11-08-2008, 08:21 AM
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Pet Forums Senior Member
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Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: East Sussex
Posts: 520
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Re: Confused!!
Hi,
I think you're spot on with your deduction 
I would suggest crate training your dog, and for the first 3 nights put the crate in your bedroom.
This will give your dog reassurance that you are still around at night as he will see where you sleep, and realise that once you're in your bedroom at night, that's where you stay and there is no way out. I know it sounds odd but dogs do 'get' this. I always recommend this to clients for puppies first few nights and/or dogs displaying signs of separation anxiety.
After 3 nights or so move the crate to a place (preferably kitchen) where you often come and go during the day.
Cover the top and 3 sides of the crate with an old bed sheet, this makes the crate more den like. Also wear an old t-shirt to bed for a week and then put this inside the crate.
When crate training it is very important to also put your dog in the crate while you are at home, this way he will not associate being put in the crate with being alone.
So for an hour or so a couple of times a day put your dog in his crate with some treats and a safe chew toy. You can do this while watching TV, preparing dinner etc.
Go to your dog and give him treats and praise every now and then, BUT ONLY if he is calm and quiet. Don't go to him if he is whining/barking etc, wait for 5 mins of calm first, then go, give treats and praise.
During the night your dog should only be in the crate for a max of 6/7 hours. I don't know how old your dog is but if he's a puppy under 4 months then one toilet during the night may be required.
During the day no more than 3 consecutive hours or 3 in total. If your dog is 5 months or older then a max of 4 hours during the day is okay.
Do close the crate door, don't leave it open so that your dog can leave to go pee, this would be creating a bad habit.
If your dog has any accidents in the crate, as well as cleaning as you would normally do, also use a spray deodorizer specifically for pets to eliminate any trace of urine etc.
Persevere with this and be patient and calm, don't give off any anxious energy as this may transfer to your dog.
Given time he will settle again, and do make sure to crate him while you're in with lots of praise for calm quiet behaviour.
Hope this helps.
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