[bonesygirl]

So, I should start off by saying that in the grand scheme of things, I know this problem is relatively minor.

My six month old lab won't sleep unless I gently insist by asking her to go into her crate. I know she's tired and needs to nap, because as soon as I close the door she collapses and sleeps hard for at least an hour. If I don't put her in there, she gets naughty and restless, a state I compare to a cranky toddler who refuses to sleep because they might miss some fun.

I love that she does so well in her crate, but I don't necessarily want to set her up to be an adult dog who can't sleep anywhere else. She has a lovely dog bed that I would love for her to be able to nap on.

So I guess my question is, is this a relatively normal phase for a rather high energy puppy? Should I be actively working towards 'fixing' it, or is this something she'll like grow out of as she matures?

 

[Spook82]

My 11 month old GSD is the same way. I also compare her to a cranky toddler. I'm just extremely happy she's comfy and likes her crate. I don't think you need to worry about it and as she matures she will probably zonk out elsewhere, but right now that's her favorite sleeping place. My other three dogs sleep in multiple places but they all have their favorite spots.

 

[InkedMarie]

May I ask what's the big deal is with your dog sleeping in a crate, if that's where she's comfortable?

 

[bonesygirl]

May I ask what's the big deal is with your dog sleeping in a crate, if that's where she's comfortable?

No big deal at all. It's probably silly, but I feel guilty because it just seems like she's spending so much time in there. She does great, runs right in when I give her the cue and falls asleep within minutes. When she was younger, she would fall asleep whenever she was tired, wherever she happened to be. Now she's a little older, I have to gently remind her that she hasn't slept in hours and is getting cranky. lol

She's the first puppy I've raised by myself, and the first dog in my life to be cratetrained, so I guess I occasionally need some reassurance that I'm doing things right.

 

[Roloni]

So, I should start off by saying that in the grand scheme of things, I know this problem is relatively minor.

My six month old lab won't sleep unless I gently insist by asking her to go into her crate. I know she's tired and needs to nap, because as soon as I close the door she collapses and sleeps hard for at least an hour. If I don't put her in there, she gets naughty and restless, a state I compare to a cranky toddler who refuses to sleep because they might miss some fun.

I love that she does so well in her crate, but I don't necessarily want to set her up to be an adult dog who can't sleep anywhere else. She has a lovely dog bed that I would love for her to be able to nap on.

So I guess my question is, is this a relatively normal phase for a rather high energy puppy? Should I be actively working towards 'fixing' it, or is this something she'll like grow out of as she matures?

My Labs were "Crate Free" at around 8 months old..My Rottie at 10 months old.
I was actively working to get them crate free...

 

[JillnOKC]

Hi Bonesygirl - our lab is the exact same way - wondering if you've done anything or if anything has changed since you first posted this.

@InkedMarie - we'd prefer our puppy to sleep in her crate at night, but if we're all in the front room watching a show or hanging out, we'd love for her to be able to plop down on the carpet or the bed we bought her and sleep. We just want her to be part of the family. But she does get like that cranky toddler, so I'll usually put her in her crate when she gets like that, and she goes right to sleep. We'd just love for her to be with us for naps.

@Roloni - what steps did you take to get her crate free?

Thanks everyone!!

 

[InkedMarie]

Hi Bonesygirl - our lab is the exact same way - wondering if you've done anything or if anything has changed since you first posted this.

@InkedMarie - we'd prefer our puppy to sleep in her crate at night, but if we're all in the front room watching a show or hanging out, we'd love for her to be able to plop down on the carpet or the bed we bought her and sleep. We just want her to be part of the family. But she does get like that cranky toddler, so I'll usually put her in her crate when she gets like that, and she goes right to sleep. We'd just love for her to be with us for naps.

@Roloni - what steps did you take to get her crate free?

Thanks everyone!!

Can you put a crate in the livingroom or family room (wherever you watch TV) so she can choose? Our crates are in our livingroom, doors open. Usually, we're watching TV and if you cant find Ginger, look in the back of her crate, she's all curled up, usually with a stuffie <g>

 

[Roloni]

@Roloni - what steps did you take to get her crate free?

!

Training ..Trial and Error..and a whole lotta love..