Stop Crying in the Puppy Pen

[@HowToTrainADreamDog]

Thanks for watching! 🐶 Do you use a puppy pen? How does your puppy like it? Make sure to let us know if you have any questions - we respond to each question personally!

[@Ciela531]

Our new puppy is crying a lot when we put her in the pen - how do we get her more used to it? Should we ignore her crying? Or try to distract her with something inside the pen? Should we ever sit inside the pen with her

[@nikikakavelaki6677]

Ik i am not the creator but i watched one of her vids and the more u go check on her when she is crying the more she will cry cuz everytime u go check on her she is like every time i cry they come to check on me. Also no dont sit inside the pen cuz u want her to learn to be alone. Alsoo u can always distract her with a toy but not a treat cuz then she will get used to every time she cries she gets a treat. Hope this helped i am also a new pup owner sooo yea 😅💗🫶🏼✨

[@mrchips1795]

I'm glad you brought up the pen as a stop gap while crate training. I've tried our puppy to sleep in a crate but he just moans to be let out

[@HowToTrainADreamDog]

It sounds like your pup could use some more help to love the crate. Have you heard of our crate training mini course? courses.howtotrainadreamdog.com/crate-training-course

[@Bohemian-Rhapsody]

Hi, firstly I really love and appreciate your videos and have absorbed everything you've said in all of the ones ive watched. But at the end of this video I saw a conflict of information from everything else i have digested. That being no tough love.... I had an ordeal with a new puppy and basically did every thing wrong as humanly possible. I became his servant and jumped when he said jump, he cried, gave me anxiety and i now know i gave him anxiety through my own failure to train and be a confident leader. I reunited him with his family after 4 days because i couldn't cope. Im planning on trying again in a couple of weeks with a new puppy but armed with a lot more information than previously which was basically zilch. But everything ive learned so far has suggested first night home let him cry it out at night in his crate and this will happen for the first 3 or 4 nights but after that he will accept it's safe and with love and training during the day will be tired enough to sleep at night. The other option being to gradually move the crate from my room/bed further and further away over a period of 2 or 3 weeks. I really considered this as i want whats best for him but i also need to do whats best for me too so i can project confidence as his leader. I concluded that a gradual movement of the crate could eventually backfire and undo all of the work previously done training during the day and cause separation anxiety and put me in a position where i either succumb to his crying or end up doing the tough love thing anyway because i don't want him in my room forever. Can you please elaborate why you think tough love for crate training is wrong given the circumstances outlined above? Thanks again I really love your videos and tutorials. ❤

[@HowToTrainADreamDog]

Thanks for your question. There has been a lot of new science and research into the canine brain and we are now learning that the "cry it out" method is not recommended. Dogs learn best from positive exposure to new things. If your dog isn't so fond of the crate, then you can use tools and the schedule and training to help him get used to it in a positive way. When the dog is in that state of extreme stress, no new learning is taking place, and no positive association is being built. So we no longer recommend that method. If you'd like some help to teach your puppy that the crate is a great place to be - without the stressful cry it out - you'll love our crate training mini course or our online course with all the training games! www.howtotrainadreamdog.com/puppy-training-classes/

[@Bohemian-Rhapsody]

@@HowToTrainADreamDog Hi, thanks for the reply. I'll definitely look at the resources.

[@jyrahcanady2873]

What to do if you have no choice but to leave your puppy alone (due to work) ? We have been making great progress with crate/pen training however, he still has meltdowns when i leave for a work shift. Or even to run to the store. I leave toys, chews and mental stimulation (kongs, sniffle mats etc) in the pen when im gone. Plus i play soothing music.

[@HowToTrainADreamDog]

While working on it, it's important not to let the dog have scary or anxious experiences in the crate. So you might need a dog sitter or friend or family to help you out until he's more comfortable. The more you train, the faster this will go.

[@michellereneetaylor7679]

Would love help with a schedule ❤

[@HowToTrainADreamDog]

This mini course can help you with that! courses.howtotrainadreamdog.com/puppy-schedule-mini-course

[@staciamj1]

Great video as usual. Can you explain when you use the pen again. Currently I put my pup in when I leave for work and he stays until a family member wakes up and gets him. This is about 2 hours or so. I I also use if I leave the house for a moment, and when I can’t watch him. Is this the right idea?

