I found crate training to be extrememly helpful. I was always one of those people who never wanted to put my dog in a crate at night. I wanted him to have free range of my bedroom. So for the first few nights of having him at about 9 weeks old, I just let him sleep on a dog bed and gave him access to his crate if he so chose to do it.
That didn't last long because I found he seemed to get anxiety with so much freedom. He would throw up in the mornings and pace around and generally seemed uncomfortable. So I talked with a german sheppard breeder who highly recommended putting him in his crate. At first I felt guilty, but he didn't seem to mind it too much. He seemed to like being in his little den and I was able to rest better without worrying about him all night. He stopped throwing up in the mornings too! Weird I know..
I would definitely crate train until they understand that bed time is bed time. Mine is 8 months old, and I am just allowing him to sleep out of his crate again. He doesnt walk around or pace, and when the lights go out he just goes to his doggy bed and sleeps until I wake up. |