| AvyQuinn | 02-21-2009 05:40 PM |
Does he have something that he likes to play with? Something maybe REALLY tasty that he can work on, like a peanut butter filled Kong? Something for him to work on might really help your sanity.
Do you keep him in the same room with you while he is in his carrier? Can he see you while he's in there? I think that since dogs are social creatures they get lonely if they can't see you. I know you're frustrated (being sick and all too doesn't help!) but try to remember he's just a baby, and just like a human baby, he'll cry and make a fuss. Don't coddle him or anything or take him out of the crate when he's crying and fussing. That will reinforce the behaviour. Just ignore him if you can.. I know it's hard. Make sure that he doesn't need anything while he's in there. (Water him, treat him while he's in, and going into, the carrier) Take him out for a pee and a play before you put him in the crate. If you know there's nothing he needs and is just crying to cry, it will be easier for you to ignore him (Tire him out if you can before you put him in the crate! A tired puppy may fuss less.) If he's young like 3-5 months you may need to take him out every couple hours to pee.
That's all I can think of at the moment!
Good luck and hang in there. It can definitely be a challenge some days! But, as everyone on this board will tell you... that sweet baby will be worth every hardship. | 