Hobo came home from the rescue centre on Sunday. He is four months old (ish) and we 'think' is a cross lab/collie with a great temprament and huge paws!

He has settled in well and last night slept in his crate (that he'd spent the day in and out of) . He's fine during the day, when the door is open but as soon as we close the door he screams!

Last night was aweful. I don't want to give in as I know he will learn bad habits. However, is there a secret to getting him to calm down and relax in his crate?

Thanks in advance

Try giving him some dog chews such as pigs ears when you close the door.
If you do this each time then he will associate the door being closed as a good thing if there is a treat in store for him.
You could also try a night light when you go to bed or a radio left on quietly.

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would it be possible for you to put his crate in your room with you at night as he has come from a rescue place it may be that he is just scared that your going to leave him , they must see so many people come and go it may reasure him that he is there to stay and your not leaving him . its a fine line between ignoring what you dont want and being patient with the poor boy . im sure given a bit of time he will be ok labs and collies are good dogs and not a bad mix to have although the collie part of him may make him a little more highly strung .post some pics if you have any .
Andrea

Tried the radio last night. Made no difference. The crate is quite big and so carrying it to our bedroom on the top floor (3 storey house!) means it isn't really possible.

He's fine in his crate when the door is open and often takes himself in there of his own accord. However, even if I'm in the same room as him and I lock him in he cries.

it may just be associated behaviour in that he maybe cried when his door was shut on him in the rescue place, and thats what he thinks he must do . he should be fine in a few days when he realises that he isnt going to be left . try closing the door for litterally 10 seconds then open it and give him a treat praise him and let him out do this often each time leaving it a little longer between opening it again , the fact he isnt very old should mean that he gets over this with no permanent damage to him mentally. how is he if you leave him in a room and shut the door ?

Excellent posts above i agree
also you could try as its been mentioned feeding him not only treats but his Breakfast and tea in the crate too, also does he travel in a crate when in the car, that will also be another postive experience of crates if you train him to a crate in the car too!!
Good luck im ,sure he will settle it is very early days yet bless him

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GT
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Thanks for the encouragement people!

I've just been out for an hour and left him in his crate and he was silent when I came back. However, he has destroyed the piece of cardboard I put in incase he needs 'to go'.

He is doing really really well with the house training. I take him out every two hours and sit with him til he goes. Then, after much praise we come back inside together. So far only a couple of accidents in the house (which I blame myself for). I just wish he'd calm down in the crate.

Maybe even try filling a kong with paste or something soft he like which would keep him occupied for abit, with abit of luck he may well go to sleep after trying to get all the filling out .

I did actually think of buying a kong. Are they as good as people suggest?

...........Yes!

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Lifes roads are for journeys, not destinations!