not sure what to do

Hybred owner · 02-05-2012, 02:08 PM

I am about to adopt a 2 year old male GSD. He has spent the last 18 months in a 8x8 outdoor kennel with only a little attention. My sister and nephew (its his dog) say he is real friendly but digs and has distroyed two indoor crates which is why is is now outside in a kennel. I have always crate trained my puppies (wolf hybreds) but have never tried to crate train an older dog. My dogs have always been indoor dogs, going outside whenever they felt like it, and that is what I hope for this one. Any suggestions???

Courtney · 02-05-2012, 03:31 PM

Welcome

Sounds like the GSD did all these things (digging & destruction) out of boredom & lack of leadership from the previous owner. I really think any dog regardless of age can be crate trained...with the 2 yr old this will not happen over night..patience will be needed on your end.

Thank you for adopting this young guy, GSD are wonderful companions.

I'm sure others will chime in with advice.

Stosh · 02-05-2012, 03:54 PM

Put him in for a few minutes at a time, then take him out without any fanfare. Just pop him in, no big deal and let him out the same way. Ignore him for the first few minutes you let him out so he doesn't expect treats and a party. Increase the time he's in the crate. I would put the crate next to your bed at night and where he's around you during the day- not isolating him. It's going to take time and patience but he'll respond to your kindness and leadership.

Jax08 · 02-05-2012, 04:01 PM

How did he destroy two crates? And at what age?

Typically, if they destroy a crate, it's a sign of separation anxiety. It could also have been that he just was in there so much and wasn't getting the required exercise.

First, I would buy a good crate. Vari-kennels seem to be recommended the most.

Then see how he reacts in one (see Stosh's post above). If you see him destroying the kennel, look up separation anxiety.

You can absolutely crate train an adult!

**JakodaCD OA** · 02-05-2012, 04:44 PM

Do you have dogs now? How is this dog with other dogs??

It sounds like maybe you haven't really met him yet as you say your sister/nephew say he is friendly?

I agree, you CAN crate train an older dog, however, I would want to get to the bottom of 'why' he was destroying his other crates..is it boredom? lack of socializing/exercise? Separation anxiety?

Courtney · 02-05-2012, 04:47 PM

Guess I kind of skimmed over destroying crates thing...that is a big deal when you think of a crate being a solid structure, I would think he hurt himself in the process.

02-05-2012, 02:08 PM	#1 (permalink)
Hybred owner New Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Posts: 1	not sure what to do I am about to adopt a 2 year old male GSD. He has spent the last 18 months in a 8x8 outdoor kennel with only a little attention. My sister and nephew (its his dog) say he is real friendly but digs and has distroyed two indoor crates which is why is is now outside in a kennel. I have always crate trained my puppies (wolf hybreds) but have never tried to crate train an older dog. My dogs have always been indoor dogs, going outside whenever they felt like it, and that is what I hope for this one. Any suggestions???

02-05-2012, 04:01 PM	#4 (permalink)
Jax08 Crowned Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: NNE PA Posts: 14,331	How did he destroy two crates? And at what age? Typically, if they destroy a crate, it's a sign of separation anxiety. It could also have been that he just was in there so much and wasn't getting the required exercise. First, I would buy a good crate. Vari-kennels seem to be recommended the most. Then see how he reacts in one (see Stosh's post above). If you see him destroying the kennel, look up separation anxiety. You can absolutely crate train an adult! __________________ Michelle _________________________________________ Jax Von Monkeybutt, CGC Queen Banshee Boo Sierra the Undecided Cracker, The Great Shedder Rich N Handsome, "Red"

02-05-2012, 04:44 PM	#5 (permalink)
JakodaCD OA Moderator Join Date: May 2000 Location: Old Lyme, CT USA Posts: 14,237	Do you have dogs now? How is this dog with other dogs?? It sounds like maybe you haven't really met him yet as you say your sister/nephew say he is friendly? I agree, you CAN crate train an older dog, however, I would want to get to the bottom of 'why' he was destroying his other crates..is it boredom? lack of socializing/exercise? Separation anxiety? __________________ Diane Danger Danger vom Kleinen Hain aka Masi "Angel" Jakoda's Bewitchen Sami CD OA OAJ OAC NGC OJC RS-O GS-N JS-O TT HIC CGC "Angel" Steinwald's Four x Four CGC HIC TT Harmonyhill's Hy Jynx NA NAJ NAC NJC RS-N JS-N HIC Jakoda's Jagged Edge

02-05-2012, 03:31 PM	#2 (permalink)
Courtney Knighted Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Ohio Posts: 2,922	Welcome Sounds like the GSD did all these things (digging & destruction) out of boredom & lack of leadership from the previous owner. I really think any dog regardless of age can be crate trained...with the 2 yr old this will not happen over night..patience will be needed on your end. Thank you for adopting this young guy, GSD are wonderful companions. I'm sure others will chime in with advice.

02-05-2012, 03:54 PM	#3 (permalink)
Stosh Crowned Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: tyler texas Posts: 8,434	Put him in for a few minutes at a time, then take him out without any fanfare. Just pop him in, no big deal and let him out the same way. Ignore him for the first few minutes you let him out so he doesn't expect treats and a party. Increase the time he's in the crate. I would put the crate next to your bed at night and where he's around you during the day- not isolating him. It's going to take time and patience but he'll respond to your kindness and leadership.

02-05-2012, 04:47 PM	#6 (permalink)
Courtney Knighted Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Ohio Posts: 2,922	Guess I kind of skimmed over destroying crates thing...that is a big deal when you think of a crate being a solid structure, I would think he hurt himself in the process.

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