The Puppy Next Door #2 - Comforting Your Pup in Their Crate

[@acutiff7125]

This was the most helpful crate training video on dealing with whining. Thank you,

[@DunbarAcademy]

Yay! Thanks for the kind words! Yeah, it's all about soothing them when they're upset, but then making sure you really remember to reinforce them when they do what you want, which, sometimes, is to have them settle down quietly in their crate.

[@coolmammavaterlaus360]

You're so kind and sweet with her! I feel like I'm watching Mr. Rogers or Reading Rainbow!

[@DunbarAcademy]

Aww.... thank you! That is HIGH PRAISE if you think I'm anywhere near to the level of Mr. Rodgers or LaVar Burton! -Jamie

[@WormierLP]

Wow, what a wonderful video and series. I have a question that was slightly addressed by Ian around 13:10. Could you clarify a bit on the balance between reassurance as opposed to rewarding whining; as well as rewarding calmness VS accidentally exciting the puppy as soon as she behaves calmly?

[@DunbarAcademy]

Basically, you need to give more positive feedback when your pup is doing what you like, compared to when they are doing what you don't like. So if your pup is upset, reassure occasionally with a voice that sounds both comforting and mildly annoyed, like you're dealing with a toddler throwing a tantrum "It's OK, there's no need to be upset, I'm right here, you're safe, and honestly, you're being a little ridiculous". The moment they stop crying, you switch to sweet, but calming praice. "Thank you. Goooood dog. I looooove how you're being quiet. Yes" Use a slow and soft voice. You're right, this is not the time for high-energy praise, it's time for Whispering Sweet Nothings to your pup. And then, when they're quiet, again, occasionally praise them. Don't ignore them while they're quietly settled down. It's no big deal if you wake them up accidentally, if they're tired, they'll go back to sleep and falling asleep is the skill you really want your pup to master, so a little extra practice is great.

[@eleanorhunt273]

Mr Dunbar; and counterparts; Thank you for the time and effort you have allocated to this topic. Training one’s puppy to except it’s new surroundings. Will undoubtedly be rather daunting. If not informed fully. I have yet to obtain my dog. However, your tutorials will undoubtedly be an access. When the right time arises.

[@DunbarAcademy]

It's wonderful that you are learning about puppy training before you get your puppy! If only every prospective puppy owner did the same research, there would be a lot fewer dogs with behavior problems. You deserve a treat!

[@gisela1074]

I really screwed up! I have an older puppy that will not quietly settle when I step away.

[@DunbarAcademy]

Don't be too hard on yourself. There's no time like NOW to resolve dog behavior issues. If you can get your pup to settle down quietly while you are nearby, that's an important first step, then you gradually build their confidence with your absence by stepping away, first for a few seconds, then a few minutes, then a few hours. Leaving your pup with a nice chew project will help a lot. -Jamie

[@LunacyAnoba]

What was the purple toy you were utilizing called?

[@DunbarAcademy]

It's a Planet Dog Snoop and it's a great starter chew toy because there's a hole at the bottom so it is easy for beginners to get a piece of kibble to fall out

[@LunacyAnoba]

@@DunbarAcademy Thank you for your fast reply, I am really enjoying this video series.

[@gisela1074]

You got a really easy puppy, so not much of a challenge. Get one that howls and cries nonstop then show us how to do this.

[@DunbarAcademy]

Ha! Yes, fair enough. Daisy was a pretty easy puppy all around. Check out our new Puppy Next Door videos with Sibley. He's not loud, but he is a real land-shark! -Jamie

[@molly150]

And bites! My lil 10-wk old monster destroys my fingers when I put them in to try to soothe! 😂 Also bites the crate grates and barks so shrilly I’ve lost 50% of my hearing. I love Dunbar methods but watching this w Daisy, evidently the world’s easiest puppy, was kinda frustrating whilst I’m dealing with a Tasmanian Devil. Still, the method works; we used it on our last pup 11yrs ago. I’ll check out the Sibley video.

[@gisela1074]

@@molly150 mine calmed down immediately when I covered the crate with a cloth/blanket.