is it to late for crate training???

[marinha]

:o Hi, i need advice:
My dog is one year old, he's usually very well behaved when we're home.
The problem is when we go out he gets very nervous and anxious, he started to chew on furniture and he pees everywhere...he only does this when we go out...the question is do you think it's too late for crate training him?
I would appreciate your help.
Thanks
marinha

[Moey]

It is never too late for crate training. Have you done any research on the subject?

[toppers]

Any age dog can be crate trained. Start by giving your dog food in the crate. For example you can buy strong dog toys that you stuff with food, stop feeding the dog from a bowl and begin feeding 5 times a day (start at the weekend) in the crate with the 'food stuffing toy' (they're called kongs in England). Chew sticks also help. This helps the dog associate the crate with something good. Also confiscate all toys and only allow the toys and chews in the crate when you are out (remove them when you return), this also helps the dog associate the crate with something good. Separation anxiety can be the cause of the dogs behaviour - you have to teach the dog that it's okay to be independant of you, try leaving the dog on it's own when you are at home (e.g close it in the kitchen), if the dog barks wait until it is quiet - then go in and use praise. Praise the possitive and you'll see more of it! tough it out for a week and you'll see a great improvement. Basic training helps the dog with boundaries (sit/stand/come/etc), use praise and treats for a job well done - a happy dog who knows what his job is can be a joy. I've used most of these techniques on a rescue dog, he no longer destroys the house when I go out because he no longer has seperation issues. (I only use crates for puppies at night time but I do understand how to crate train)

[May209]

Its never too late. I crate trained a rescue at 8 years old it is a very good thing for all dogs to know. They need that space. We always call it their den because thats what it represents. Good Luck!!!:)

[Carol]

I am a die-hard believer in crates. For safety, security and a stress free place for the dog to go and be peaceful.
I am so happy to hear the comments about "never too late" because I recently adopted 2 senior dogs and they are living proof that old dogs can learn new tricks and habits.
They are both now completely potty trained and adjusted to their new environment, they are both crate trained, they both eat out of the same bowl with no guarding or sharing issues, and even though they compete for my attention and treats, they get along great.
They will even on occasion share the same crate with no problems.
Underestimating the ability of dogs to adjust to a new routine is a huge mistake. The problems with adjustment is more often with the owner than the dog, I am sure.....

Like my trainer always said,
I don't charge to train the dog,
the fee is for training the owner.

[k9srmyfreedom]

It's never to late to crate train. I have published an article explaining step by step how to positively train a dog to a crate. Hope this helps!

http://www.canineability.com/CrateTraining.html

[chrisjonesxx]

I agree with everything that has been contributed to this subject. At night and when we leave the house, all except the older, more relaxed of our 13 dogs are placed in the 7 crates we have distributed around. They are used to the routine and are content to enter and stay until we return. Frequently, particularly towards the end of the day, some voluntarily go into their crates to get peace and quite when younger dogs are playing.
Since this has been so since our dogs were puppies, I can offer no guidance on how to train older dogs to accept a crate, but I certainly believe it is worth persevering with.

[Carol]

I was very fortunate that both my dogs were crate trained.
They truly consider the crate their haven.
Spaniels tend to like small confined spaces for themselves.

[chrisjonesxx]

Carol,
I agree. Sometimes when we are counting to ensure none have run off to another part of the house and causing mischief, we are short of three or four - then find them curled up at the back of a crate, perfectly happy and relaxed. We never use them as a punishment device, but encourage the dogs to view them as you have said - as their 'haven', where we do not intrude or interfere. Crates are invaluable.

[Ilovemydogs]

I agree also! its never too late to crate train!