Crate frrustrated!!

Ok--- so i finally got my little corgi Chuy on Saturday and he's been amazing! He let's me know when he has to go potty and I have made it a habit to take him out after naps, eating, and before bed time. The first night he was home, he slept i his kennel and whined a bite. The second night he did not want anything to do with his kennel. I can't remember how i ended up getting him in it, but it was a long and sleepless night. The third night i tried something different. I let him sleep in his bed, left the kennel door open and of course in my bedroom. I went to bed and he got up in the middle of the night, didnt whine, but i heard him move around and took him outside. He went potty and i brought him back in, put him in his bed and he went back to sleep. He ended up getting out of his bed and laying on some of my clothes. Needless to say he didnt get in the kennel. He didnt mind it when i brought him home in it, but now he's being a bit stubborn ( as i assumed. I tried putting treats in the kennel, but as soon as he ate them he came right back out. I don't know what to do.. And i am about ready to give up. I've done the trick of tapping on the kennel and sticking my finger in it, but nothing seems to work. Am i just getting to frustrsted to soon?
Btw-- this is my first pet EVER!!!! So, i am accepting the fact that my life has changing forever and even more so during the puppy process.

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Permalink Reply by Bev Levy on August 30, 2011 at 4:03pm

I always smear some cheese (small amount) inside a Kong and put it in the crate with a pup. It gives them something soothing to do which hopefully calms them. You really can not let them out when they are crying or they learn to do that, I know it is very difficult! Hopefully he will learn to see the crate as a refuge from the world. It is also a good idea to wake the puppy and take him out very late at night for a week or two to keep the soiling the crate to a minimum. Enjoy your puppy and check out a couple books on raising a puppy while you are at it.

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Permalink Reply by Sam Tsang on August 30, 2011 at 5:42pm

Hi Erin, here's an old discussion, also pages of similar discussion. Always make the crate the best place in the world, never use it as a punishment. Section off the crate just enough for Chuy to turn around. You can put one of your old worn T-shirt with your scent in the crate to make him feel better. Stick to your guns, do not give in to his call, otherwise he'll have you trained like a remote control. Read and re-read the FAQ. Good luck!

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Permalink Reply by Erin Ramirez on August 30, 2011 at 7:51pm

Thanks everyone! I really appreciate all the feedback. I found out that he had an accident on his bed, so its in the wash as we speak. I am going to try the cratevthing again as well as disinfect it.

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Permalink Reply by Melissa and Franklin! on August 30, 2011 at 11:57pm

Here is a link from the humane society on crate training:

http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/dogs/tips/crate_training.html

keep in mind this is a training thing so it's not going to happen overnight. Be patient and don't get frustrated. Plan for this to take weeks not days, its like any other behavior you try to train your dog to do. Some dogs will naturally be drawn to the crate and some you have to TEACH them that the crate is a safe, secure, and cozy place.