My boyfriend and I are the proud new owners of an adorable 12 week old, female English Springer Spaniel pup!! 
She’s been home with us for exactly one week (we purchased her from a local reputable breeder). This was a long anticipated adoption and I prepared myself by reading just about every puppy book in print. However, we’ve encountered a situation that is not addressed in any of them. So... I was hoping I might get some advice from you guys (I’ve read a lot of the posts on this site and there has been some great information exchanged).
So, here's our problem:
We are crate training Charly. We bought a divider to be able to adjust the space she has as she grows. Currently it is just large enough for her to stand up and lie down. Before crating her, I make sure I have an “empty” dog (peeing and pooping outside). However, when the door closes behind her… she immediately starts to bark… and bark… and howl… and whine… and bark . We ignore her and don’t give in. The barking typically continues for hours (Since she's only 3 months old, I never leave her in there for more than 3 hours at a time). And 85% of the time she also ends up pooping and peeing in the crate (how she has anything left is beyond me). I make sure her favorite toys are in there along with a towel for comfort. I even took some advise from another post on here and picked up some raw meaty knuckle bones to put in the crate when we leave the house (which she loves—but won’t touch unless we are in the room with her). I also don’t believe she has anything against the crate itself- she’ll wander in there during “free time”. I’m not sure if this is a separation anxiety thing or a house training issue or what, but I feel like the poor little thing is stressing herself out beyond what is healthy. It’s only been a week, but the amount and intensity of the barking has not decreased at all and I’m worried about her. She’s the light of our lives—and we just want what is best for her… as well as to be able to leave the house from time to time without her.
As a side note:
We started off crating her slowly. However, she never stopped barking (even for 30 seconds) to reward her for “quiet time” in the crate. Also, barking at night is not an issue because she sleeps in our bed- she’s quiet and wakes us up by licking our faces when she has to go out in the middle of the night.
Sorry this is so long- just want to provide you guys with all the information I can. ANY and ALL advise is welcome… rather, it is needed… please!!
She’s been home with us for exactly one week (we purchased her from a local reputable breeder). This was a long anticipated adoption and I prepared myself by reading just about every puppy book in print. However, we’ve encountered a situation that is not addressed in any of them. So... I was hoping I might get some advice from you guys (I’ve read a lot of the posts on this site and there has been some great information exchanged). So, here's our problem:
We are crate training Charly. We bought a divider to be able to adjust the space she has as she grows. Currently it is just large enough for her to stand up and lie down. Before crating her, I make sure I have an “empty” dog (peeing and pooping outside). However, when the door closes behind her… she immediately starts to bark… and bark… and howl… and whine… and bark
. We ignore her and don’t give in. The barking typically continues for hours (Since she's only 3 months old, I never leave her in there for more than 3 hours at a time). And 85% of the time she also ends up pooping and peeing in the crate (how she has anything left is beyond me). I make sure her favorite toys are in there along with a towel for comfort. I even took some advise from another post on here and picked up some raw meaty knuckle bones to put in the crate when we leave the house (which she loves—but won’t touch unless we are in the room with her). I also don’t believe she has anything against the crate itself- she’ll wander in there during “free time”. I’m not sure if this is a separation anxiety thing or a house training issue or what, but I feel like the poor little thing is stressing herself out beyond what is healthy. It’s only been a week, but the amount and intensity of the barking has not decreased at all and I’m worried about her. She’s the light of our lives—and we just want what is best for her… as well as to be able to leave the house from time to time without her. As a side note:
We started off crating her slowly. However, she never stopped barking (even for 30 seconds) to reward her for “quiet time” in the crate. Also, barking at night is not an issue because she sleeps in our bed- she’s quiet and wakes us up by licking our faces when she has to go out in the middle of the night
.Sorry this is so long- just want to provide you guys with all the information I can. ANY and ALL advise is welcome… rather, it is needed… please!!
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