To crate or not to crate?

Question

OK, as I have stated in other questions. Our 2 month old pug puppy was doing EXCELLENT with his potty training, he always goes outside or on his pads. My hubby and I work from 7 am - 5 pm, and when we get home, surprisingly the puppy has used his pads to potty. But the second we get home, its like hes pi$$ed off at us. He poops and pees everywhere, we cant take him outside, because it is getting really cold and he freaks out and hates going outdoors, he'll just shiver and whine the whole time and won't poop or pee til we get back inside. ANYWAY, I am getting off track, when we leave him home alone he doesn't poop or pee, but he chews everything! I don't know if we'd be able to crate him, because at first we started off with a baby gate in the front hallway to our apartmentl, but he screamed until we took it down 5 hrs later. If we lived in a house, it'd be fine, but we have extremely close neighbors being an apt, and would probably get kicked out if neighbors heard him scream all day

Answer 1

I'd at least give the crate a try. I also live in an apartment complex so I know what you mean about pissing off the neighbors. I crate my puppy (found as a stray) and he cried a lot at first, but now he's better. I didn't get any complaints, but always worried. Good luck.

Answer 2

Yes yes yes crate! He ( I think) feels insecure when you guys get home and he is out and about so he expresses this my eliminating everywhere. I would try to make your homecoming as calm an event a possible. No high pitched loud voices or sloppy kisses ( even though you want to so bad)! Perhaps make a routine of taking him out on a leash for 10++ min every day after you get home. Despite his protests give him a bit of a brisk walk . He'll fuss a lot a first but if you are calm and persist he will come around. If you'd like check out Cesar Milan ( Dog Whisperer). I am a RVT in veterinary hospital and have seen his tools work better than anything else. I think he has some books and videos. Good luck with you pugnacious!

Answer 3

you could crate him but it might get some getting used to on his behalf but start now before he gets to old also can you get a stuffed animal and put the smell of his mommy on it? breeders will often send one with a new pet at the time of purchase it works well to settle the puppys. are you repremanding him for the poop and pee in the house this could be why he wont go outside. even though yu are telling him off he doesnt know that all he knows is he hasnt seen yu all day and when you come home if he poops and pees everywhere you will talk to him maybe carry him etc... take all the poo outside to one spot if you can and show him where to go the shivering is just for show hes a dog! its not that cold he has you wrapped around his little paw lol good luck

ps if he poops pee infront of you try a spray gun to discourage

Answer 4

It's tough being in an apartment.I had the same prob with my lab,now have shihtzu poodle cross.Buddy barked the whole time he was in it and the nieghbours complained.
The problem with the pads in the house is that your're actually telling your pup it's ok to go inside.He may be confused.Is there any way you could get someone to take your pup out at lunch,I did that and it really helped.10 hours is an awfull long time to be holding thier bladder(hence the pads).I would definately keep doing the crate training,any dog is going to whine at first,but never give in.The secret is to allow your pup out once he's settled.Good behavoir is rewarded,whining dogs shouldnt be rewarded by letting them out.
Actually there is an excellent book out there called Dog Perfect second edition by Sarah Hodgson.I got it at chapters.It was very usefull to me,I read the whole thing when my pup was 8wks,she was potty trained at 9wks.A helpfull thing to do is put your pup in crate for a little at a time.She covers it all in this book,
good luck

Answer 5

Crating can be a wonderful thing for not only you and your husband, but for you puppy.
We have 2 dogs, 1 yr. old each, that we crated as soon as we got them. That is their home. They are in there all night and only during the times we are not home. We covered the top and 3 sides. Let your pup explore with it and don't force him to go in. Start off with very short periods of time and gradually your pup will get used to it. Don't make it much larger than his size, they like small areas, they feel safe that way. If it's too large, they will have room to "p" and poo. Smaller crate he won't since they don't like to sleep where they do their business.
Good luck!

Answer 6

Train!! I started with my dog at 9 wks old (thats when i got her) she cried for about a few hours then she was fine. I put her some raw hides and a toy in there and she just went to sleep. If your dog goes potty in his crate, promise he wont do it but once. It stinks really bad and its cold and wet. Very uncomfortable. I do recommend buying crates for his size. As he grows you will have to buy more crates but think of it as an investment. When you take on the responibilities of a pet you have to buy them age approiate things just as you would a kid. The crate should be no bigger that he needs to stand up and turn around completely in a circle without hitting the sides. buy one of the plastic one not the metal pop up ones. They are more durable and comfy. If your like me they are easier to decorate too. I put my dogs name above the door with fabric stickers and painted dog paws all over it with pink paint. Its so cute. anyways good luck.

Answer 7

I dont really understand how crating would help in your scenario. A crate is to make sure they cant run loose and piddle when you are gone. Your problem is you get home-- which would be when you let him out-- and he goes everywhere.

Why not get him a sweater/jacket and take him out? better than him piddling everywhere.

Also, the gate thing would probably work better if you're not around. if he sees you right on the otherside it would be more upsetting.

Answer 8

I crated my pup and introduced her to it by filling it up with old blankets. She loved it. A friend covers the crate with a sheet to keep the dog quiet.

A room may be too big of an area for the dog. A crate is better because it is a smaller territory to guard.

Answer 9

CRATE!! when I was potty training my black lab/border collie puppy she used to pee in a GIANT (6ftX7ft) cage! We gave her a very small crate and she would have to stand in her pee! She didn't like standing in her own pee of course so that helped.

Answer 10

in the words of the great shakespeare crate or not to crate that is the question. I tell you my brothers and sisters you shall crate haza