So my puppies name is Dexter hes a 3 month old collie mixed with a German shepherd and ive had him nearly 2 weeks. Ive been trying to crate train him since I got him and although I do see progress im not quite sure hes fully getting it as his safe space.
Anytime he enters willingly he gets a " yes" and a treat. During the day when he looks sleepy ill sit beside the crate and say " dexter bed" he enters lays down and gets a treat, sometimes he stirs and whines for a minute but then eventually settles and sometimes he doesnt stir at all he lays right down and sleeps.
As the day progresses it gets harder to settle him in, when its time for proper bed time he gets his last drink of water brought outside for a pee and a poo and then I bring him in and do the routine again, he goes in and lays down but after about a minute he starts whining and barking and nibbling at his bedding in the crate he then starts circling and continues to bark i leave him for about 5 minutes to see if he settles and he just wont so I wait for a brief pause and then without saying anything or reacting I open the door slowly and let him out then he just lays down on the floor and goes to sleep.
He's currently napping in the crate as I type this and he went in and settled without a peep. How do I fix the inconsistencies and let him know its time to wind down.
Thanks so much for any advice you guys can give!
submitted by /u/wannasmokeajointski
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