Re: Crating & Aggression

In Reply to: Crating & Aggression
Category:   Other
Posted by:  Lara
Posted on:  February 25, 2002 at 19:32:17

: Hello,

: I have just received a JRT for my birthday. He is 8 weeks old and quite the little devil. I have started to crate him since the moment he has come into my home, and he seems to be quite adjusted to it. But how long can I leave him in there. Currently I come home on my lunch hour and walk him and play with him, but I cannot do this every day. Also should I be leaving treats and water in there?
: Secondly, he does not want to be crated at night time when I go to sleep, so I've been taking him to bed with me. Is this okay?
: Finally my last question is this, my little guy is starting to nip and I give him the two minute time outs
: but it doesn't seem to be working. Do you have any other suggestions?

: Thank-you in advance for answering these questions.

: Lara

Response:

Hi Lara,

It's great you have your pup well started on crate training, as he gets older you will reap benefits from the work you are putting in today.

You don't mention how long you are gone during the day but it would be great if you could get someone else to come in and do what you are doing when you can't. Asking a dog to sit in a cage for 8 or more hours a day is a tall order.

Leaving treats and water in his crate at this age will only set back your housebreaking efforts. A puppy metabolism is something to behold and what goes in quickly comes back out. Then you will have the problem of crate soiling which is a hard habit to break.

If you are feeding your pup several small meals a day, that should be adequate. In fact I don't recommend treat giving at all while housebreaking a dog.

Letting your little guy sleep with you is perfectly acceptable as long as you realize that he will soon make sure this is a permanent routine. If you can accept the fact you will always have him as a bed partner then there's no problem.

As far as the nipping, consistency and will-power are the key to success. If 2 minute time-outs aren't working make them a bit longer and make sure he is totally isolated...don't be peeking and checking on him. Make a puppy-proof place for him. I wouldn't use his crate for the time out because he may end up viewing the crate as punishment.