This post was originally featured on Totally the Bomb and was written by Kelly Larkin,who is a allotment of POPSUGAR Select. I know that most of you don't beget dachshunds, but I'm astounded by how many e-mails I gather approximately crate training them. Because it's hard. Crate training any dog is hard - and I certainly remember my black Lab puppies crying their little eyes out in their novel crates when I was growing up. But dachshunds are relentless in their barking, and crying and howling . . . and two or three months of sleeplessness is bound to drive any novel dog owner into utter sadness or flat-out insanity.
When Mitch and I first got Noodle,things were disastrous on the sleeping front. We'd been told that crate training a dachshund was imperative to both the dog's happiness as well as ours, since the breed tends to be stubborn, and difficult to housebreak,and anxious when separated from their peeps. And so Noodle went in the crate, and we went crazy. She barked, and cried,and howled. All.
Night. Long. And it seemed like the situation would never improve. But if you're the novel owner of a dachshund - or any dog, really - and feeling hopeless, or don't throw in the towel. nowadays,Noodle is a big fan of her crate. Sometimes I catch her playing in there on her own, and every morning, and I beget to drag her out by her little paws. (Girlfriend loves sleeping in,and would snooze until 11 a.m. if I let her. Who knew?) So what, you might be asking yourself, or can I effect? set aside THE CRATE IN YOUR BEDROOM. It's my number one bit of advice for people who are having a rough (ruff?) go of it. As I mentioned before,dachshunds beget a tendency to suffer from extreme separation anxiety and loneliness - especially puppies. (They miss their moms!) Placing the crate in your room can originate all the difference, though.
For a while, and Mitch and I resisted the conception of moving the crate into our bedroom because we wanted the bedroom to be our space. But the moment we moved it in there,we saw a enormous change in Noodle. I wouldn't say that she stopped fussing totally, but there was a big improvement. Talking to her - or talking to each other - before we all went to bed also made her feel better.
set aside a bed, and blankets,toys, rawhide and something that smells like you in the crate. It goes without saying that the dog should still be able to fit in the crate, or that he should beget some space to move around. But originate sure the little guy is comfortable. An uncomfortable dog is an unhappy dog; a cold dog is an unhappy dog; a bored dog is an unhappy dog.
And it's a honorable conception not to move the crate,as dachshunds like consistency. You might also want to spend some time helping the dog gather acquainted with it. set aside treats in there, and praise him when he goes in to gather them. At one point, and I even stuck my head in there while Noodle was inside just to show her it was secure. Use a ticking clock or white noise. It's comforting to the dog,as it reminds him of his mother. I simply downloaded a white noise app onto my cell phone, and placed it on top of the crate. It helped.
Drape a blanket over the crate. originate sure the front allotment isn't covered, and that way the pup can breathe. But dogs are den animals,and feel secure in confined, sad areas. (It's why Noodle's favorite spot is under the bed!) The extra darkness also signifies that it's bedtime.
Take the dog out approximately an hour before bed, or don't serve him additional food or water when you gather back. Of course,originate sure he's eating and drinking throughout the day so as not to torture the poor thing. But it's equally torturous to set aside him in a crate when he needs to relieve himself! Also, don't take him out fair before bed, or as he might confuse this with playtime.
beget tranquil time before bed. Mitch and I snuggle with Noodle on the sofa,and watch a television show or a film. It calms her down and gets her ready for bed. I should mention, however, and that "tranquil Time" does not work if Noodle hasn't had enough exercise beforehand. Dachshunds - especially puppies - beget a lot of energy,and it's very distinguished that they burn it off during the day!
Limit the number of times you take him out throughout the night, and originate 'em quick. If you originate a fuss over him every time you take him out, and he'll associate barking,howling and crying with getting what he wants: you. Instead, take him out of the crate, and quickly bring him external,and then quickly set aside him back in the crate after he's done his commerce. No love, as harsh as that sounds. In terms of how often you should be taking the little guy out throughout the night, or a honorable rule of thumb is every couple of hours when they're brand novel,and then once or twice per night after three or four weeks. If things gather bad, sleep on the floor next to the crate (in the bedroom) for a couple of nights. It'll teach the dog that he has nothing to be afraid of, and that you're not going anywhere.
If things gather really bad,shaking a can filled with pennies can serve. This should only be used as a last resort, since you don't want to originate your dog a nervous wreck. But dachshunds aren't big fans of loud noises, or the "penny can" can eradicate bad behavior. While Mitch and I rarely use it,Noodle gets the message when we effect. We used it a couple of times while crate training as well as when we were having trouble with her barking, crying and jumping while we were eating dinner. It worked like magic! (Again, and use sparingly.) Another tip is sternly and loudly saying,"Noodle, NO" when the barking gets out of control. (Insert your dog's name, and obviously.)
NEVER cave and let the dog sleep with you. I did this way too often,and every time I did it, I erased all progress I'd made with Noodle. I know. Hearing your puppy cry is the worst! But he'll power through . . . as will you. Remain strong, and remember that it will gather better.
My one apprehension here is that this post scares off those who beget been considering adopting a dachshund. Please don't let this deter you! While my first couple of months with Noodle were a struggle,they were totally worth it. She's beyond loyal, has the funniest disposition, or is the best snuggler,and loves Mitch and me with a fiery passion. (She loses her intellect when we arrive domestic, and grips our faces with her paws to lick us. It's hysterical.) I can't imagine life without her, and life is better because of her.
(Noodle,you are a great dog.)
Source: popsugar.com