Barking in crate breaks my heart!

[pljosie]

Hello everyone! Josie is new to my apartment and living in Manhattan. I brought her home after my sister rescued her in Florida. It's only been a few days, but every time I put Josie in her crate before I leave for work in the morning, she starts barking. I hear her little bark while I'm waiting for the elevator. After I leave, I don't know if she barks for 30 seconds or more than an hour, but it breaks my heart knowing that she's barking and agitated. Is crating really necessary? I don't mind if she hangs out all over my apartment. It's doggie safe and she's trained on the wee wee pads. I'm interested in anyone's thoughts!

Thanks,
Paula

[Mom to Hot Rod]

Might I suggest gating off in room or getting an expen? It broke my heart to keep Hot Rod in a crate and our schedule has always been crazy. With the expen I had his crate, pad, food, water and toys in there. He would come and go into his crate whenever and he was perfectly content.

A lot of people gate their babies in kitchen or bathroom.

It really is totally up to you as to whether you need to gate or crate your little one. It would also depend on if you are having a potty issue. Sometimes too much freedom invites opening yourself up to some of those problems. My 2 are loose on the first level during the day but they go into the pen at night for night, night. Don't ask me whay but they just get really mischevious when we've left them loose during the night. I guess they know that we are home. Good luck with what you decide.

[TLC]

Maybe block her in a room with baby gates and or an expen
Walmart.com: North State - Superyard XT Portable Playard & Gate: Gear

[spiritwings1202]

I agree I swear by my ex-pen.

[NicBenny]

My 4 month old reacts the same way. I also live in Manhattan and Chi Chi whines for about 20 minutes before I leave and probably longer after I leave. I don't crate her, I gated her and it doesn't make a difference - she still whines. I think it's more of a separation anxiety thing then the crate.

To counteract the whining, I have resorted to leaving her in my bedroom with the door closed, that way, she can't see me leave and I don't feel as guilty. And she doesn't whine as long. Plus she gets to roam around my room, so she has more space. I think she is also comforted by my scent as it is all around my bedroom and she lays on my laundry bag while I'm away - and I think it makes her feel better.

I let her roam around the apt once and I was a nervous wreck! They can find a way to get into something. I would suggest gating off a section, the pen or keeping your pet confined to one area of the house. Best of luck!

[pljosie]

Thanks for all the suggestions! Just knowing that others have experienced what I'm going through is reassuring. I left her out of the crate this morning but in a semi-confined (although still pretty large) area and she didn't bark when I walked out the door. Hooray! I feel better knowing that she has room to sleep, play, etc. and access to the wee wee pad while I'm not at home. Thanks again!

[LuvmyYorkies2]

I know how you feel. With my first, Diva, I tried the crate and I couldn't take it either. I ended up gating her in the kitchen with her pads, toys, food & water but that didn't last long either. I have others now and they have free roam, I just shut the bedroom doors and I have 3 levels so I also baby gate the steps leading to the basement. They basically have free roam of the main level. I also had long hours sometimes & couldn't see confining any of them for too long.

Best of luck to you!