Expert: Kaza - 3/10/2008

Question
we are fostering this dog who was given up by his owner.  we got him from the aspca adn are trying to decide whether to adopt him. after a few minutes in the crate he begins to whine, bark, and walk around adn around attempt to get out.  at night when we go to sleep, it takes an hour to calm him down for sleep.  we feed him in the crate, have his toys there, leave it open when we're home. he goes in and out.  we walk him 40 minutes in am and 40 minutes before bed. we dont know what to do now? we feel like he needs a constant home presence.

Answer
Hi there
this is very common with pups,adults, rescues , in fact ALL dogs that have not been crate trained, which EVERY breeder should do prior to their dogs leaving their birth home.
At his age he is set in his ways but he is trainable even at his ripe old age.  My advice is to perservere and within 2 months (possibly sooner) he will be the loving little man you envisaged.
Separation anxiety is common and it is quite resolvable , but you need patience a good sweet voice and NO HANDS ON touching ie hitting etc.
Cover the crate top with a blanket and play some soothing music for a few days whilst he gets used to it.
I recommend the use of the toys that you can record a small phrase onto , they roll and when the button is activated the dog hears your soothing and loving message.

Use DAP inside the crate for 2 weeks and give him a lettuce leaf at night to calm him, I have used this inside brownbread with butter and a slice of cucumber cut into little cubes.

stroke this dog often touch his ears his feet (pads) his bely and talk to him to reassure him that all is well.
I can guarantee that within a few weeks you will see much progress and he will reward you with so much more.

for more help log into my health site
its all free and you can print off all the info on site and keep in a small folder for quick reference guides.
www.eurobichons.com

Good luck