I have an 8 week old Rough Coat Collie (Lassie dog). My husband and I both work full time so we are trying to crate train her. We have tried several different things and nothing seems to work. We have kept her in our bedroom and that didn't work, put her beside our bed, that didn't work I think because our bed is really high. Given her praise and treats while putting her in her crate and now we are to the point of putting her in another room because we just need some sleep. What other options should I try and usually how long does crate training take?

How long/often do you have her in the crate for?

Is it all night and then all day while you are at work?

You probably aren't going to like my suggestion but you might want to try sleeping on a mattress on the floor next to the crate for a night or two. I find this settles down even the whingiest of dogs.

You have to remember that you puppy has gone from being surrounded by brothers, sisters and its mother to being thrown into a home where it doesn't know anyone and is being kept alone in a crate.

It's a scary time for them and it can take a while to adjust.

She is in her crate from 10:00 pm - 5:30 am and then from 7:30 am - 12:10 pm, and then from 12:44 pm to 4:30 pm.

She has made an accident only 2 times while in her crate. She has been doing really well on the potty training point of view. I will try the "sleeping on her level and see what happens.

That poor baby is in a crate for more than 12 hours a day :( :( :(

I don't want to finger point,I don't want to lecture.. and you'll probably hate what I have to say.

But...

You obvious don't have time for a puppy. Babies cannot be left in a crate for 12+ hours a day. That puppy sleeps, eats and spends its day in the crate. How would you feel if you had to sit in a room with little to no entertainment? You'd get restless, go crazy and complain every bit if you had to continue to stay in the small room.

Find other alternatives besides leaving the dog home alone for 8 hours a day (and no, coming home for lunch does not count as spending time with the dog). Look into doggy daycares. Ask neighbors to watch the dog.. Worse case scenario, give the dog up to someone who has the time for a puppy. An adult dog may do OK in your situation. There are a lot of house trained dogs in shelters and rescue that need good homes.

You're creating separation anxiety. This puppy needs to be around people, not locked up all day. I know you work, but you should have put more thought into purchasing this puppy.

Do you leave small children in a room all by themselves? Or do you find a baby sitter? This pup is no different.

You're not going to like the results of this situation. Your dog is going to become needy and dispise the crate completely!

Please don't turn this pup into a box baby. Dogs are not created to be by themselves, especially small puppies. Right now is crucial!

Please make the right choice for the DOG... do not base any decision on you wanting to have a puppy, you obviously don't have time for an 8 week old puppy.

Plucky, I'm afraid I'm going to have to enter the discussion on Lucky's side. Collies as a breed tend to be fairly needy regardless of their upbringing and this puppy's schedule sounds like it will grow up to be neurotically so.

I'm certain she's absolutely adorable, all 8 week old puppies are, but please consider getting an older dog that will enjoy a crate and a dry house, like a shelter dog that was caught outdoors.

I can understand that that is a long time in a crate, but they do have to potty train some how. Once I can trust her to not tear up anything then I will let her stay out of her crate. Unless you are a collie breed expert then I don't think you really know. I even spoke with a vet that said that is fine with the way I am handling it. The collie breed is a very intelligent breed and once a routine is in place they will go dormant during the day while I am at work. Straight from the mouth of a vet.

I know I am not the only person who works and has a puppy to potty train and crate train, so I really don't appreciate the lecturing. I asked a question, so either stick to the question or don't respond.

My family and I are very active and give the puppy plenty of attention and exercise when we are home. I researched this breed for several months before I purchased her and found that the collie was the perfect breed for our situation. And raising from a puppy was best for our situation because we have a young daughter and want to raise them together instead of going to a shelter and adopting an older dog with behavioral issues. Plus I know several people with collies and went over these issues before hand as well, so no I am not misinformed about the breed.

And yes coming home for my lunch does help, another thing straight from the mouth of a vet and several owners I know who have collies.

And just an update on how the crate training has been going, it has actually been going great. I took off one day to work with her and now she is sleeping through the night with no accidents or whining. And enjoys her crate very much, when she doesn't want to play anymore and wants to take a nap she goes right into her crate and lays down. She has no anxiety issues, she doesn't cry when I put her in her crate. And when she is not in her crate she is not clingy and stir crazy she acts just like a normal happy puppy.