[@HowToTrainADreamDog]

If you are away from home and no one is awake to keep an eye on him, it's best if he's in the crate. He will rest better in the crate and it's safer. The pen is for when you are home (or someone is awake) but it's not time for human/ puppy engagement.

[@staciamj1]

@@HowToTrainADreamDog Okay I understand. Appreciate you clearing this up and it makes sense.

[@threesweet3390]

Thanks for all the info. I just rescued a puppy from a puppy mill/hoarding situation where all the dogs were kept in small cages. I'm wondering if I should crate train given the situation the puppy was in. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

[@HowToTrainADreamDog]

The crate is going to be an important tool for the lifetime of your dog. We definitely recommend crate training, but you'll need to do it in a way that builds up a positive association with it. Our crate training mini course or our online course can help you with that! www.howtotrainadreamdog.com/puppy-training-classes/

[@Karlizfranco]

This is a really great video!!! I’ll be getting my 10 week old Yorkie puppy in 2 weeks. I was thinking about using pee pads when I’m not home,(I have to go to work part time) I’m going to be using a crate and play pen, any suggestions on potty options for her when I’m not home?

[@HowToTrainADreamDog]

Thanks for watching! We don't recommend pee pads. They will teach your dog to go potty in the house, on soft squishy surfaces (couches, pillows rugs) and they could become a hazardous chew toy. If you can't be home to let your puppy out for potty breaks and for doing some necessary meal and training breaks, you can have a friend or family member or pet sitter drop by. This video can help you! kzbin.info/www/bejne/jJTPZGapmp2Xe6M

[@linda65355]

I love that you in the pen idea , is that plastic or rubber

[@HowToTrainADreamDog]

The pen is metal. You can find it here: www.howtotrainadreamdog.com/puppy_pen_indoor

[@jamesharris231]

Finding this impossible. Our 12 week golden retriever goes mental the second he is put on his pen. Despite the fact we are sitting on the sofa right next to him. He will go in and play when the door is left open as the pen has a Matt and toys but the second you close the door, he goes totally nuts, barking, screeching, jumping up and gets in such a state you have to let him out. Have tried chews and kongs. He has them and is quiet for 20 mins but as soon as he has finished them, he goes nuts to get out. Tried everything, driving us mad, can’t even go to the toilet for 30 seconds.

[@HowToTrainADreamDog]

It definitely sounds like you need to really focus on building confidence in the pen and practicing this not only when you need to use the crate, but outside of that time as well. It will be important to go at your puppy's pace, not yours! This may mean practicing at first for 30 seconds, then a minute, and so on. This is not an easy or quick process, but is worth all the time to build his confidence in the crate so he'll be happy in there no matter where you are! It sounds like you may want to check out our online training program, 30 Days to Puppy Perfection. We have tons of crate training games to build confidence, which can translate well to the pen as well. Just hang in there, and remember, he's just a baby (literally - only 12 weeks!) learning to get used to this whole big, new world! He doesn't understand, so it's your job to teach him! ❤️ Course: www.howtotrainadreamdog.com/puppy-perfection-course-learn-more/

[@sashaadrianachehayeb9536]

@@HowToTrainADreamDogwe are having the same problem! She barks and starts jumping

[@GrimAbstract]

@@sashaadrianachehayeb9536what did you do to fix this issue?

[@enarchow4127]

Thanks for this video. Can i ask how i should behave if my puppy is jumping and trying to escape the pen? Also, I have an older dog who does roam free and is not liking the puppy. She does not like the pup near her. Air biting him when he comes near. Most likely because of the puppy energy and biting. How can I make the rekationship better.

[@HowToTrainADreamDog]

You can use the tips in this video to help your dog feel more comfortable in the pen. As for the relationship with the other dog, right now your best option is to keep them separated or remove the puppy any time the older dog appears annoyed. This video is a good one to watch next: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iKrJmGiFa8uad8k

[@juliestern4585]

You never mentioned or had a link for the toys to put in the pen that would occupied them

[@HowToTrainADreamDog]

There are many options including snuffle mats, licky mats, Kongs and more. This is also a great video on the different treat or kibble dispensers and which ones we like. Treat Dispensing Toys: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZpXIiXlvoMt0hpY

[@hannahdavis7230]

So I work for 5 hours at a time in the morning and my puppy is 8 weeks old. I am getting a puppy pen so that she does not have to have an accident inside her crate… she is potty trained and crate trained now, and the longest she has held her bladder was 4 hours. 6 hours at night.. She is almost to the 5 hour mark so the pen with her crate in there is temporary for the mornings since we don’t have someone to let her out in between living in an apartment. My girl is a smart breed so do you think she will be severely affected if she has a few accidents inside the pen until she can hold it longer?

