hmmmm...has she ever been crate trained before you had her? From what it sounds like she has not. I know that my yorkie will bark and whine a bit after I put him in the crate and I go into another room. It's like he knows I'm still around and gets upset. Usually within a few minutes he will calm down.
Do you put her in the crate at any other time in addition to the 8am-11am time? If you don't that could be the problem. Since she is not really used to the crate and if she only goes in there for 3 hours at a time that may stress her out. I would try putting her in there for small amounts of time while you are home. Just put her in and act normal. If she barks just ignore all of it. Leave her in there for a few minutes, then wait for a space in between the whining/barking when she is silent and not making noise/scratching then quickly open the door and let her out. Eventually she will go longer periods of time without whining or barking until she doesn't do it anymore. Gradually increase the amount of time she is in there. Make sure to praise her when she comes out by petting.
Does your DD ever just give in and let her out during the time you aren't home? If so, that could be another part of the problem.
No matter how much whining, etc she does you have to ignore it. You could even try putting a towel or blanket over the crate so it's dark and she cannot see out. My dog seems to prefer this. I think they feel safer that way.
Good luck! |