Re: Too Late for Crate Training?

Posted by: Heather Reid
Posted on: November 29, 2001 at 20:14:15

In Reply to: Too Late for Crate Training?
Posted by: Tami Holloman
Posted on: November 29, 2001 at 17:41:55

Question:

: My husband and I have an 11-month-old male Jack Russell Terrier named Brinkley. We failed on the crate training when we first got him and I am wondering if it's too late to start over. The reason we gave up was because at night, he'd constantly cry leaving me with no sleep (my husband works nights). Plus, I want him to sleep with me (he's the most affectionate dog I've EVER had). We didn't completely give up then, though. We continued with the training whenever we were away from the house. However, he urinates and deficates inside, which then gets all over him. When we finally gave up on the crate, we tried, unsuccessfully, to block him in the kitchen. Each time he found a way out, so eventually, just like we're not supposed to do, we let him have the run of the house. That left us coming home to disaster, so I bought a muzzle to put on him while we're away. He no longer tears things up, but he is so sad when it comes time to put it on. On occasion, he'll also deficate in a certain spot. My husband thinks it's cruel to use a muzzle. We can't leave him in the backyard because he easily jumps the fence. I don't know what else to do. My husband and I have only been married for one year, so Brinkley's like our very first child and we love him to death, so giving him up is not an option. Could you please advise me on how to handle this situation? Your help will be very much appreciated!

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Hi Tami,
I have crate trained several dogs older than yours with success. A lot of the time, it's easier with older dogs than with puppies.
I would just go back to the very beginning, as if your dog were a baby. Two key things to remember: 1) crating for long periods of time (more than 3-4 hours at first with an adult) won't work. When he's gotta go, he's gotta go, so get him out often or expect a mess in the crate. 2) EXERCISE. Can't stress this one enough. If he is well exercised, he will be less likely to be destructive and out of control. Muzzling is not fair; I have to side with your husband on this one. He's destructive because he has to get his energy out somehow. If he's exercised well and crated for short periods, you shouldn't be having any of these problems. Crating alone will not help.
Hang in there! The efforts that you'll make will be well worth your time!
Heather