SOS

[tkcro]

My CC is 5 1/2 months old and has been perfectly crate trained since we brought him home. Goes to bed at the same time every night, right after our night time walk and is never a problem.
All of a sudden last night and tonight he has been crying and barking all night.....

Has this happened to anyone? What can we do? His routine has not changed since the beginning so we have no clue why the sudden change in attitude/bed time....

 

[TylerDurden]

My CC is 5 1/2 months old and has been perfectly crate trained since we brought him home. Goes to bed at the same time every night, right after our night time walk and is never a problem.
All of a sudden last night and tonight he has been crying and barking all night.....

Has this happened to anyone? What can we do? His routine has not changed since the beginning so we have no clue why the sudden change in attitude/bed time....

Has anything else changed? I have noticed that minor environmental changes can cause changes in behavior. Sometimes even things like new furniture etc.
Also, keep in mind that they are going through various developmental changes, which can result in different kinds of behavior. Certain literature does also refer to different "fear stages", which are not uncommon. While I understand that nightly barking and crying can be annoying, I wouldn‘t be overly concerned at this point.

 

[April Nicole]

Has anything else changed? I have noticed that minor environmental changes can cause changes in behavior. Sometimes even things like new furniture etc.
Also, keep in mind that they are going through various developmental changes, which can result in different kinds of behavior. Certain literature does also refer to different "fear stages", which are not uncommon. While I understand that nightly barking and crying can be annoying, I wouldn‘t be overly concerned at this point.

Great insight Tyler. I think you are definitely on to something regarding the fear stages. I've read of that also, and have experienced it with past pups. The first stage is usually between 8-11 weeks old. Then subsequent periods between 6-14 months. With mine I noticed them getting spooked really easily. Or acting really put off by people other than immediate family. Wanting to follow me around constantly! The second fear stage has a lot to do with growing and sexually maturing. They are like big babies having to grow up too quickly!

 

[Steven C]

Maybe he doesn't want to stay in the crate anymore at night? Both of my Poodles grew out of sleeping in the crate at night at around that age and I knew they were done when they began barking and crying each in different years. Otherwise no idea.

 

[Boxergirl]

I don't think there is ever a time when they grow out of sleeping in the crate. At least not through their own choice. The humans decide if and when they get to be out of the crate. Not them. I expect every one of my dogs to be able to be crated at any given time, and for any length of time (within reason of course), without making a fuss. Complaining about being crated would make me insist even more that they stay crated. There are times where crating without a fuss is important.

There are fear periods and this may be a symptom, but I've never had one of my dogs demonstrate that by suddenly getting upset in the crate. I'm sure it's entirely possible. Did you move the crate? Has anything changed at all? Watch during the day and see if he's urinating more frequently and if you notice that he is, then maybe take in a sample to rule out a UTI. It's probably not that, but I suggest ruling it out if you see any symptoms at all. They also go through periods where they like to test you and see what they can get away with. Can't blame a guy for trying, lol. As long as it's not frantic, freaked out, behavior and he's hurting himself I'd just rule out any health issue (UTI), and insist he stays in the crate until he's quiet. Just make sure he gives you a moment of quiet, mark it (Yes! Good! or a click) and then let him out. Don't let him out while he's making a fuss. Remember, even negative attention is attention. I'm sure you know all that as he was fine in the crate before this. Good luck and please keep us updated.

 

[Jarena]

I think right around that age my girl (11mo Corso) also went through a crate hating phase. It only lasted about 2 weeks and it slowly got better every day. We did NOT give in and let her out. She still is crated at night. She eventually just gave up whining and crying. Maybe it was a fear period thing, I have no idea, but we just toughed it out and all was fine. I think the first couple nights it happened we took her out to potty, thinking maybe that’s why she was crying, then right back to the crate. I think she was testing limits though. As long as it isn’t frantic, as Boxergirl said, I wouldn’t worry too much.

 

[tkcro]

Thank you everyone for all the insight! I definietely think it is a fear stage because we have also noticed him to be much more fearful of certain nosises that didn’t bother him before and even when he meets new people he tends to back away which he never did before. He also isnt neutered yet so it could also be a sexual maturity thing.

I will definitely keep my eye out on more odd behaviour.
He is still in obedience training so it is all stuff we are working on.

Last night after about an hour whining and barking he went to sleep, so it was an approvment to the 4 hours the night before!

 

[Steven C]

I don't think there is ever a time when they grow out of sleeping in the crate. At least not through their own choice. The humans decide if and when they get to be out of the crate. Not them. I expect every one of my dogs to be able to be crated at any given time, and for any length of time (within reason of course), without making a fuss. Complaining about being crated would make me insist even more that they stay crated. There are times where crating without a fuss is important.

