How to crate train new dog with existing dog?

buschman · 01-31-2007, 01:13 PM

Hey everybody,

This is my first post in this forum and I was hoping to get some help with an issue I'm having. My roommate just adopted a 9 month old Husky from the pound. He is a beautiful boy and is adjusting very well to the change. I have a 2 year old German Shepherd who is as close to a perfect dog as I have ever owned. My GSD, Ronin is his name, was already successfully crate trained when I rescued him at 6 months. So he has no issues with the crate and loves to go in and feels safe there I think. The new pup, Marley is his name, is not taking to the crate as well.

I know most of the tricks to get dogs to want to go into the crate. I've moved it to an open area in view of us. I drop treats in and feed him in there. Just yesterday we started putting him in there for short periods of time. But so far I have not been able to get him to go in there on his own. On top of that if you leave his site he starts barking a lot! he does stop eventually but not after a good 15-20 minute barkfest.

To compound the problem I'm having problems getting him used to the command "Go Crate", cause everytime I say that my GSD instinctively goes in there and expects a treat or some peanut butter. With his big butt in there there is no room for poor Marley. Plus if you drop a treat in there and walk away Ronin becomes intent on getting in there. That part I think I can handle with some firmer down stays for Ronin. (He's learned a loophole from the down stay... the army crawl. It's really just so cute anf funny it's hard to be firm. :P )

I was wondering if anyone else has had to break in a new dog with seperation anxiety to a household with existing dogs.

By the way I no longer use a crate for Ronin. and I am using Ronin's old crate for the Marley. This might be adding to the confussion. Also it's a large crate for 100 lbs dogs and Marley is currently only 40-45 lbs. I haven't noticed urination problems of a crate too big but I'm wondering if the slightly larger size feels too much like the pound and not like a den. Also i do have a cover for it but because he has been so rowdy in there I have not put it on yet. Could the openess be increasing his anxiety?

Any help or suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Mike

sydney-the-cattle-dog · 01-31-2007, 01:35 PM

Since Ronin loves the crate so much you might need to have him out of the room when working with Marley. You could also get another crate, but this may not be practical.

I think you really need to make it clear that the crate is Marley's space and prevent Ronin from getting in there until you have Marley comfortable using it.

The best thing to do with the crate is continue to make it a good place to be. Have you tried putting Marley's food in there? And when he does finally step in make sure it is his idea and that you don't shut the door at first so he doesn't feel trapped. Does he have any favorite toys you could toss in? Maybe he will go in to get the toy or a stuffed kong? Whatever you do you certainly don't want to surprise trap him if he should go in. I think patience is the best answer.

Also you may be having a conflict with the separtion anxiety issues. I also suggest calling a trainer to observe and help you work on that issue. Until he is relaxed I don't see much success in other areas.