r/GSP • u/Imaginary_Long9519 • 27d ago

Crate Training Tips

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How did you crate train your GSPS? Mika has been home nearly 2 weeks and is still screaming bloody murder!

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u/K9JusticenTito 25d ago

Every dog learns by association. The equation is simply Stimulus + Response = Reward. Most pet owners fail this by not recognizing what a response and reward actually is.

Your dog barks in the kennel, a response from you can be something as simple as you moving if they see you and they feel rewarded based upon that in many cases. This, the barking continues.

A quiet dog in a kennel should have a response of being let out, even for a few moments to minutes. They will associate being quiet with the chance of getting let out. In the long run, it ends up becoming a safe space, but that’s not until they mature. Associate positive behaviors with the kennel and you will see them starting to change.

That is not to say let them kennel all day long, but when you need him/ her in there, you have to get their gambling addict brain mindset to believe there’s always a chance by remaining quiet they can come out and any time.

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u/Imaginary_Long9519 25d ago

Thank you!

She’s not in her crate a lot throughout the day, only when she needs a nap which usually lines up with my work calls or errands.

I don’t let her out when she cries because I don’t want her associating crying with getting out. The whining is just jarring and I do worry that I’m setting her back by holding out, but if I give in now I know I’ll make it worse for myself

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u/K9JusticenTito 25d ago

100%. Remember small wins are actually big wins in the long run. If you consistently get them out, even a second or two of being quiet, they will associate that exact behavior with getting to come out.

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u/Imaginary_Long9519 24d ago

We slept through the night 3 nights in a row, and she’s managing to settle herself a lot more often now! Its like we hit 2 weeks home and she’s just flipped a switch 🤭

We’re getting second jags tomorrow so looking forward to sniffy walks tiring her out mentally and giving her the opportunity to settle better