The Crate ?'s

[Doxie Lover]

Well everyone I'm getting a mini dachshund tuesday. I'm new to the crate thing, I know the first night will be the worst. Got any dos and donts just for the 1st night.

Just planning a head of time.

[Shay]

congrats on your new arrival, is it a puppy or an older dog? i wish i knew the magical dos and don'ts, but after two yrs of being owned by doxies, i still don't know what works the best. crates are a good tool and have their place, be patient no matter what techniques you try. if it's a puppy, holding them in the middle of your chest so they can hear or feel your heartbeat; seems to be a good puppy comforter. good luck. shay

[Krista]

Do put the crate in your bedroom at night if you can. I put my Roscoe's Crate on top of a big rubbermaid tote by my bedside. That raised his door up high enough that he could see me while he was crated at night. It really seems to help when they know they are not alone.

Don't take them out of the crate when they are whining. It just reinforces that bad behavior.

Do give them a SAFE toy in their crate.

Do keep the crate where you spend most of your time during the day. When you are home and the the pupper is out playing with you, leave the crate open so they can go in and out as they please.

Do Praise them anytime they willingly go in the crate.

Don't buy a crate that is too big if you are using it as a housetraining tool. It should be just big enough that the pup can stand up, turn around, and lie down in.

Do keep up hope. It does get better http://dachsie.org/ubb/smilies/wink.gif