Tonight will be our 7th night with Miss Ellie. Last night was our worst with her. We have been doing the kennel thing. We want it to work!!! She would go in there on her own at first. Last night she would not. Her night routine has been in bed with me while I watch tv for awhile, she fell asleep. Would go in her kennel when TV went off. First night she cried for 35 mins, then fell asleep. Woke up 12:30 to go out, then another 20 mins of crying. Repeat...each night seemed to get better with less crying/barking/whining. except last night. In kennel at 10:00, not a peep...up at 12:30, took her out, didn't pee...then barked cried etc for 30 mins... didn't want to do it but I caved....put her in my bed to settle her down for 5 mins or so...back in kennel...cried for another 1/2 hour...was quiet for about 2 mins & I thought we were good but nope. The next hour I tried different things. I left her kennel door open but she just cried & wanted to be on my bed. Would not do it. She then REFUSED to go in her kennel. So I finally had enough and it had been 2 hours (did try outside again w/ no luck too) so in the kennel she went (kind of forced her in, another thing I did NOT want to do) and left her & I went on the couch. She basically went nuts w/ more barking then whining. My husband couldn't deal with it cause he needed to sleep so let her out....she found me on the couch & I totally ignored her but she slept by me on the couch for 4 hours.
Are we doomed for getting her back in the crate??? Today has been terrible as well for potty training cause I think her schedule is messed up. Plus I am not a happy camper and I'm sure she senses it. I haven't been MEAN to her cause I'm trying to do all the right things as i've been reading but dang it! It's hard! I am home with her all day & so she follows me around & is always right next to me. She wanted to sit on my lap as I type this, but I ignored her, she is by my feet though.
This is so hard because w/ potty training we are suppose to keep eyes on them 100% of the time, but yet I think she is getting so attached to me that if I am away she cries. A couple of days she cried the whole time I was in the shower.
We need her to love her kennel!!! (This morning I left for about 1/2 hour to take kids to school) She was in her kennel & cried the whole time I am pretty sure. She was doing it when I got home.
It's only been a week so I HOPE we can change things around. HELP!!
She is 3 mos old (born Nov 6) |