. I asked a question, so either stick to the question or don't respond.

What makes you think we aren't responding to the question? We're just giving you answers you don't want to hear.

As for "Expert" status, I've already got two forums to moderate, putting up with people who want a dog only when they want it isn't my cup of tea.

I have no problem with her now she is doing well with crate training. Answering a question only takes a few sentences not a few paragraph lecture into why I jumped the gun, which I didn't. I do plan on putting her in doggy daycare which I have had planned before I even purchased my dog however, she is not old enough yet. She can go through the behavioral exam for admissions once she receives her next round of shots which is in 2 weeks.

All I have done is ask a question, but instead it seems the only people wanting to answer are trying to insult, and degrade me when they haven't even asked me all the right questions. I am not here to argue so please don't reply with negativity because I will not respond.

I will be giving this dog undeniable love for the rest of her life and bring her up in an active and loving home.

When old enough to go to daycare she will go, I am not stupid or naïve about the situation I was just wanting temporary help and help to make it though the night. But I got the help I needed and now it is done.

Mission Accomplished everyone!

Well then continue to leave your puppy home alone for 10 hours a day locked up in the crate. That's perfectly fine.

That's great that you're considering doggy daycare. However, that isn't helping the fact that your pup needs to be socialized NOW.. not in a few weeks or months.

If you're not happy with the response given, then I do apologize. Ask any type of dog trainer.. you'll more than likely get the same response.

The dog is in a crate too long. Too many behaviors develop because of being crated too long.

And no, coming home for lunch doesn't count as anything.

I'm so glad that you know it all and are asking for advise that you don't want to hear. Train your dog the way you feel fit, but don't complain when advise given is not what you want.

How to crate train a dog for the working person? Its called hiring someone to take care of your dog while you're gone. To ensure that your dog is being cared for the proper way, not locked up all day long.

I run a rescue. We get puppies in all the time.. We deny people like you every day. People who work 8 + hours a day just isn't a healthy environment for a PUPPY.

I work 8+ hours a day. I know damn well I can't get a puppy right now. There is just not enough hours in the day for me to train a puppy, socialize a puppy and so on. If I don't have that time, and I am an dog person that will do anything for my dogs, then I know that you for a FACT you don't have the time or energy.

Good luck with your dog. I really do hope for the best. Yet, I still feel sorry for this puppy. Puppies are not meant to sit by themselves for hours on end. You're going to create a psychological mess.

But what do I know :)

Oh, and.. not every rescue dog has issues.. That's pure myth. So how about you get your facts straight before you lecture me ;)

I asked a question and got the response that helped me. Thank you shazamataz for giving me advice. Advice that worked great.

And yes Lucky098 what do you know. As I said I am not the only one who has had a puppy and worked full time. Please stop the preaching. Advise is fine but ridicule is not accepted.

Yeah I guess coming home letting a puppy out to use the bathroom, feed them, play and get there tummy scratched for a break between crate session doesn't help at all. (COMPLETE EXAGGERATION)

I know not every dog has issues this isn't the first dog I have been around but I don't want to risk it when I have a toddler, if you had any kids hopefully you would understand this.

Lucky098 are you a member because you like helping or is this just a place where you like to come and start arguments because you life is missing something?

I like helping people.

In the real world, I'm a dog trainer.

My life revolves around my dogs. When my dog was little, she was never home alone. I had a good network of people to watch my dog so she didn't have to sit in a crate.

I'm not arguing with you. Its your choice to do what you do. No one is going to tell you otherwise.

Like I said, I run a rescue. I get in a lot of dogs that, as puppies, were locked in a crate while the owner was at work with the best intentions. Didn't work out.

And pluckyflamingo, I'm not missing out on anything in life :) My life is quite enjoyable... Maybe not today because I'm sick, but for the most part, I'm happy. I don't come on here to argue. You're the one starting this argument trying to DEGRADE me and my knowledge because a vet told you you are doing OK.