There are fear periods and this may be a symptom, but I've never had one of my dogs demonstrate that by suddenly getting upset in the crate. I'm sure it's entirely possible. Did you move the crate? Has anything changed at all? Watch during the day and see if he's urinating more frequently and if you notice that he is, then maybe take in a sample to rule out a UTI. It's probably not that, but I suggest ruling it out if you see any symptoms at all. They also go through periods where they like to test you and see what they can get away with. Can't blame a guy for trying, lol. As long as it's not frantic, freaked out, behavior and he's hurting himself I'd just rule out any health issue (UTI), and insist he stays in the crate until he's quiet. Just make sure he gives you a moment of quiet, mark it (Yes! Good! or a click) and then let him out. Don't let him out while he's making a fuss. Remember, even negative attention is attention. I'm sure you know all that as he was fine in the crate before this. Good luck and please keep us updated.

Do you leave your dogs in for life? For me the only reason for crate training is for destruction or potty training. When those are overcame, there is no reason to leave them in prison cells. Not to mention I think most people that have a CC do so for personal protection so depending on when the dog is potty trained they may be telling you they are ready to be released from the cage and protect the house.

I'm not big on leaving dogs in a crate all their lives even just at nighttime as long as they are potty trained. Just imagine being the dog stuck in prison his whole life, so not for me. Never had a problem with non destructives. Even my destructive dog has no issues when the lights go out with anything, no crate needed. Her issues are not crate training related.

I don't think the OP dog is trained yet at 6 mos. But maybe with the great numbers here on the site.

 

[Boxergirl]

Do you leave your dogs in for life? For me the only reason for crate training is for destruction or potty training. When those are overcame, there is no reason to leave them in prison cells. Not to mention I think most people that have a CC do so for personal protection so depending on when the dog is potty trained they may be telling you they are ready to be released from the cage and protect the house.

I'm not big on leaving dogs in a crate all their lives even just at nighttime as long as they are potty trained. Just imagine being the dog stuck in prison his whole life, so not for me. Never had a problem with non destructives. Even my destructive dog has no issues when the lights go out with anything, no crate needed. Her issues are not crate training related.

I don't think the OP dog is trained yet at 6 mos. But maybe with the great numbers here on the site.

My dogs don't think of their crates as prison cells. They love them. It's a place they can go and be left alone. I leave them up for their entire lives, yes. Do I close the door? Seldom, but I expect to be able to close the door and have them stay crated without a fuss. And my dogs never dictate when I choose to give them the freedom of the house. I choose that. If they misbehave then they lose that freedom. My dogs choose to go into their crates on their own. If I took them away they would be lost. My EM was able to be trusted out of the crate from the time she was 6 weeks old. My boxers at a year. They all still choose to nap there or go there if they are unsure about something. Crates are not a prison, nor are they cruel when used properly.

No, I don't have a Corso but even if I did I would not have them for personal protection. I would not have any dog for that reason. It's my job to protect my home and those in it. In fact, I will sometimes crate my dogs if I'm gone all day to keep them safe. The only things that I value in my home, now that my children are grown, is my dogs. There is much less chance that they will be injured or killed in the event of a break in if they are crated.

 

[Boxergirl]

I thought I'd add a picture that I just took. Ella can have the entire house. She's choosing to nap in her crate. She likes it.

 

[tkcro]

I thought I'd add a picture that I just took. Ella can have the entire house. She's choosing to nap in her crate. She likes it.
View attachment 60285

My Corso does the same thing. We plan on keeping him in his crate until he is a year old just so that we know he’s 100% not going to ruin something in the house. But he already knows his crate as his safe place. He goes there to nap all the time and it’s almost like he goes there when he just doesn’t want to be bothered because he knows we will leave him alone. It’s the sweetest thing ever.

 

[April Nicole]

Crates are not for everyone. As for myself , I love them. They have helped me to house train easily and efficiently. Also to know my pup is secure in our house as we run errands puts me at ease. I've never had a problem with any of my dogs not liking the crate. But with that said, I'm a stay at home mom. So my dogs were never crated for long periods of time, except at night. In fact mine all loved their crates. It's like there own little den.

 

[TylerDurden]

I would definitely agree with the comments where crates are being described as a safe/quiet place, rather than a prison. However, I do understand both sides. There seems to be a cultural aspect to it, as well. Whenever I talk to my family and friends in Europe, I get all kinds of negative comments, as they simply do not seem to understand the purpose/intention. Conversely, when I talk to people in the US, I hardly ever get any response, as it seems to be considered the norm. Regardless, I have never closed the crate door for almost 5 months. He goes in there whenever he wants, but he doesn't have to. Early on, it served a great purpose in terms of housetraining and keeping him safe while we were gone.

 

[Justin B.]

Maybe give him a trial run in your room on the floor for a night with the door closed. With all hazards off the ground.