[@HowToTrainADreamDog]

When a dog goes potty it's a release and it feels good, so it's rewarding. Therefore we recommend putting all your efforts into preventing accidents so she learns to go potty outside. It's possible that she's not ready for 5 hours in the crate at this age. Most puppies are not able to hold it that long. You might need a pet sitter or dog walker until she's a little older.

[@hannahdavis7230]

@@HowToTrainADreamDog thanks so today this morning my puppy slept for 6 hours straight in the crate..without the pen..and no accidents..she sleeps a lot. Yesterday was the same too. She goes to bed at 9:30 and her wake up time has been 4:15 with one potty in between. I think she has adjusted really well..as long as she gets the proper amount of sleep per day, her nighttime schedule doesn’t have to be 7 hours straight?

[@djtexs3075]

I have just picked up my new puppy this week, very exciting, however I am having a couple of issues with pup in his play pen. I currently have his crate opened within the pen for him to come and go as he pleases - Is happy to go in his crate to sleep multiple times throughout the day, however, he wants me to be with him in his pen to calm him down to go in the crate after a play session. After nap time, he is bursting with energy and wants my attention - jumps up on the pen and cry/howls. When I ignore him, he goes onto the balcony to pee/poo but doesn't want to on his artificial grass tray. I am not sure if I should be ignoring him or attending to him crying after a nap. He is currently sleeping 1-2 hours at a time - this is happening at night as well. Any recommendations would be appreciated :)

[@HowToTrainADreamDog]

After nap time is a great time for some exercise, followed by some mental exercise or training. You can also put a fence around the potty spot and lead him there on a leash when it's potty time. If you need some more help establishing a good schedule, check out our mini course! courses.howtotrainadreamdog.com/puppy-schedule-mini-course

[@suppeople9987]

Can you do a video about stopping a puppy from eating everything off the ground. I live in a city and they eat random stuff off the ground evertime they walk

[@HowToTrainADreamDog]

We've got a video for that! kzbin.info/www/bejne/f3zYfGiud8aDb6ssi=s08Ml9_39tMAE9lR

[@EdgePereira]

Hi you talk about cool down after playing outside but my puppy is 8wks old. Can I take her already to play outside the house like in a park? We live in an apartment

[@HowToTrainADreamDog]

This video can discuss what you can and should do before vaccinations are complete: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rKrFkoehadyXfaM

[@BritneeValentine]

Hi I'v'e been watching all of your videos to prepare for my new mini aussie puppy. I just got her and we are still in the 1st week but nothing is going how I planned! Both pen and crate training are going terrible. She will only be quiet in the crate when I am in the same room, she will be asleep and I'll leave the room and she will start screaming. The pen is no better, plus being an aussie she has learned to escape the pen. I know its still early but I think she is developing separation anxiety. Please help!

[@HowToTrainADreamDog]

If training your new puppy isn't going quite as you planned, it's time to call in the pros! We'd love to guide you as part of our online course. The crate training games can help her build up confidence with being alone, both in the pen and the crate. And the other training games are great for her busy Aussie brain and will lead to more rest for both of you! Take a look at the course details here. Consider the PRO level for the most amount of support and personalized guidance! www.howtotrainadreamdog.com/puppy-perfection-course-learn-more/

[@CodexPotter]

Start just leaving the crate but not the room like a hundred times. It sounds excessive but it really helped my pup to do very very small steps. Going to the other side of the couch and coming back, getting up to physically turn the TV on and coming back, etc. Doing that literally 100+ times let us start turning the corner and immediately coming back, then grabbing a drink in the kitchen or going to the bathroom and coming back. I'm not a professional trainer but depending on how young the puppy is when you got it, they're still very very young and need to learn that you're safe and the world is safe. Its really hard to have a young puppy and it's not shameful to bring in a professional (definitely go to a reputable puppy class! My training facility even has drop in session for young puppies who haven't been vaccinated yet just to expose them safely to the world and they were a lifesaver with questions early on!)

