Crate Advice/Suggestions/Routine

[Kaia Kaz]

Hi to all! My girl is about 9 months old and she just returned home from her 6 week obedience training. Her trainer has told me that crating her through out the day after her playing, walks, training etc should be done as her “down time” and resting period. plus, I’m 8 months pregnant so it’s definitely helpful having her in her crate for some down time for the both of us.

My question is how often do you guys crate your Dobbies for their down time/rest period through out the day? I feel like I don’t crate her enough because I feel bad but I know she needs it.

Any advice helps! Thank you!

 

[MichiH]

Pretty Doberman! What’s her name?

I crate my girl for nighttime, after walks, naps, and when I leave to run errands. Often I’ll crate her if I am doing chores in the home like cleaning, yard work, fixings things. Often at dinner time too, but she is now getting to where she will stay in her “place” her bed in the kitchen while we eat.
Crate training is incredibly important for her and you. She should love her crate and see it is a positive thing. Don’t cave to her whining if she does while she is crated if you do she knows that’s what it takes to get out.

I understand feeling bad, but it’s a nice place for her to go and relax as it’s hard for them to turn off and actually rest. Crate training teaches them how to rest which you both need! Plus, it gives you time to do things knowing she is safe and resting. Congrats on your pregnancy , you’re almost there! So again with a little one in the home and you at the hospital the crate is SO important. Then when you get home you’ll need rest too so again crate for your girl.

My girl is 18 months and I still crate her for her own good and my peace of mind. It’s taken training and making her crate fun for her.

I don’t keep anything in her day crate because she will eat anything beds, toys and such. We have just gotten to the point at night where she can have a fluffy bed in her nighttime crate, but that’s only because know she’ll sleep solid for 8 hours.

 

[Ddski5]

9 months?
6 weeks of board and train?
I am not being sarcastic but gathering info.

I am curious to know what the trainer comments/assessment was about her?

Is she still somewhat of a Dobershark wild child or does she adhere to obedience and commands?

Does she have a “place/mat” that you can tell her to go settle other than the crate?

Do you need her to calm and get out of your way at times during the day because she just gets to be too much?

 

[Ravenbird]

@MichiH has a good review about what it might look like in time-periods. @Ddski5 has some very important questions.

All dogs/puppies will be different and you have to go by the dog in front of you, so answers and suggestions would depend more on your dog and her behavior. If you are really pleased with the results of the board and train, your questions and discussion might be best done with that trainer since they know your puppy pretty well. There is going to be a major difference in everyones routine soon, and I'm sure more crating for the puppy will be important as you will be super busy with your new baby. All of us here had somewhat different routines bringing up our puppies and almost all of us used a crate as a safe place for the puppy. Hopefully your girl is happy and comfortable crating on & off throughout the day, and will accept that it is just part of the routine.

 

[MichiH]

@MichiH has a good review about what it might look like in time-periods. @Ddski5 has some very important questions.

All dogs/puppies will be different and you have to go by the dog in front of you, so answers and suggestions would depend more on your dog and her behavior. If you are really pleased with the results of the board and train, your questions and discussion might be best done with that trainer since they know your puppy pretty well. There is going to be a major difference in everyones routine soon, and I'm sure more crating for the puppy will be important as you will be super busy with your new baby. All of us here had somewhat different routines bringing up our puppies and almost all of us used a crate as a safe place for the puppy. Hopefully your girl is happy and comfortable crating on & off throughout the day, and will accept that it is just part of the routine.

Completely agree @Ravenbird all situations will be different and dogs too.

Yes @Ddsk great points and questions to determine what works best.

 

[GennyB]

My question is how often do you guys crate your Dobbies for their down time/rest period through out the day?

There are no set rules for crating. It's all about what works for you and your dog.
I will add I think it's important to crate or teach "place" after a meal because of the risk of bloat.

 

[Kaia Kaz]

9 months?
6 weeks of board and train?
I am not being sarcastic but gathering info.

I am curious to know what the trainer comments/assessment was about her?

Is she still somewhat of a Dobershark wild child or does she adhere to obedience and commands?

Does she have a “place/mat” that you can tell her to go settle other than the crate?

Do you need her to calm and get out of your way at times during the day because she just gets to be too much?

The trainer's comments and assessment was that she Is extremely food driven which really helped get all of her obedience training down such as: proper walking etiquette, going to place, down, sit, stopping the counter surfing and just overall having a better and more controllable demeanor. Her dobershark/dinosaur days have definitely lessened at this age. Couple of months ago, we were in the trenches with her craziness!

And as far as place, she now has a place mat that her trainer has shown me how to keep her there with positive reinforcement + strapping her leash to the leg of the couch during this adjustment period at our house. He's also implemented an e-collar which has been very helpful. Since she knows she is "back home" and with her parents, she is definitely testing her limits with us, even though she did not test those limits with her trainer.

