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Post by Irena on Apr 3, 2005 9:38:56 GMT 1
Last night was Audry's first night at home. I decided to put her in the crate for a change (the two previous nights having been spent sleeping together on the bed at the hotel). She didn't REALLY like the idea. Since I knew she was crate trained at the breeder's, I decided not to do anything at all - I just ignored her wimpering. And what do you know, she settled down really quickly, curled up and went to sleep. Then at some point (I was still awake, at the computer) she got up and started barking to be let out, but again I ignored it (kind of hard at almost 1 a.m. and neighbours in the surrounding apartments!) but it was WELL worth it. Since they say that negative attention (?) is also SOME attention, I didn't say anything at all. (Maybe a "hush" once.) She settled down on her own really quickly, and slept through the night. Just thought I'd share this now that I am having to implement anything I've ever read or heard into real life with my puppy.
And yes, I REALLY wanted for her to sleep in my bed, but I know that it won't always be possible, and she must be used to staying on her own, and I also don't want her to get herself into any trouble if she got up earlier than me, so I decided to let her sleep by herself. (Big sigh)
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Post by moonbeam on Apr 6, 2005 12:55:03 GMT 1
Well done Irena. It's soooo hard to ignore them when you first bring them home. It will be well worth it in the long run when you know you can leave her in the crate safe, secure and happy.
Mariy
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Post by addicted2weims on Sept 21, 2005 17:31:44 GMT 1
Irena, I think this is a great example of what to do. Smiles. All our Weims sleep in crates in our bedroom. We like them close by, however, it is so great to know they are not getting into anything. And, sometimes they need to be crated to be safe or for things to be safe. Crate training is a good move for most people. I know some people are able to use gates and whatnot but we like training the Weims to sleep in their crates. I have my art studio gated but the Weims have the run of the house mostly. Smiles. I think I get more questions about crate training than almost anything. Most people simply cannot get through the initial training stage. They rescue the pup and then it becomes twice as much work. Smiles
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Post by chuckyegg on Mar 21, 2007 12:59:48 GMT 1
wat is crate training for? just to let the puppy sleep? i'm getting my pup in four weeks and ive told my mum about crate training but she doesnt seem convinced, i think she thinks it will be more hastle than its worth, anyone have any insight on this?
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Post by marjolein on Mar 21, 2007 15:55:02 GMT 1
A crate is to prefend the pup damaging your house when you're not there.
Preventing is better than sorting issues out when it's too late.
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sian
Junior
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Posts: 214
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Post by sian on Mar 21, 2007 16:52:03 GMT 1
In short, Roxanne, I think a crate is the only way to keep sane, if you have a puppy in the house! (And I say that with a 10.5 week old puppy asleep at my feet!). At night, whether the crate is in your bedroom, or elsewhere in the house, you know that your puppy can't be chewing at wiring, tearing down curtains, climbing onto - then falling off - sofas.... the list is endless of the mischief they can get up to! Have you tried to sweep the floor when your puppy decides that the brush is to be stalked and pounced on? Pop them in their crate for 5 mins; they have a doze, you have a clean floor, and your blood-pressure hasn't risen to dangerous levels !  |
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Post by chuckyegg on Mar 21, 2007 17:12:06 GMT 1
lol nice way of putting it sian. wat about wen the pup gets older? do u carry on having a crate? or will they have learnt by then not to chew or just calmed down a slight bit
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tasha
Proper addict
Posts: 1,109
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Post by tasha on Mar 21, 2007 17:15:47 GMT 1
yes mine is four and is still crate trained mainly due to space and the puppy but its much easier all round and they are happy but she does have one the that is enormous (for a great dane) and chooses to go in it herself Crate training is ideal for when they get injured and you have to restrict them, when you need to go out and don't want them getting up to mischief. There are definitely benefits to it but it is not the answer to everything. |
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Post by weima on Mar 21, 2007 17:20:01 GMT 1
I have a crate up all the time for my dogs. They can go into it whenever they want during the day & sleep in it. I have a cover over mine so it is their little den & they love it.
If you use a crate, then when you go out, pop the pup in & you come back to a house that has not been destroyed. Believe me a Weimaraner can do a lot of damage in a short space of time!
Toilet training is also easier if you use a crate as animals generally don't like to mess in their own space.
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sian
Junior
what shall we play next?
Posts: 214
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Post by sian on Mar 21, 2007 17:31:23 GMT 1
We kept Cassie's carte up for the 7 years we lived in our UK house. Even as an adult, she would go in there when she wanted to feel "safe" (e.g. every Monday morning, when Bradley was getting ready to fly to Belgium, she would go to the back of the crate, and curl up, watching us).  Since I moved to Belgium, we haven't put it up (although it is always used when we go to stay with family). Now Izzy has arrived, it's out, and in regular use!! I can see that we'll probably keep it out at least for the next 6-8 months. Then we'll see how things are going.... The crate certainly makes toilet training easier. Now that Izzy accepts going into it during the day-time, we've had far fewer accidents! |
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Post by chuckyegg on Mar 21, 2007 17:36:40 GMT 1
so how long do u keep the dog in the crate? do they stay in for a while then u let them out to go to the toilet or eat.... im still a bit confused
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Post by weima on Mar 21, 2007 17:56:38 GMT 1
Over night! And whenever you go out. As soon as you let the pup out though take her outside & she will go to the toilet instantly. I usually carry mine out as baby pups as there is no way they'll keep clean until I get them out!
You can feed the pup in the crate so she recognises it as a nice place to be.
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Post by daniela on Mar 21, 2007 19:19:13 GMT 1
I have two crates and only up until three years ago I had never ever used one. How I ever managed without them, I'll never know.  I cover mine with blankets, they are erect all the time and the doors are left open so they can go inside whenever they wish. Sometimes there are so many visitors to the house (taking up the sofa - how dare they!) that the dogs go and lie in their 'dens'. They love it in there. I also have the really big ones - the size for a Great Dane. |
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Post by Rachel on Mar 21, 2007 20:00:06 GMT 1
We have two large crates, and can not imagine life with out them. I never used to have one at all, but when I brought Woody, his breeder said to me, get a crate you wont look back. Skeptical I brought one and thank goodness I did. Our one crate is just inside our back door and one by one they will go in there dry their feet and then go into the house. We leave the crate door open all the time and sometimes we put a fur throw over the top to make it look more appealing as it dominates my conservatory. The dogs love there den and most happy in there. I always think its awful listening to a puppy howling inside its crate, but if you can ignore it, you reap the rewards later on. I put a large puppy pen up in the conservatory when we have puppies, and this does start to learn them to be in a crate, so it is easier for the new owners when they take a puppy away.
Rachel
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