How do I train my maltese to sleep at night in his crate?
I JUST got a new maltese for Valentine's Day. We are kennel traning him and he is fine during the day. He barks and cries ALL night long in his kennel. I am losing sleep and do NOT know what to do. I know it takes time but is there an easier way? I am open to any suggestions!
ok well any puppy will do that… this might seem mean but its the only thing you can do and this is what we did to my 2 dogs.
You just gotta put it in a room thats far away so you dont hear the crying and bark all night long.. and in no time he’ll figure it out
I’m afraid there’s no easier way – you just have to tough it out like everyone with a new puppy – this will pass. Try making sure your puppy is tired out before bed time with a good walk and some playing. Then you have to never, ever give in when he’s crying and let him out because he’ll learn right away that if he cries, he gets you to come to him.
If he is sleeping fine through the day then you are almost there. Try keeping the crate a pleasant experience. Give him a stuffed kong or a favorite chew in his crate during the day. Make sure he has relieved himself completely and get him his favorite toy that is reserved for crate time. The most important thing is not to take him out when he starts crying.(That’s why you have to be sure all his needs were meet before he is placed in his crate)
There is a dog trainer in Canada by the name of Sue Garret that has a DVD coming out called "crate games". I have not seen the tape out yet but it should be out soon.
Where is the crate located in your house? Try moving it to your bedroom so the pup can see and hear you but still remain in the kennel.
How much time is the dog spending in the crate during the day? If he’s in the crate all day while you’re away, you’re probably over crating him to enforce this at night also.
Put familiar and comfortable things in the crate with him at night, for example a shirt that smells like you, some toys, a stuffed kong (available at any pet store) to keep him comfortable and occupied.
Equally important is what not to do. Do NOT reward the barking in any way. This includes, letting him out, speaking to him, yelling at him, acknowledging him in any way.
I know at the time it may seem cruel, and will cost you a few sleepless nights but if you react at all to the barking you are reinforcing the behaviour. Sooner then later he will understand that he is not going to get his way and start sleeping through the night.
Good Luck, be patient.
You need to take it slowly, and in steps . A dog needs to understand a crate is a fun, safe place. Not a punishment or time out. Pick a phrase that will use EVERYTIME when you want him to go in his crate. I like "Crate time!" but there is also "In your room" and "Kennel up!"
First, start by letting your dog go in a sniff around. Give him a treat once he does, and lots of praise. Do not force him in. You can put a treat inside to get him interested if you need to. Say your phrase as upbeat and fun as possible. Before proceeding understand this: NEVER let your dog out when he’s freaking out, always wait until he calms down. NEVER use the crate as a punishment. As a puppy, he will need to be let out every 2-3 hours to use the bathroom.
Once he seems ok with that, let him go in and shut the door (don’t forget to say your phrase), but only for a few seconds. Then treat and praise him. Do this a few times in the morning (or for as long as needed until he calms down).
When he is calm with the gatye closed very briefly, leave it closed for 1 minute. When he calms down with this, leave it closed for 5 minutes. When he calms down with this, leave it closed for 10 minutes. Then 15 minutes. Then 20 minutes. Then 30 minutes. This part is always done with you staying with him at his crate.
When he is ok with you there, start the process all over (from a few seconds) with you taking a few steps away. Proceed to increase the time (as you step away) until you are up at 30 minutes.
When you get him calm with you taking a few steps away, start again with you walking out of view (only for a few seconds) and proceed as you did until he’s at 30 minutes.
*Remember, always use your word and always give him praise when you take him out, not put him in.
*Never let him out if he throws a tantrum, always wait until he is calm.
*Never use the crate as punishment.
*Work on crate training for a short period at a time (5-10 minutes until you build up past the 10 minute mark), but work on it 5-6 times a day (more if you can).
*It can take a few days, or a few weeks. It’s different for every dog. Some dogs after 2 weeks I just used a playpen instead.
*If he cries at night after training him (not during the day), try moving his crate into your bedroom. Sometimes its the seperation from the pack (or he’s scared). Even at night he will need to be let out every 3 hours to use the bathroom until he’s 6 months or so.
*Try sleeping in a cheap, plain, white tshirt and putting it in his crate to comfort him.
*Don’t forget a toy or 2!!!
*If he keeps it up and it’s keeping you up, consider using a puppy play pen or a safe room instead.