how long should it take for a 10 week old cocker spaniel pup to get used to being in his crate at night?

Question

He sleeps in a crate for protection from the cat, and because my house is open plan. this is day five; he was a little better last night but still whines most of the night. I am taking professional advice about how to comfort him; but just wondered how long it took your pups to get used to their crates at night? Thank you

Answer 1

Crate training shouldn't take longer than a couple of weeks if you are consistent, calm, cool and collective about it. We crated our one dog whenever we weren't home and at night and our dog was really okay with it. She was better than an alarm clock...she never let us oversleep...she wanted to get out and go potty at the same time everyday. And we put her to bed at the same time every night. We did play a radio softly when we were out for the day to keep her "company". The dogs we have now we crate when they eat (one hour twice a day) and whenever we are not home. We always leave the TV on for them.

I really like using the crate. I feel it is safer for the animal. They can't get into things, and I always know where they are in case of fire or some other emergency.

Answer 2

I am surprised that so many people are anti crate! Its definately a good idea to crate him at night to teach him to be clean all night and to protect him from the cat. Cats can be very cruel to puppies - this isn't mean - they are just protecting them selves from a bouncy intruder! One sharp scratch can do a lot of damage.

Every pup is different. One pup I had whimpered on and off every night until he was about 6 months! I think it became a habit.
My rhodesian ridgeback pup howled for 20 mins the first night and I didn't hear another squeak out of him ever.
You will get your pup settled as quickly as poss by ensuring that you do not respond at any point in the night. Cover his crate with a blanket to make sure he feels protected.
Some pups find it comforting if you leave the radio on because the silence and stillness of night is a bit scary for them.
Don't let him have any food or water after 6pm or he'll be desperate during the night and want to go wee. This will wake him up and make him fidgety.
Play a game with him at about 10 pm so that he gets tired out - let him go for his last wee and poo at 11pm and he should physically be fine until about 6-7pm. Stay with him until he settles - you'll need to withdraw your attention from him about half an hour before you are due to leave him. That way you won't feel guilty about him whimpering and tempted to respond!
You have already noticed signs of improvement - little by little he'll settle down and be fine.

Answer 3

The poor wee thing needs attention; all it has known is being in the litter of pups and having others close by.

Keep the pup with you in your bedroom if you can; or even leave a radio on low (seemed to help with my pup) so there is at least the illusion of company close by.

Realistically the pup shouldnt be in a crate overnight; its too restricting. Pups need to move and explore. Make a wee pen out a big box so he can move about.

Answer 4

You probably did the right factor. It can be only a dog. Would you think better if rather you saved the dog however put your daughter within the foster care process? No. Considering that she's a person and rather more major than a dog. Geez, get over it. Dogs don't seem to be equal to human beings, not even shut. If it had been simplest my alternative i might take my husband's puppies to the pound today. He is a terrible dog owner, does the whole thing you did to your dog (no endeavor, no play time, no self-discipline, no actual attention but 5 min a day) dogs that have that variety of lifestyles will have to be put down cause no physique needs them. Nobody. No longer even these humans on this put up who have condemn you as a soulless man or woman for doing what's pleasant for you. They may be able to take a seat and judge but no longer one among them furnished to take your dog. Discontinue tittering yourself and begin having fun with a lifestyles free of the consistent remorse of having a dog with a joyless lifestyles. He'll by the point he's put down. Just right for you.

Answer 5

Never for my dog. She doesn't even like being locked in a room. Isn't there anywhere at all you can put him where you can lock the door, or put up a gate? Or even large dog-pen? If you were a dog, wouldn't you hate being in a cage for hours on end? And yes, it's a cage. People don't call it that because it doesn't sound at nice as 'crate' or 'kennel,' but it's just a plain old cage. I don't believe in crating. I know you said protection from your cat but.. what is your cat going to do to your cocker spaniel? Isn't there any way to divide them, like putting your cat in another room? I think people (not you, I mean other people) do it for convenience and don't think about the dog's feelings. I know it's a subject that can be debated for hours and hours.. everyone has a different opinion, and that's mine. Good luck :o)

PS, my doggie is the happiest, most well adjusted poodle around. :o) I never caged he, and I never will. I can't even imagine it.

Answer 6

With my babies, it took usually 7-10 days or so for them to get used to being in the crate at night. As long as you don't go running to him every time he cries, he should get used to it pretty quick. It is also a great help in the potty training area.

Answer 7

Personally speaking I'd put the cat in the crate if it attacks the Pup, but as an animal lover I would not cage any animal, well perhaps a bull elephant!,or an alligator!.

Answer 8

Try letting him have more freedom, a crate seems very restrictive. As for the cat, they will get used to each other if allowed.

Answer 9

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Answer 10

i think if u keep cool and try and not let it know that u will allways come to it when it wines it should get used 2 staying in his basket