[Zoeys mom]

He's getting comfortable get used to it If your not feeding him on a schedule and taking him out on a set schedule I would start now. Pups don't quite know how to tell you it's time yet and he might not even realize it's time till he's midstream kinda like potty training a kid. Set a schedule of every hour taking him out and staying out till he goes chanting go potty and treating when he does. If you notice sniffing take him out again, and crate him when you can't watch him. The best way to potty train is to avoid accidents at all costs though of course they'll have a few you have to be patient. Also clean accidents really well with an enzyme busting cleaner to remove the scent or he'll smell himself on the carpet and think aw yeah right here

 

[Zoeys mom]

Every hour on the hour until he's older and with bedtime being the exception. When you can't watch him crate him despite his tantrum he will learn if you ignore him no matter how it breaks your heart- he'll be fineIf you refuse to crate train him because he throws a tantrum he will quickly learn to be rude in other situations because you are reinforcing whining, yipping, and barking get him what he wants.

 

[Zoeys mom]

Three days was all it ever took me as well and we use the wear out method too My dogs get in their crates often when I'm home during the day to sleep with the door wide open or just chill out. We don't have crates in our bedroom for this reason as well and used the tough love method which left us with two awesome dogs who do not bark, whine, or yip to get their way

 

[Zoeys mom]

Everyone does it different but for me crate training gradually isn't an option. I have to work, run around with the kids, and have a life outside my home like most. I can't simply not go anywhere the first month of a pups life to get them used to a crate. Yes you should leave toys and treats in the crate with the pup and even something that smells like you to make them more comfortable though nothing that can be destroyed and choked on. However, if you take your pup out of the crate because he's throwing a tantrum he will throw a tantrum every time he's put in there. So for the nights he has to suck it up and during the day you can practice making the crate fun by throwing treats in there and leaving the door open, feeding them in there, and locking them in for only short periods while you throw some laundry in, or vacuum. In my experience all pups freak about the crate and trying to get them to be calm when they can see and hear you is impossible. Do some research on the HSUS- their not so squeaky clean and animal loving

 

[Zoeys mom]

I sure would My lab cried for over 4 hours the first night....our neighbors actually called the cops- true story. Next night was 2+ hours and no cop, 3rd night a little less than an hour, and 4th night maybe 10 minutes. This doesn't mean don't work on crate training during the day though to help the transition. Feed him in there with door open, toss in treats, and get in it yourself to play and snuggle your pup. Make it positive, treat him when he goes in on his own, and when you lure him in with treats and toys- just NEVER let him out while he is whining, chewing, barking, and spazzing.

You will cut down on the expense of him destroying your house because the chewing stage is coming down fast upon you, he will housebreak faster, he will be happy and safe when you have to leave during the day, and he will associate his crate as his place he can go to when he wants comfort. Zoe hates people in the house and after her initial freak out on the new person will often go in there to feel good and safe. It's not mean nor does it cause them to hate the crate- just run him now, pop him in with a toy, and go upstairs. Don't check on him, talk to him, look at him, or give him any attention especially while he's acting out- if you do your giving him a response he'll deem as positive. It's going to take the better part of this week and it's going to be hard on you, but it's a great chance to teach him early you control his space and freedom in a positive way

 

[Zoeys mom]

Your doing fine don't sweat the small stuff By this time next week his tantrums may very well be over or if anything he'll wimper for 5-10 minutes. It's worse for you because you didn't put your foot down on day 1 when he didn't understand any rules in your house. Now he thinks he doesn't have to be in the crate because you taught him he could get out. Now your breaking the rules and making him stay in which is naturally confusing. A few more days of you being firm with making him sleep there and he'll finally get it