Telling you that its UNHEALTHY to keep a puppy locked up for 12+ hours a day is my advise to you. Puppies will be puppies for up to a 1 year of age. Its rare that a young dog is aloud to roam the house free for 12+ hours a day without destroying anything.

Once this dog reaches a good age, I do hope you are willing to give it good exercise. In fact, you should be enrolling in some type of puppy class right now. The trainer will be able to help you with any of the problems that may pop up. And I'm sorry, but a trainer will also tell you that locking a puppy up for a long period is wrong.

I'm an advocate for the dogs. I speak when they cant. I could really care less about you. Like I said, I feel sorry for this puppy :(

And that's fine, I understood you the first 5 times you said you feel sorry for the puppy and she shouldn't be in a cage for 12+ hours. But for now it is working fine until she goes to daycare. We live right by a dog park so she will be well socialized and walks/runs are a big thing for our family, exercise is not a problem. And yes her first puppy class is this Saturday had it set up before I even got her. And that's great if the trainer says its too long but it still isn't going to change anything for the time being. Thank you for your advice but I really think this thread is over. All it will do is waste time out of both of our lives.

pluckyflamingo disagrees : I am very sorry but you do not know much of the collie breed

Please review the terms of service and usage guidelines for the "agree/disagree" feature on this website.

I admit I am not as familiar with Collies as I am with Dobermans, English Setters, German Shorthaired Pointers, Corgis, Scotties, and Rottweilers. I do, however, know what Collie breeders have told me for the last half-century, which is that Collies need to be socialized early and need a lot of attention from their trainer.

And mine will be well socialized, thanks for that thought. Doggie daycare, puppy classes, daily walks/runs, and dog park play time and of course a loving family. I think that looks like more than what most puppies get.

And mine will be well socialized, thanks for that thought. Doggie daycare, puppy classes, daily walks/runs, and dog park play time and of course a loving family. I think that looks like more than what most puppies get.

I do hope that these early formative weeks in solitary don't scar the pup emotionally, then. Good luck.

Well its going to have to work. Thanks for all you informative help everyone.

Something to think about..

When running a young dog forced (on leash) you can actually damage ligements. There may not be any problems now, but later in life those problems with arise.

I'd stick to walks. If the dog wants to run, let him run on his own. Don't force it by running with the dog on leash. At least not for the first year.

I would still see about having a neighbor or a friend take the dog for a couple days out of the week until doggy daycare is an option.


Good Luck

Yeah I never force her, really right now I am just getting her familiar with a leash, lots of supervised play with the leash on her and right now all we do is walk in front of our house and by then she's done and just wants to play, we are pretty much letting her explore and just have some fun for now.

I am checking with my boss Monday (he's already gone for the day) about maybe letting me bring her after lunch. We are a relaxed office so it shouldn't be to big of a problem plus my coworkers will love her. But we will see. I don't have any neighbors I know or friends that don't work the same hours I do, so as I said we will see what my boss has to say.

I am checking with my boss Monday (he's already gone for the day) about maybe letting me bring her after lunch. We are a relaxed office so it shouldn't be to big of a problem plus my coworkers will love her. But we will see. I don't have any neighbors I know or friends that don't work the same hours I do, so as I said we will see what my boss has to say.

That sounds great. From many things I have read and seen, animals in the workplace can actually increase productivity and, of course, raise morale.

One thing to be concerned about though is that she is very young right now teething is still a couple of months away. Keep in mind that when she starts getting irritated by new teeth pushing out old ones, she may not be as accepting of life as she is right now. It may also make her a distraction in the office during that time.

By the way, what does your daughter think of the puppy? :)

That would be awesome if you could take your pup to work! Not only will the dog not be along all day, but she would learn how to behave around strange people.

I took my pup with me to work every day! She only really stayed with me max. 3 hours until my boyfriend came and got her, but the older she got, the longer I kept her. It really did help with the people thing. She's very friendly. Not rude (jumping on people).