As far as the crate situation, she loves her crate for bedtime. I say "bed time" and she gallops on over in her crate and loves to settle and sleep. So I know the crate itself is not a problem for her, it's just more so how often should I be putting her in there just so she is out of the way when I am trying to be in the kitchen (since she loves food and knows it's in the kitchen) or do anything else productive without her in the way.

Plus at 8 months pregnant, it's getting a bit harder to consistently manage her "freedom" at home, so I am trying to crate her more often than not.

 

[Kaia Kaz]

Pretty Doberman! What’s her name?

I crate my girl for nighttime, after walks, naps, and when I leave to run errands. Often I’ll crate her if I am doing chores in the home like cleaning, yard work, fixings things. Often at dinner time too, but she is now getting to where she will stay in her “place” her bed in the kitchen while we eat.
Crate training is incredibly important for her and you. She should love her crate and see it is a positive thing. Don’t cave to her whining if she does while she is crated if you do she knows that’s what it takes to get out.

I understand feeling bad, but it’s a nice place for her to go and relax as it’s hard for them to turn off and actually rest. Crate training teaches them how to rest which you both need! Plus, it gives you time to do things knowing she is safe and resting. Congrats on your pregnancy , you’re almost there! So again with a little one in the home and you at the hospital the crate is SO important. Then when you get home you’ll need rest too so again crate for your girl.

My girl is 18 months and I still crate her for her own good and my peace of mind. It’s taken training and making her crate fun for her.

I don’t keep anything in her day crate because she will eat anything beds, toys and such. We have just gotten to the point at night where she can have a fluffy bed in her nighttime crate, but that’s only because know she’ll sleep solid for 8 hours.

Thank you! Her name is Kaia. Thank you for your advice, it was so helpful. I will definitely implement crating more through out the day and having her getting used to her day time crate sessions. She does lover her crate when it is bed time. Especially with her cozy blankets, she really does enjoy being in there. I just have to use it more often within the day time.

Thank you again!

 

[Kaia Kaz]

There are no set rules for crating. It's all about what works for you and your dog.
I will add I think it's important to crate or teach "place" after a meal because of the risk of bloat.

Thank you!

 

[MichiH]

Thank you! Her name is Kaia. Thank you for your advice, it was so helpful. I will definitely implement crating more through out the day and having her getting used to her day time crate sessions. She does lover her crate when it is bed time. Especially with her cozy blankets, she really does enjoy being in there. I just have to use it more often within the day time.

Thank you again!

You’re welcome! Do what works best for you all and she’ll be happy to learn too.

Congrats again on your adorable Doberman and your baby

For the kitchen when I am cooking I do what your trainer said to, anchor a leash to the table leg away from my cooking area and have her “place” a bed on the floor. She’s gotten to the point that she knows if she sits there in her place like a good girl she will get a reward. Food! lol verrrry food driven, like your girl.

 

[Kaia Kaz]

You’re welcome! Do what works best for you all and she’ll be happy to learn too.

Congrats again on your adorable Doberman and your baby

For the kitchen when I am cooking I do what your trainer said to, anchor a leash to the table leg away from my cooking area and have her “place” a bed on the floor. She’s gotten to the point that she knows if she sits there in her place like a good girl she will get a reward. Food! lol verrrry food driven, like your girl.

Awww gotta love our food driven girlies!!

 

[BG1]

Sounds like you and pup are doing really well following trainer advice, and the previous posters are dobe experts; I've learned a lot here and especially from "learn from the dog in front of you".

My noob advice, fwiw:
I was alone at home for awhile training Bonnie from age 6-10 months and needed to set a routine for safe rest in crate at regular times and as needed others, both as a daily routine (an hour after eating breakfast to digest and avoid bloat from being rambunctious for example) and other times to run errands, to leave her safe in crate.
Dogs do well with habits so you can work in mid day nap times just like you will with new baby, so you get a break too.
As in "the couch was safe, the recliner was safe", in the dobeshark bitey chewy phase...

I'd had one long ago and a great trainer who explained that dogs are den animals and need a place they can go to "shutoff" to sleep or relax, or feel safe during first thunderstorm, fireworks, etc. The crate is that place.
Never used as punishment except for a calm non-punitive "timeout" for an over-tired toddler, for example.

Keep up the good work.
Just a reminder if the trainer hadn't mentioned it:
Never, ever leave the dog and baby alone together, for now, not even a minute.
Dont be scared.
Just be careful is all I am saying.
Once they have both grown up a bit more you can relax but for now, be safe. Female NA showline dobes mature emotionally at two years or so, but still need reminders on whats ok and what isnt, especially around small new creatures introduced to your home.

