[OregonGirl]

Hello guys! I finally adopted my first dog. I went intending to get the american eskimo but as always it never works out that way and instead I was picked by a lovely 4 year old male mini australian shepherd.

He's got the sweetest temperament and all he wants to do so far is lay by my lap. He even sits when you call him over and waits patiently for pets.

The unfortunate thing is he was found as a stray so is not housebroken at all and I'm worried about going to sleep tonight. I'm wondering if I should crate him while I sleep even though he hasn't been trained to go into the crate.

I understand that crate training takes weeks at times but I'm worried about him marking around the bedroom and pottying on the carpet while I sleep.

I've got a proper sized crate set up right next to my side of the bed and I was looking for some experienced input on what you guys would do in this situation.

[Yogi]

Do you have an old piece of clothing with your scent on it? If so, place it in the crate. Sense of security. Cover the crate, less distraction ie: if they cannot see, they are less inclined to concern themselves. Make sure he out and does his business before putting him in. You may need to get up in the middle of the night for a few nights letting him out. Progressively getting later until he can sleep through the night. Also, start feeding him in his crate to reinforce it is a good place and a place he wants to be in. Good luck.

[Lunareclipse]

With some dogs it doesn't take even that long to crate train. With Buster it took two nights to get him crate trained. I just put him in his crate and ignored him until it was time to take him to go out again. Put a kong in there too with penut butter in it. It should keep him occupied for a while.

[metallicrab]

Crate training is usually very easy, as long as you remember one thing: Do not go to comfort them if they begin to whine, as it will only let them know that when they do that, you come to nurture them. The first night or two, sometimes longer will be tough...but you and your canine buddy can pull through. There is good news, though...once your canine is used to the crate...they will LOVE IT! Dogs naturally love a "den" setting. I have crate trained many personal canines, and many for clients, and the best advice I can give is to not nurture them during the process. Also, NEVER close the crate door while your dog is excited, let them get used to the "new" and then close it gently, walk away for bed, and let them be. Taking them for a potty break during the early morning hours is necessary, just like a baby will wake during the night...hang in there and you will have yourself a happy Shep!