Always keep in mind once the pup gets older, that a well socialized dog is not a dog that necessarily need to be friendly towards other dogs or people, but how well behaved and "in control" the dog is while around other dogs and people. So if you can take her to work, GREAT! If not.. just try your hardest to take her everywhere you possibly can.

Also, I'd like to apologize for jumping down your throat. Although I still don't agree with crating for that long of time, it really does seem like you're giving it a honest effort. I've just seen one to many dogs fall victim the "puppy in a box" for its entire puppyhood. And yes, I do realized that the first three letters in assume are A$$.. and I do apologize for being one.

If you have any problems in the future, feel free to ask. I'll try my hardest to help you out. I just want this situation to be successful.. and once again, I really am glad you're doing doggy daycare! You have no idea how many people refuse to do it! :) :)

I didn't read all the posts, don't have time.

I just want to mention that I am familiar with collies, I have a border collie, he was a rescue at 4 months of age, he is now 8 years old. They are a very intelligent breed, but also a very active breed. If you fail to exercise them, fail to give them intellectual stimulation then you're asking for trouble.

The rule for crating is one hour per month of age. An 8 week old puppy should be crated no more then 2 hours during the day. That's straight from my vet and my friend the dog trainer.

I understand that it's hard to get a puppy and work full time, that's why I'd never recommend a puppy to someone that cannot take the time to socialize and train it. An older dog (1 year) would have been better suited to your lifestyle, but it's too late now.

Can someone come by during the day in order to let the puppy out, play with it, take it for a walk? That would be the best bet until the pup is old enough for doggy daycare.

Good luck.

My daughter just adores her. They get along really well and play great together. The puppy just won't leave her side.

My daughter just adores her. They get along really well and play great together. The puppy just won't leave her side.

That's very common for any breed of dog at that age. At this stage in the puppy's life it hasn't yet reached sexual maturity and the potential for aggression if it's herding instinct isn't met. This can change in a heart beat if the dogs needs (not food and shelter) aren't being met.

My fear is that once your dog reaches adulthood, if she's still crated 12 hours a day and not allowed to do what her breed needs to do, she will become aggressive.

This breed has a lot of energy. They need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation or they will snap. It's not a breed recommended for families with small children and it's not a breed that will adapt to a sedentary lifestyle. That's why it's important to get a dog that will fit your lifestyle, your energy level and the amount of time you can spend with the dog has to be considered when choosing a breed.

If this situation doesn't change then I fear you will have a very dangerous situation on your hands within a few months at most.

Please read my other comments first, if you did you would know that my dog was going to start doggie daycare which she is in now and my daughter and puppy are fine and will be fine.

Our dog is getting much stimulation and yes our dog does not herd and that is very common if she is being stimulated WHICH SHE IS. I am very knowledgeable about the breed thank you.

This breed is for families and for families with small children THAT IS WHY WE PICKED HER. Read any book or info online and they are great with children. They love regular exercise, but don't need the vigorous amount like a Labrador Retriever needs. Collies definitely appreciate regular “mellow time” around the house. And have been known to do well in apartments for being such a large breed.

Not that, that is my case because we are active people, she gets plenty of exercise so please don't comment on that I need to watch out for my kid because she will snap at any moment. Read through my comments and see what kind of person I am before you assume I am a moron and don't care of my child's safety and my dogs well being.

Just an FYI -- Puppies will not exhibit the breeds natural behaviors until well past 2yrs. Even at that time, the behaviors can change.

Puppies are like kids.. except they go through the preteen/teenager stages in hyper-drive. In fact, I have a "14 year old" right now :) Obnoxious! But I love her

Not to mention, any dog exhibiting aggression, will only continue to get more aggressive until age 3.

Just an FYI -- Puppies will not exhibit the breeds natural behaviors until well past 2yrs. Even at that time, the behaviors can change.

Puppies are like kids.. except they go through the preteen/teenager stages in hyper-drive. In fact, I have a "14 year old" right now :) Obnoxious! But I love her

I have a teenager at the moment... The worst part about Chinese Cresteds is that they get teenage acne! :eek: It's finally clearing up but people look at him in town and just give that "face" :rolleyes: And people wonder why I don't want to have children :p