Ask Me Help Desk - Crate for eight week old Dachshund.

My eight week old dachshund is home alone for a few hours at a time. She constantly yelps and whines when in the crate. I was wondering if it is normal for the first week or how long for her to react this way. Also I was wondering how to treat her when first removing her from her crate. Basically any crate/puppy info would help. Thanks :)

The yelping may continue for a few weeks. She misses Mom and her siblings. She's not use to being alone. Don't worry, each week it will get better. Some have tried using a radio playing soft music at night and when you are away from home. You can try an electric heating pad in the kennel, it simulates the warmness felt while cuddling with Mom, but if she's chewing on everything in sight it's probably not a good idea. As far as letting her out of the crate, I've had the best success with this. Don't express emotion towards the dog until after you're both outside. When opening the crate say "outside" and head straight for the door. Go outside with her on a leash and take her to your preferred potty area. Tell her to "Go potty". Praise her for relieving herself outside and in the designated area. We use the phrase "Go potty" for both big and little jobs. Remember, be consistent with your commands and actions. Once this routine is becoming more natural you can begin trying other commands. Just remember, try not to teach too many commands too quickly. Again, be consistent. Soon both you and your new best friend will have a dry kennel and hopefully an understanding of who's in charge.

She also needs to know that her crate isn't punishment. Feed her in her cage, give her toys that she can play with. She needs to associate her cage with good things. You can put her in there while you're home too so that she realizes this. Give her treats when she sits quietly in her cage. Try not to let her out if she's crying because then she will think that crying gets her out of the cage.

Also, dogs have the natural instinct to be "cave dwellers" In the wild, they will eat in their caves, but do not usually go potty there. So feeding your little one in their kennel will make it so they feel more comfortable being in there and will hopefully keep the kennel clean. It will not feel like a punishment if they do more in it than just sit there all day. The way that worked best for us was to feed/water in the kennel before work, go potty outside a few times, then back to the kennel for the time we are gone. Then feed/water again after we get home, then sleep in the kennel most of the time. I know that sounds like a lot of time in the kennel, but we now keep the kennel door open while eating, but our yorkies still choose to eat there, so the other isn't "stealing" its food/water. But we are also not gone for long. It will take some trial and error to find what is best for you and your dog. Good luck! I agree, the yelping will get better, I too think that it is from learning to be alone.

You need to get her used to her crate. Don't just put her in there while you are gone. Put her in there while normal everyday activities are going on also. Also, how big is her crate? Don't put her in a crate that is too big for her. I realise that she is tiny right now, but some people think that giving them a huge crate is better for them. It's not. It needs to feel like a den. Just enough room for your dog to turn around in, makes them feel safe. Right now it's best to get a size that will fit her when she's full grown.

You also have to watch HOW you leave the house when you are going out. Don't say things in an excited voice like "you'll be okay...we'll be home soon!!!" Instead, don't say a word. Just leave. No words.

Also, when you return. No excitement, no words. Walk right in and put away your groceries or whatever you are doing. Do not let her out if she is excited! Wait until she calms right down. You aren't hurting her feelings. Dogs live in the moment.

Hopefully, in a short period, she will realise that the crate is her haven.

Good luck! :)

Thank you for all the wonderful answers so far.

Her crate is a small one, just big enough for her to move around in when she is fully grown. She hasn't gone to the bathroom in it, and I keep two stuffed dog toys in there along with a chew toy. I am moving her crate out of my room, and into the den. I have heard that leaving the radio on AM or putting the TV on helps a dog. Is that true?

Quote:

Originally Posted by KayGates

Thank you for all the wonderful answers so far.

Her crate is a small one, just big enough for her to move around in when she is fully grown. She hasn't gone to the bathroom in it, and I keep two stuffed dog toys in there along with a chew toy. I am moving her crate out of my room, and into the den. I have heard that leaving the radio on AM or putting the tv on helps a dog. Is that true?

I feel it helps to do that. I have my TV or a radio on whenever I'm home, so I always leave it on when I leave. I've noticed that during the day even when I'm home, if it gets really quiet in here, my dog tends to get a little nervous. But, I've always done it, so she is obviously used to the noise. I do think they pay attention to it though. My dog hears other dogs on TV, and seems to recognise different voices on some programs I tend to watch often, and she will get up, even if she's been sleeping, and move closer to the TV. It seems to calm her, so why not? Sure can't hurt!