Hello all! Our 17 week old Havanese completed a 2 week board and stay training program about a week ago that was focused on socialization, crate training, potty training (bell ringing for outside), and basic commands. We opted to do this because we live in an apartment and every time we put her in her crate she would scream bloody murder. Plus, she would pee and or poop in there too. She also was completely fixated on me as well as constantly biting me. Very frustrating. So, we sent her to puppy summer camp. I missed that little girl more than I knew I could! We were so happy to get her back! The trainer said she did great with her crate training, only crying for a few minutes when put in and then completely settled down. She was in it primarily at night. A little during day. She learned a lot. She rings the bell by the door to be let out now, and has only had a few accidents in the house. She learned her basic commands really well and that’s helped some biting issues as well as her focus on me alone. The only issue is that she still barks and whines about being put in the crate. I work outside the home as does my husband during the day. We have her in there from about 8:15 to 1 (at latest) and then from 1:30 to 5:30 (at latest). I come home at lunch every day and take her out several times and we play. She doesn’t have accidents in there but it takes her about a half hour in the mornings to settle down and then the afternoon she is seriously restless and intermittently barks and whines throughout the afternoon. I give her a teething toy with peanut butter on it and a few little pieces of cheese to get her in there as well as her favorite toy. She also has food and water as well. Once she’s out of her crate, she’s out for the evening. She sleeps in bed with us with no problems at all beyond a wake up call to go out every now and again.
I want her to be able to be in the crate when she needs to be. So she needs to get used to it but I also don’t want a pup full of nervous energy. She’s anxious for about an hour after we get home. I was thinking maybe since she does better in the mornings, continue doing that and then the afternoons put her in the playpen with a little more room? The only reason I hesitate to do that is she’s a poop eater. I guess she’ll just get a good teeth brushing everyday. 😂 We do have a playpen already but we have an older dog who likes to shove it in Dahl’s face that she gets to be out while Dahl doesn’t. If we put her in the play pen, there isn’t a place in the apartment to separate them without my carpet being in danger of accidents. Any advise? Do I keep plugging along with the crate? Should I get her some calming treats? I love her to pieces and don’t want a completely neurotic dog!
I want her to be able to be in the crate when she needs to be. So she needs to get used to it but I also don’t want a pup full of nervous energy. She’s anxious for about an hour after we get home. I was thinking maybe since she does better in the mornings, continue doing that and then the afternoons put her in the playpen with a little more room? The only reason I hesitate to do that is she’s a poop eater. I guess she’ll just get a good teeth brushing everyday. 😂 We do have a playpen already but we have an older dog who likes to shove it in Dahl’s face that she gets to be out while Dahl doesn’t. If we put her in the play pen, there isn’t a place in the apartment to separate them without my carpet being in danger of accidents. Any advise? Do I keep plugging along with the crate? Should I get her some calming treats? I love her to pieces and don’t want a completely neurotic dog!