12 AM	#1 (permalink)
apprehensive5 Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 24 Rep Power: 0	Crate Training and More Hi everyone. I'm not really sure if I'm doing the crate training right. This is what I've been doing with Ranger. After he goes pee, we'll play with him for 30-45 minutes, then put him back in his crate. Then after an hour to an hour and a half ( we try to have him go every 2 hours) we take him outside, tell him to go peepee, and when he does, we'll give him a treat. Then we repeat the whole cycle over again. During the first few days, we would play with him for an hour after he pees, but then he wounds up peeing inside, therefore, we decided to have him playing for 30-45 mins. If we noticing him sniffing around during his play time, we would take him outside agian, and he'll pee. Is this okay? Are we socializing him enough. The reason we had him out for an hour the first few days was becasue we wanted him to be properly socialized, but then he kept peeing, so we thought he was out of his crate for too long. I really want him to be house trained, but i also want him to be socialized. And the thing is, we take him out, and he goes pee right away, then i let him romp around a bit just to see if he has anymore peeing/pooing to do, but he takes a while ( he sniffs around), so I assume he doesn't. Take him inside, then (sometimes) 20-30 mins later he pees inside. And how do I make him go on command?? Am I doin this crate traing properly? Another thing, today when I was playing with him, we were playing with his stuff bone, one of his favorite toy ( i think ), like we normally do, the tugging game, and he growled. That scared me. I love the little guy, but when he growl it really freaked me out. Do you think its becasue he was cooped up in his crate more then he was the first few days? or we not socializing him? Or is he turning into an agressive little monster? or is he acting like a normal puppy? And sometimes, when we play, and get a little to crazy, he bites me. I don't know if my hand jsut happened to be there when he opens his mouth, or he actually wanting to bite me. I say no bite, then stop playing with him for a while then continue. Then I put my hand if front of him to see if he would bite me, and he ususally doesn't, he sniffs me, then sometimes give me a lick. I feel lost right now. And it seems like he doesn't listen to me. He's 9 weeks, should I start training him now? stupid question, I know I should..hehehe. Does anyone have any tips on training the basic commands, stay, give, come, no bite, etc.... If anyone can let me know how i'm doing and what i should do, that would be much appreciated!!!!!! Thanks!! Sorry, its so looooonng!
apprehensive5 Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 24 Rep Power: 0

07-09-2005, 01:27 AM	#4 (permalink)
*Cassiepeia* Chihuahua Mum Super Moderator Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: NSW, Australia Posts: 8,281 Blog Entries: 9 Rep Power: 284	As far as biting goes...he's 9 weeks old so that's perfectly natural. The growling is probably just him playing, not aggression. Pups (and adult dogs) growl when they play with each other too. When he bites you, yelp like it really hurt (even if it doesn't), wait a few seconds and then give him something appropriate to chew on and praise him when he does. Sit is the easiest command to teach a dog. Take a treat (something he doesn't normally eat, like chicken or liver etc..) and get his attention. He'll probably try to jump up to grab it, when he does just pull it away don't say anything. Then when he's calm, hold the treat over his nose and say "Sit" (once only) as you move the treat over his head. He'll naturally follow the treat, tilting his head back and automatically sit down. As soon as his bum hits the ground, give him the treat and praise him. It'll take a little while if he's really excited about the treat, but be patient and he'll have it in no time at all. Cass.
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07-09-2005, 12:37 AM	#2 (permalink)
Peanuts Mini Schnauzer Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Western Canada Posts: 72 Rep Power: 0	I admit. I didn't read every last detail but form what I got, you are doing everything right. When Schroeder was at this stage, I remember thinking, "What am I doing wrong?" Probably the best rule of thumb is take him for a pee after playing, sleeping, eating, drinking, if he continues to have accidents in the house. I would nto be overly concerned about the growl, if it did not 'come from his belly'. From what you are saying, I am assuming it was a play growl, with no harm done. If you have ever listend to a litter of young puppies, you will notice they will often play growl with each other. In my opinion it is like little kids showing off their 'big muscles'. Stopping the play after he bites you (whether intentional or not), is the correct thing to do. When Schroeder would 'nip', I would say loudly, to slightly startle him, "OW!", and then turn away with the toy and not play for a minute or two to stress the point that playtime is not rough. Others will be able to help more but hopefully this makes sence. Last thing. Have more confidence in yourself, you are doing a great job .

07-09-2005, 01:04 AM	#3 (permalink)
Barrett dachshund Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Washington Posts: 2,758 Rep Power: 156	I only used the crate / play pen for night time and when I couldn't keep 100% attention on my pups like when I was on the phone, taking a shower, cleaning the house etc. Sometimes I used the crate / play pen when I just needed a 10 minute break, puppy watching can be tiring! Other than that my pups were out and playing and sleeping on me. I kept a hawks eye on my pup while she was investigating the house and playing and when it looked like she needed to go I would take her to her potty place. I put her on a leash and gave the command " go potty". I said it over and over in an encouraging voice until she went. Always give tons of praise " good potty " and a small treat immediately afterwards. Now you can let your pup off leash to play, play, play! You might want to buy a few books on how to train in obedience or sign up for a puppy training class. The classes are awesome and they are great for socializing. Your trainer can answer any questions you have and they teach you how to train your pup.

07-10-2005, 09:56 AM	#5 (permalink)
Liz Olde English Bulldogge Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Minneapolis, MN USA Posts: 82 Rep Power: 80	First of all congratulations on your puppy!!! It seems like you are doing the crate training correctly. Are you home during the day? It sounds like it from what you wrote. I don't think it's necessary to keep him in the crate while you're home, but maybe you're just trying to get him used to it (?). Like Brit said, I think it's important to take him out after he sleeps, plays, eats, and drinks. Does he drink a lot of water after you play with him and before you put him in the crate? How does he do at night? does he make it through the night? Maybe he pees in the crate during the day because you play with him and then he drinks a lot of water before going in. As far as the growling, I agree with everyone else, I wouldn't be too concerned. I think the important thing to remember is that 9 weeks is very young. I wouldn't expect him to be fully housetrained for a couple months yet. Every dog is different, but I don't think most puppies that young can hold their bladders for very long. One last thing. How often does he pee. From your post it seems like quite a bit. Have you ruled out a UTI? Just a thought. Anyway good luck with your puppy. The next couple months will probably be stressful, but remember, things do get better!!

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