crate barking

[fritz'mom]

:rolleyes:Hello all,

I wondered if anyone has any suggestions for stopping dobes from barking while in their crate. I have to put mine up at times during the day as I have another dog that he really pesters when I allow them together. So they kind of share time out with the family. (if you have any suggestions for this issue that would be great too:D)

I have read that the best thing to do is to just ignore him, but when we are trying to get school work done or my husband is working 3rd shift and needs to sleep during the day, 45 minutes of nonstop barking just isn't an option. I have tried telling him to be quiet, squirting with a squirt bottle and also tried opening crate, making him sit and then holding his mouth shut similar to when you are correcting a bite behavior and telling him "hush". Obviously nothing has worked or I wouldn't be posting this. I have at times relented and let him out of the cage, which I know is a big NO NO. But I only did so after at least 30 seconds of silence, I could tell he wasn't finished and would have continued barking had I made him stay in there, but with a bit of silence I let him loose.

Is there any way to correct this now? He is almost 1 year old and most likely spoiled. My friend tells me I am too nice with him even though I don't feel like I am. :rolleyes:

I would love to solve this problem!

[jelly8bean]

You have all the traditional and workable solutions. The thing is that you have to apply it consistantly.... I mean several weeks might be needed. The only other thing that might help is to give some sort of toy or chew in the crate that will keep him happy. Nylabone is a thought.. or frozen stuffed kong. Make sure the crate is away from the general activity and perhaps cover it with a blanket on all sides except the entrance?

[fritz'mom]

Yes, he does do better when I give him his bone. What he really likes is his blanket. I have this huge beach towel I have had since we brought him home and he will lay and chew on that thing like a pacifier for hours at a time. I have tried the blanket covering the crate but he will pull the blanket into the crate with him and chew on it. If he can't get it he will dig and bark until he can. I guess I have created a monster as far as the blanket is concerned. Oh well, I guess it could be worse. It's a small price to pay for a happy dobe!

[SnuzerDog]

If nothing else will work, I would suggest a soft muzzle (while crated) for short periods of time, followed by periods of praise and treats when he is quiet. My guess is he will figure this out very quickly and you will have your sanity back. :D