 

[Kaia Kaz]

Thank you for your advice! I definitely want her to know that going in her crate in the day is for her to as you said “shut off” and rest. Especially with the baby coming she’s definitely going to have to get used to that concept. And I want her to truly enjoy being in there and relaxing.

I’ll have that schedule created for her to squeeze in my daily naps haha!

Oh yes, I would never even imagine leaving the baby and Kaia alone together even for a second. Although she is the sweetest girl, I would never allow them to be alone just to be on the safe side. Once she does get older and matures, I’ll revisit the scenario for sure.

Thank you again for your input!

 

[Ddski5]

The trainer's comments and assessment was that she Is extremely food driven which really helped get all of her obedience training down such as: proper walking etiquette, going to place, down, sit, stopping the counter surfing and just overall having a better and more controllable demeanor. Her dobershark/dinosaur days have definitely lessened at this age. Couple of months ago, we were in the trenches with her craziness!

And as far as place, she now has a place mat that her trainer has shown me how to keep her there with positive reinforcement + strapping her leash to the leg of the couch during this adjustment period at our house. He's also implemented an e-collar which has been very helpful. Since she knows she is "back home" and with her parents, she is definitely testing her limits with us, even though she did not test those limits with her trainer.

As far as the crate situation, she loves her crate for bedtime. I say "bed time" and she gallops on over in her crate and loves to settle and sleep. So I know the crate itself is not a problem for her, it's just more so how often should I be putting her in there just so she is out of the way when I am trying to be in the kitchen (since she loves food and knows it's in the kitchen) or do anything else productive without her in the way.

Plus at 8 months pregnant, it's getting a bit harder to consistently manage her "freedom" at home, so I am trying to crate her more often than not.

Okay. That all sounds great!
She is well on her way to being your dream companion. They become your best friend and are always at your side no matter what. I believe that’s what separates the Doberman from the rest of them.

I asked those questions because at 9months she should be settling down some- especially with her training…

IMHO:
At 9months, you should be on the back side of crate training and it should be accepted by now. With mine, I would leave the door open and if she wanted to go in there for refuge, then she had that option. At 9months, I would be actively working on place stays for her to park when I am moving around and need her to settle. Mine were/are very personable and like to always have me in sight, so there are established “places” around the house in which if I doing something and Freyja is just being too much then I will send her out or have her place in a designated spot. But have to have that discipline/obedience first. To expect this at 4-8months is challenging and the crate is an absolute must to make her rest/nap and also give you a break from the every second supervision required.

Outside of making a crazy ass pup settle down, I just never was one to actively use a crate. It was always there, open and ready though. I used it heavily with Ragnar but hardly ever with Freyja. Goes with what a lot of our members are saying before- really depends upon the pup in front of you, there are no rules for crating. Except….one rule. One golden rule that @MichiH touched on. If they are crated, and whining, barking, screaming to get out. Absolutely not…don’t you let them out until she quiets/settles for at least 3-5mins. I don’t care if it takes hours. You break once and they will work your arse over.

Crating now- I would expect you would need to establish some certainty with a baby on the way, though. Great forethought on your part.

Crate training also decreases separation anxiety- you leaving her sight is an okay thing. She needs to learn you are not gone forever and will be back. Also alleviates anxiety issues when leaving them alone in a vehicle for long periods of time. I have taken mine to work and left them in the truck the full 8 hrs- but every now and then taking them out for bathroom and eating. I don’t do that often but only in time of need.

I know this reads weird and I kinda contradict myself some- crate being necessary or not. I am at work and putting down thoughts as they come to mind….

It’s highly needed and necessary in the younger years and teaches/morphs into greater things as they grow older but once they establish obedience and control, I don’t think it’s greatly needed anymore. I can’t tell you the last time Freyja went in her crate- prob years ago. Now it’s a fixture with junk on top of it that my wife wants to get rid of but I am purposely keeping because I can’t let go of getting another black/rust male.

Good luck…you are definitely on the right track. Major thing is you MUST keep up with the training and be consistent with the expectations. She will challenge you and trick you into being the lenient sweet mom- can’t do it…stay the course and I promise it will pay off. They become golden at about 3yrs.

 

[Kswoodssue]

At 3 yr, Sasha still is crated when we are away, and FINALLY can be trusted out of crate when I shower. She is amazingly obedient now, but it took until 3 yr old for that consistency. Welcome and best of luck!

 

[JanS]

At 3 yr, Sasha still is crated when we are away, and FINALLY can be trusted out of crate when I shower.

Same with ours. I think they could be trusted while I shower but I either have hubby come up and watch them or I bring them in the bathroom with me. I don't think they'd get into anything for the time it takes me to shower but Elroy wants to be by my side all the time and they both know how to open gates.

