Suggestions for crate-training an old dog?

Posted August 21st, 2009 by admin




I want to train my 2 year old Beagle and my 10 year old Scottie to sleep in a crate at night instead of in our bed. They like to sleep in their dog beds during the day (right next to each other), and I am hoping that I can gradually adjust them to sleeping in their own crates at night.

Also, I am having a baby in another two months and think it would be advantageous for them to have a place of their own to retreat too when the baby starts to crawl.

Any suggestions? Also, they snuggle together most of the time…should I get them a medium sized crate where they can sleep together (they currently switch/share the two dog beds and/or snuggle together on the couch) or should I get them each separate crates that sit next to each other?




2 Responses to “Suggestions for crate-training an old dog?”

  1. Sheri

    I have 2 dogs – I have 2 med. sized crates – sometimes they share and sleep together in their crates and sometimes they don’t. I got them each their own crates, but large enough that they could sleep together if they wanted to. As far as getting them in the crate and have them start using it – my suggestion would be to start feeding them in their separate crates – put the bowl of food in the crate. Also, put a blanket or bed in the crate (maybe the one they use to sleep on now) and some toys if they like that kind of stuff. But feeding them in the crate is usually the best way to get them in the habit of using the crates – it will take a week or two before they are using them on their own, maybe sooner. Good Luck!

  2. Jaqulene

    get one big one and put their beds beside each other.

    dogs do not like being separated, and being in the crate together will more than likely keep them from barking and whining.

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