u/blonnie785

My partner and I brought home our sweet 8-week-old puppy a few days ago. She has been doing great with her crate in every aspect....except when we leave the room for a few minutes to simulate leaving the house.

She has positive associations with the crate and always receives high praise for going in there. She loves to run in and out to eat her food, drink water, chew her bones, etc. Even in the few nights we've had her, overnights have improved immensely with no real issues other than sleep deprivation for mom and dad.

Each time we prep for a crate session, we make sure she's had some playtime and training beforehand, and we put a high-reward treat in there (like a kong or pupsicle) and quietly close the door behind her. All is good and well until she can't see us, then it's full-blown screaming and crying. Even when we're in the room with her and she can see us, see whines and barks. We have tried putting a blanket over the crate, but it seems to make things worse.

We've been trying to crate her in short sessions so that she knows we'll come back every time (with high praise and affection!) and doesn't develop negative associations. We also hope in that time we can get a sense for how long it takes her to calm herself down, which is where we would love to hear form others about what has worked and what hasn't.

What I would love to hear from others:

• Did you crate train in short sessions? How long did those sessions last?
• How long did it take for your pup to eventually calm themselves down during those sessions?
• How much time did it take overall for your pup to be okay left alone in their kennel?
• What eventually worked for you and your pup? What didn't work well?

We are very well aware it's only been a few days and know it will take time and patience, it just gets a little overwhelming at times. We ultimately just want to hear experiences from others who have had success so we can hopefully see the light at the end of the tunnel and leave the house together again!

Thanks in advance!