[@CodexPotter]

I also want to recommend another trainer to follow, Susan Garret! She has tons of great resources too and crate games and she has a puppy now too just a couple months old so you'll be following along right in real time! She's a world ranked agility champion so don't compar yourself and your progress to hers but she has a lot of great resources too, just like this channel

[@kristinabelkina5026]

Ugh. I wish i saw this in May. In the pen, Charlie my doxie, would bark so high pitch and would bite the pen itself!

[@HowToTrainADreamDog]

It's never too late to re-introduce it!

[@lilmeowmeow9283]

Bro wat to do in that kind of situation?

[@tamaraklop4333]

My puppy sleeps in her crate, wakes up and we take her to potty, but she whines and howls the whole time both her pen and her crate when she is not sleeping or needs anything. How do I teach her to love both when she is awake? Not very food motivated

[@HowToTrainADreamDog]

It sounds like it's time to start the crate games to help her love her pen, and also her crate even if it's not nap time. You can also catch our LIVE broadcast on this topic, which we did this morning in our Facebook group: facebook.com/groups/1608055795943295/posts/8087931294622347/

[@djsidders]

My 8 week old sleeps in the pen 11:00 - 06:00 but cries all night in the crate

[@HowToTrainADreamDog]

It sounds like you'll need to do more crate training game to help your puppy love the crate. You can get some good info in this video. When you're ready to start the games, they are in our online course! kzbin.info/www/bejne/qWHVXnhph5iLipY 30 Days to Puppy Perfection: www.howtotrainadreamdog.com/puppy-perfection-course-learn-more/

[@tiggerlove12]

Can you recommend a pen please. We bought the wrong on and will be sending it back

[@HowToTrainADreamDog]

We like this one! It has a gate, so you don't have to lift your puppy, and it has vertical bars which make it hard for curious puppies to climb! www.howtotrainadreamdog.com/puppy_pen_indoor

[@tiggerlove12]

@@HowToTrainADreamDog Thank you.

[@natureatamoment4328]

I could use help with a schedule. She is up a lot. I was thinking Wake up Pee Eat Play 1hr Sleep repeat But she's not sleeping long. She cries when left alone in pen or room Thanks in advance

[@HowToTrainADreamDog]

Here’s a link to our schedule mini course that you asked for! This is a great course that can help you build the right combination of activities for your puppy! courses.howtotrainadreamdog.com/puppy-schedule-mini-course

[@ariesqueen2691]

What about if my puppy keeps whining? She’ll stop for a bit, then keep going. Is it because she can see me?

[@HowToTrainADreamDog]

It means she needs some more training to build her confidence with being alone. If you're not already you can start by using the crate games in our training program and apply them to the pen. The games help you add duration to your puppy's pen time. www.howtotrainadreamdog.com/puppy-perfection-course-learn-more/

[@misspriscille]

When you say dont let them cry it out, what should we do instead?

[@HowToTrainADreamDog]

You can help your dog feel comfortable being alone by playing fun games to help develop more confidence as you step away, slowly increasing the time you are gone. It doesn't take too long if you are consistently playing these games throughout the day and rewarding your dog for being quiet. You can find the games here, and apply them to the pen. courses.howtotrainadreamdog.com/crate-training-course

[@snoolge]

Getting our puppy in two days. Have a pen that can be moved from kitchen to outside my sewing room.

[@HowToTrainADreamDog]

Sounds like a great plan!

[@JanetWallace-c6f]

help with crying it out

[@HowToTrainADreamDog]

We can help! We don't recommend the cry it out method. Puppies don't learn to like their crates if they are having negative experiences in them. This video can help if you're struggling with crate training! kzbin.info/www/bejne/qWHVXnhph5iLipY

[@annaliang211]

great

[@HowToTrainADreamDog]

Thanks for watching!

[@tashaanonymous9155]

Course

[@HowToTrainADreamDog]

Here’s our amazing training course, which will guide you through puppy training with fun, easy games! There’s no expiration date, so you can take it at a comfortable pace for you and your puppy! www.howtotrainadreamdog.com/puppy-perfection-course-learn-more/

[@erinmarks4079]

Help!! 😂

[@HowToTrainADreamDog]

You got this! Do you have any more questions after watching the video?