 

[Kaia Kaz]

Okay. That all sounds great!
She is well on her way to being your dream companion. They become your best friend and are always at your side no matter what. I believe that’s what separates the Doberman from the rest of them.

I asked those questions because at 9months she should be settling down some- especially with her training…

IMHO:
At 9months, you should be on the back side of crate training and it should be accepted by now. With mine, I would leave the door open and if she wanted to go in there for refuge, then she had that option. At 9months, I would be actively working on place stays for her to park when I am moving around and need her to settle. Mine were/are very personable and like to always have me in sight, so there are established “places” around the house in which if I doing something and Freyja is just being too much then I will send her out or have her place in a designated spot. But have to have that discipline/obedience first. To expect this at 4-8months is challenging and the crate is an absolute must to make her rest/nap and also give you a break from the every second supervision required.

Outside of making a crazy ass pup settle down, I just never was one to actively use a crate. It was always there, open and ready though. I used it heavily with Ragnar but hardly ever with Freyja. Goes with what a lot of our members are saying before- really depends upon the pup in front of you, there are no rules for crating. Except….one rule. One golden rule that @MichiH touched on. If they are crated, and whining, barking, screaming to get out. Absolutely not…don’t you let them out until she quiets/settles for at least 3-5mins. I don’t care if it takes hours. You break once and they will work your arse over.

Crating now- I would expect you would need to establish some certainty with a baby on the way, though. Great forethought on your part.

Crate training also decreases separation anxiety- you leaving her sight is an okay thing. She needs to learn you are not gone forever and will be back. Also alleviates anxiety issues when leaving them alone in a vehicle for long periods of time. I have taken mine to work and left them in the truck the full 8 hrs- but every now and then taking them out for bathroom and eating. I don’t do that often but only in time of need.

I know this reads weird and I kinda contradict myself some- crate being necessary or not. I am at work and putting down thoughts as they come to mind….

It’s highly needed and necessary in the younger years and teaches/morphs into greater things as they grow older but once they establish obedience and control, I don’t think it’s greatly needed anymore. I can’t tell you the last time Freyja went in her crate- prob years ago. Now it’s a fixture with junk on top of it that my wife wants to get rid of but I am purposely keeping because I can’t let go of getting another black/rust male.

Good luck…you are definitely on the right track. Major thing is you MUST keep up with the training and be consistent with the expectations. She will challenge you and trick you into being the lenient sweet mom- can’t do it…stay the course and I promise it will pay off. They become golden at about 3yrs.

Thank you so much for all of that great advice, I really appreciate it. I am also definitely working on her separation anxiety as well! Wow, that is awesome that you have 2 dobbies and are thinking of a 3rd!! I wish I had the stamina to have more than one. But you are right, about 3 years old she will be a different girl for sure which I am excited/sad for, since her puppy days will be over by then.

Thank you again for your help!

 

[Kaia Kaz]

At 3 yr, Sasha still is crated when we are away, and FINALLY can be trusted out of crate when I shower. She is amazingly obedient now, but it took until 3 yr old for that consistency. Welcome and best of luck!

Definitely when I shower she is in her crate or my husband is with her. She is not trustworthy at all and will definitely get into trouble if she is unsupervised for that long . Excited to see how she will behave at 3 years old haha!!

 

[Two Dobes]

Agree with all of the above, but, she is also going to need plenty of mental and physical exercise in order to be able to handle being in a crate more often. Do you walk her? They gets lots of brain work on a walk with all the smells etc. And reinforcing her obedience while in the house; having her down stay and walk around, reward....sit stay before eating...some puzzle toys, just keeping that mind of hers busy will keep her being ok with the down time in the crate. A doberman that has not had enough mental and physical exercise will not enjoy being in the crate more often, and can lead to issues. She is adorable

 

[Kaia Kaz]

Agree with all of the above, but, she is also going to need plenty of mental and physical exercise in order to be able to handle being in a crate more often. Do you walk her? They gets lots of brain work on a walk with all the smells etc. And reinforcing her obedience while in the house; having her down stay and walk around, reward....sit stay before eating...some puzzle toys, just keeping that mind of hers busy will keep her being ok with the down time in the crate. A doberman that has not had enough mental and physical exercise will not enjoy being in the crate more often, and can lead to issues. She is adorable

Oh yes, for her physical exercise we are at the park twice a day along with a 15-20 minute training session walk. Mental exercise I try to incorporate kibble in anything that makes it a challenge to actually get to the kibble like knotted towel.

I’ve been creating her consistently multiple times a day since my initial post and it’s been going great!

Thank you for your input and yes she is an adorable girl haha!