[Debr]

I used to be good at telling people how to train their dogs-since Dixie came home all the knowledge I had has flown out the window.

The method I used for my 3 shepherds but doesnt seem to work for Dixie, which I used to tell people to do- first give pup a stuffed animal (something close to her size, a surrogate sibling), next place a clock by crate(simulates moms heartbeat)-and never ever give in when pup cries. You can start by putting pup in crate, and stay in front of it-let it out when you want to preferably when shes being quiet. When pup learns you will always let her out try leaving the room. Then increase the time-5 mins, 10mins, 20mins, 40mins and so on. You can leave a tv or radio on some pups need to hear things so they dont feel alone.Pup learns you will always be back and becomes more comfortable with the crate. Also, always use 1 word for the crate here we use house. I say go to your house when I am leaving and Angel goes to hers in my room and Zoie goes to laundry room door to wait her turn to be let into her house.

When you let them out for crying, or tell them shush, or acknowledge them when they are yelping and making a fuss it creates bad behavior and makes crate training harder. First they learn they can make some noise and you will run, next dogs live via a social structure-simple things they do are a way to challenge you it is in their nature to see how far they will get just like kids-nosing you to be petted, putting their feet on your chest, demanding to play or be fed,tug of war, disobeying commands they know for sure and so on. A major reason they cry is being alienated from their pack is viewed as the most severe punishment they can have but in giving in when they demand you are teaching them they rank higher then you. It is important that they always view you as alpha-example if pup runs to road, car is coming-if you are alpha you yell COME pup comes. If pup is alpha you yell COME pup keeps running-and you get the picture. You have company coming over- you as alpha- can tell puppy sit to be greeted, puppy as alpha puppy is jumping or growling at the company possibly biting them. Try not to give in.Dogs are also den animlas. Once they get used to their crates they will love it. Angel had to have her crate in my bedroom and she sleeps in it-on her own, while the other 3 big dogs sleep on the floor by my side of the bed.When she wants to be alone or not share a toy she will go to my room and go to her crate, it is her place her house.

I know all that worked for my shepherds and it was easy to offer that advice to folks whom adopted from the shelter-but Dixie has the upper hand right now and has made her house on my pillow. We are taking the baby steps I mentioned above-we are up to 15 mins with me out of room with the tv on.