They Won't Stop Howling In Their Cage!!

bswain06 · 10-09-2007, 09:47 AM

My two, 3-month-old, australian shepherds wont stop howling and barking in their cage (I'm breaking them). They are good at night, but after I walk them in the morning, they won't stop barking. How can I teach them that after they go "potty" and walk, its cage time, so be quiet!! thanks.

BoxMeIn21 · 10-09-2007, 09:51 AM

How long are they in their crates per day? How long of a walk are you giving them before putting them in there? Are you home while they are in their crates? Where in the house are they located?

War · 10-09-2007, 09:53 AM

All puppies will bark and howl you need to just ignore it
Yes because if you pay any attention to them when they howl or whine they will realize that to get your attention all they have to do is howl.
Make sure that you let them know that being is a crate is a great thing.
Puppies need lots of attention and they should not spend all thier time in a crate
Take them out every 30 min or so let them play run around and have a drink of water.If they are running around and wrestling with eachother first and then you put them in the crate they will be quiet because you are going to have 2 very tired puppies! When they come back from thier walk.they are probably still hyper so let them play for another 10min before you put them in the crate.

bswain06 · 10-09-2007, 10:09 AM

I take them for long walks in the afternoon. Couple miles, as well as playing in a field for 30 min (2-3 hours total). But I don't have time to take them for long walks in the morning, so its only like...20 minutes in the morning.

Yes, I'm home, so I know they can hear me. Their cage is in the basement. I'm on the first floor and can definitely hear them.

I love my little guys, I show them lots of attention. They are around people all the time (have roommate). Is there something I can do to get them to stop howling (after short morning walks)???? other than tiring them out. Any reinforcement techniques???

War · 10-09-2007, 10:13 AM

Why is thier crate in the basement and your on the first floor?
Cant you have thier crate on the first floor too this way they can see you
It must drive them crazy to be able to hear but not see you.

bswain06 · 10-09-2007, 10:17 AM

Because I don't want the dog cage on the first floor. It's too big to sit in the middle of my living room, dinning room, or kitchen (I only have 2 levels)

War · 10-09-2007, 10:20 AM

Maybe an alternative would be to have 2 smaller seperate crates on the first floor? Are thier lights on in the basement? Sometimes having the lights on will help ease them as well as having some background noise like maybe a radio playing soft music

bswain06 · 10-09-2007, 10:46 AM

ok, I'll see about the music. THey're usually in the dark in the basement. If I bring the cage upstairs, will that effectively crate them and prevent howling?? what do u think?

BoxMeIn21 · 10-09-2007, 11:45 AM

First off, both dogs should have their own crates - each should have their own special spot - especially as they get older. It is a recipe for diaster if a fight should break out and niether one have the option of escape.

Also, dogs want to be with their people, no wonder they are howling in the basement.

Try moving the crates to a more central place of the dwelling area, where they will be able to see you.

Now to my last question - how long are they in their crates? Why can't they be with you while you are upstairs at home?

bswain06 · 10-09-2007, 11:21 PM

They are in their cages for about...6 hours a day (they sleep at night in their cages). its while im at work.

They have their own crates.

Love's_Sophie · 10-09-2007, 11:41 PM

These are Australian Shepards and Aussies are VERY active dogs...If you can, take them for more than a 'walk' in the mornings. Play with them and totally wear them out. Otherwise this behavior is not going to stop, and you could wind up with more behaviors, like chewing on their beds, licking paws, and other 'nervous energy' behaviors.

And until you are ready to leave in the morning keep them with you, and try to interact with them as much as possible; because like all 'active' dogs, Aussies are also very people oriented interactive dogs...they WANT to be with you!

When you are ready to leave, take them outside for one more potty break, of if your yard is fenced let them out for one last romp while you get some 'interactive' anti boredom toys\treats ready for them. Stuff some Kong toys for them (you can buy Kong Stuffin at pet stores). Get some Nylabones for them as well. Or some other 'chewy' type treats for them so their boredom is not so 'high' while in the kennel.

As soon as you get home, get them home and play with them and wear them out again. Try to get them enrolled in a Puppy class asap, as they will love interacting with other puppies, and will need the interaction with other people. They will also benefit from the 'learning' time, as Aussies are constantly 'thinking' type of dogs...they want to learn!