crate training puppy?

Question

I have been crate training my puppy since she was 7 weeks old- she is now 3 1/2 months. She does alright in the crate, but she wakes up at 5 am and will whine until 7 (I refuse to get up with her before 7). I let her out about every 5 hours at night to go out to the bathroom. When she starts to whine is when I put her back in her crate after letting her out at 5am go to outside, and I'm sure it's because she's hungry. However, I will not feed her until at least 7. I feed her at 7pm, so shouldn't she be fine? I'm feeding her the correct amount and giving her food puzzles between meals. How can I correct the whining in the crate without making it a bad place to be? I was thinking spraying her with a water bottle, but I feel that this would make the crate a negative environment. Does anyone have any suggestions? I can't handle the whining every morning like this.

Also, I put a bone and toys in there with her.

Also, like I said, the whining starts after I let her out at 5 and put her back in her crate.

I'm getting some good advice, but I'm wondering if I didn't make my question clear enough for some of you. I let her out at 5 am and when I put her back in the crate, shes starts whining, and I believe it's because she's hungry, because when I let her out at 7 to feed her, she immediately goes back to sleep after eating. So I'm not making my dog stay in the kennel when she has to go outside. I just won't get up at 5 to feed her because I want to show her that I am dominent and I decide when she eats, not her. So thanks for eveyone on the right track!

Answer 1

Just like a baby, which she is, she is whining because she needs something. Puppies her age should be fed 3-4 times a day. Going 12 hours between meals is much too long for her. Try giving her a snack (split her meals into smaller meals) before bedtime, then have a handful of kibble available for her to munch on after she comes in from the 5am potty break. Give her a chew toy to keep her busy also. Make sure she gets lots of exercise the night before. This has nothing to do with domination or punishment--she has a need that needs to be met.

Answer 2

May have seperation issues. Our pups the same way, and he's 8 months or so. Can't put him in the garage- he's scratched up the door (dad is mega mad!). When tied up, he freaks out (don't trust him anyway- he's broken ropes, leashes and a tree branch). But, if you think its food, feed her more often. Though it does depend on how much you're feeding her.
Maybe she needs more attention, exercise, stimulation, or get rid of the crate. We had a portable kennel-crate, and he would get sick when we drove with him in it. I guess he's claustrophic or whatever. Can she see out of it really well? Our boy couldn't, and that's why he freaked out, got carsick and hates that thing now. He also whined a lot when we weren't with him 24/7 when we first got him. Try saying "ah-ah-ah-ah!" He'd stop. We'd praise him. If he started again, we'd repeat. This may or may not work for you, though.
If all else fails, ignore it, or take him to training. The vet may have a few things to say or point you in the right direction.

Answer 3

Most people come across this with crate training their pups - i still do having had my 6th dog. What i find really useful is to make your pup dead tired before putting her into the crate. You just need to ignore that whining - she will learn that it will get her no where eventually. even if you go to her crate and squirt her with a bottle she wins because she got your attention. Remember she is whining so she can get you to her crate - the purpose is to get out of the crate yes, but what does she need first inorder to get out? is for you to be there - if you go there she wins. Plus you can try 5am then 5:10am then 5:20 then 5:30 - of course not 10 minutes each day - but slowly gradually - try exercising her first - walking her, playing with her before putting her into the crate, not too much fluids before going in either.

Answer 4

You can also place a blanket inside, I don't know if you had, but you didn't mention and just place a treat under. Also @ pet stores they have little bowls made to clip on the cage door for the dog incase it gets thirsty or hungry, it's quite expensive though

But I don't think theres anyway for you to prevent your dog from poo'ing at that time, mine poo's at 7 :) and I wake up at 7 thank god for that good ol' alarm clock!

I forgot to mention, you might try to put the crate inside the same room with the dog inside for a while, so your dog gets the routine that it's soppose to be their bed, but hey look my owners over there too ! that way I don't need to be scared. Eventually when your dog get's it just put the crate where you originally planned

Answer 5

Hi, I understand that you are looking for some advice or resources to help fully train your dog or fix behavior problems. If a professional dog trainer is not an option at this time, or if you want to trt training your dog on your own (a great way to bond), I'd suggest you https://bitly.im/aL6Vg

A friend recommened it to me a few years ago, and I was amazed how quickly it worked, which is why I recommend it to others. The dog training academy also has as an excellent home training course.

Answer 6

It's been shown that having to "be dominant" is a waste of time. Hope you abandon that way of thinking so that you can train your dog effectively.
http://72.14.209.104/search?q=cache:AeOxgrVJXn0J:www.clickersolutions.com/articles/2007/Debunking%2520Dom%2520Myth%25201-05.doc+debunking+dominance&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=3&gl=us&client=firefox-a

If you want a behavior to stop, ignore it. If you want to encourage a behavior, then reward it. Remember that any form of attention is a reward.
You're on the right track in continuing to reward your dog for hanging out quietly in her crate, and for giving her interactive toys. Continue to completely ignore the whining (if you are sure that she is empty) and it will stop. Spray bottles are not appropriate for this. Good luck!

Answer 7

Try an experiment: For a week keep your normal routine except try keeping her food dish at least half way full most of the time or whenever you notice that it's empty.

I do this with my Angelina and she's pretty good about only eating just enough.

Unlike humans Most animals tend to eat only enough of their staple food to maintain their normal weight.

That's not to say that a dog won't gorge itself on treats, they will.

They will also tend to exercise a little harder after wards because of the excess energy.

Answer 8

Sounds like you've thought of just about everything.... except puppies may need smaller more frequent meals. try every 8-10 hrs as opposed to twice a day. Adult dogs can be fed twice daily. You would tell a baby he had to wait until you felt like feeding it. Remember everything about puppy is smaller until he reaches adulthood, stomach, bladder, kidneys, stomach, and bowel.Puppy can be treated as an adult after approximately one year.

Answer 9

have you ever thought she needed to go to the bathroom? When you get a puppy, the first few months are going to be hectic, and punishing your dog for your obstinate view of getting up at 7 isn't helping the matter. I would get off my lazy butt and take her out. Maybe she needs attention. I get up at 6 every morning, so 7 is late. Your dog should be a priority, otherwise, I dont think you are ready for a dog...

Answer 10

Put one toy or bone in the crate with her and play some music or tv for her with a humans voice.