i just got a beagle/chihuahua puppy from an animal shelter and am trying to crate train her. Whenever we leave the house she poops in her crate and cries and barks non-stop. she is quiet and happy in the crate when we are home. We've tried making her 'party bags' with toys and snacks rolled into a bag that she has to tear open-that stops her from crying initially but she still makes. We've tried giving her one of my t-shirts-she pooped on it. we leave the radio on loud enough so that she shouldn't hear people coming and going which might upset her. She poops within 5 minutes of us leaving. We've worked on leaving and coming right back, but so far, nothing has worked. We come home every 2.5 hours to walk her - she can hold it for longer when we're home so that can't be the problem. How do I get her over the stress??? help!

Gernald

Try getting her a toy or some bones to chew on while you're away. It may help take her mind off of you leaving. As for going in the cage, how old is she a few weeks or months? It may be that she is too young to hold it, try to find a neighbor that can come over and let her out if you're leaving for long periods of time.
Overall, Chiuahua's a very sociable dogs, they just like to be around people. Try making the crate seem like a safe, wonderful place and she will grow to love it over time.

peggyhill

She will most likely get over it as she gets older. Maybe she is still starving for attention after being at the shelter. It took my dog a couple months to get used to us leaving for work, but he's ok with it now. He always barks a little when we are getting ready to leave, but not like before. Another thing you could try is to take on old shirt or blanket that has your smell on it and put it in the crate with the puppy. Maybe if she smells something familiar, she will calm down. Hope this helps!

labman

Having read your question, I am not going suggest what you say isn't working. You are right, it is the stress of begin left shut up alone. I have had good luck with leaving 7 week olds 4-5 hours in a crate with few accidents. Since Saturday, our Xanthe is 5 for 5 for making it over night. Surely the shelter didn't let you have a puppy much younger than that.

Unfortunately much of what works in some cases, isn't working for you. Since I have never had the problem, I can't give you what worked for me. Nor is it in my Puppy Raising Manual. In the sticky at http://www.askmehelpdesk.com/dogs/in...tml#post251802 I talk about laying down in from of the crate and using a grid in it. They may help some. I am sure the problem comes from poor care before you got her. My manual does give ways of bonding and showing leadership which should help reduce the stress.

''Elevation for small puppies: Sit on the floor and gently put your hands around your pup's middle, below his front legs, and lift him up. He is facing you. Hold him for 15 seconds. Repeat until he no longer struggles. If he is past 10-12 weeks, lift his front feet off the ground, but don't pick him up.

Cradling for small puppies: Hold your puppy gently on his back, as you would cradle a small baby. If he struggles, hold him firmly until he quiets for 10-15 seconds. With larger pups, you can do this as your sit on the floor, with your pup between your legs.

Quiet lying down: Place your pup on the floor on his side, with all 4 legs pointing away from you. Use your hands on his neck/shoulder area and middle, to hold him in this position. When he is quiet, praise him. Lengthen the time that you keep him quietly in this position. When he accepts this position well, handle his paws and muzzle, while keeping him quiet.''

The quotes mean this isn't my original work. It is copied from my Puppy Raising Manual. I have long used these or minor variations of them, and they are very effective. You may want to give him a belly rub while he is on his back too. Helps bonding. There is a big difference between him rolling over and demanding a belly rub, and you choosing a time to roll him over and rub his belly. The latter cements your place as pack leader.

You could also talk to the vet about medication. It could buy time for her to develop trust in you and enjoying a clean crate.