100% agree with Steven C. These dogs were bred to roam and protect property at night.
He may be hearing or noticing something going on outside and wants to investigate.

If your home is safe. The dog is fully housebroken. And your dog has good manners.....I personally dont see the need for a crate.

If you still want to stick with the crate maybe the dog needs to be tired out a little more before bedtime. Longer walks. More play time. More working activities. That may help him sleep through the night sound.

Just make sure it's not him having to use the bathroom. I would take him outside to pee just in case.

 

[Steven C]

Thank you everyone for all the insight! I definietely think it is a fear stage because we have also noticed him to be much more fearful of certain nosises that didn’t bother him before and even when he meets new people he tends to back away which he never did before. He also isnt neutered yet so it could also be a sexual maturity thing.

I will definitely keep my eye out on more odd behaviour.
He is still in obedience training so it is all stuff we are working on.

Last night after about an hour whining and barking he went to sleep, so it was an approvment to the 4 hours the night before!

I just read the sexual maturity thing and it could very well be. My DDB male was intact his whole life and if a nearby dog was in heat, he would become a bull, he would slam into the door that separated him and the heat dog. I never wanted to neuter him for some crazy reason as I also never wanted to breed him. Maybe a neighborhood dog is in heat?

 

[Annette Coleman]

I thought I'd add a picture that I just took. Ella can have the entire house. She's choosing to nap in her crate. She likes it.
View attachment 60285

When my male Corso hit maturity, he became nervous/antsy when confined to the crate. That was about the same time that he began consistently laying between us and the door. He feels his job is to protect. My German Shepherd chooses to sleep in the closet Different dogs/breeds have different preferences.
It may be my job to protect the house, but he is much better at it than I am. He has scared off at least one home invader. He has run of the house so I never worry if someone broke in and his while I was at work. I figure if someone is stupid enough to break in I’ll find them when I get home

 

[Boxergirl]

When my male Corso hit maturity, he became nervous/antsy when confined to the crate. That was about the same time that he began consistently laying between us and the door. He feels his job is to protect. My German Shepherd chooses to sleep in the closet Different dogs/breeds have different preferences.
It may be my job to protect the house, but he is much better at it than I am. He has scared off at least one home invader. He has run of the house so I never worry if someone broke in and his while I was at work. I figure if someone is stupid enough to break in I’ll find them when I get home

My dogs have run of the house as well, but I don't have them to protect the house. I have them as companions. My dogs are never going to be a match for someone with a gun. I've come home to animals that were shot, one of them killed, while I was gone. No. It wasn't my dogs, but it didn't make it any less traumatic. So when there was a rash of break-ins in the area I did crate my dogs when I was gone. Because they mean more to me than any stuff I have in the house and I felt they were safer in a crate. To each his own.

 

[Nik]

Do you leave your dogs in for life? For me the only reason for crate training is for destruction or potty training. When those are overcame, there is no reason to leave them in prison cells. Not to mention I think most people that have a CC do so for personal protection so depending on when the dog is potty trained they may be telling you they are ready to be released from the cage and protect the house.

I'm not big on leaving dogs in a crate all their lives even just at nighttime as long as they are potty trained. Just imagine being the dog stuck in prison his whole life, so not for me. Never had a problem with non destructives. Even my destructive dog has no issues when the lights go out with anything, no crate needed. Her issues are not crate training related.

I don't think the OP dog is trained yet at 6 mos. But maybe with the great numbers here on the site.

I base crating decisions on the individual dog. Diesel gets run of the kitchen when I'm not home (it is gated off). He doesn't get access to the front door because I don't want to risk him going through the front window if he detects a threat to close to the house... he has tried this before and broken that window when I was home. Diesel likes to go into his own crate and will chose to do it all the time.

Kahlua is crated when I am not able to keep an eye on her. This is because if she is bored and alone she will literally eat anything she can manage to eat including things that are very bad for her and not edible. Kahlua doesn't like going into her crate because she doesn't like being separated from us but it is necessary for her own safety.

My dog Cerberus (no longer with us) was allowed to free roam the house. He didn't have issues eating non-edibles and didn't try to go through windows. He was also claustrophobic to the extreme so he couldn't be crated at all.

None of my dogs are crated at night. They sleep in bed with us.

 

[Steven C]

I base crating decisions on the individual dog. Diesel gets run of the kitchen when I'm not home (it is gated off). He doesn't get access to the front door because I don't want to risk him going through the front window if he detects a threat to close to the house... he has tried this before and broken that window when I was home. Diesel likes to go into his own crate and will chose to do it all the time.

Kahlua is crated when I am not able to keep an eye on her. This is because if she is bored and alone she will literally eat anything she can manage to eat including things that are very bad for her and not edible. Kahlua doesn't like going into her crate because she doesn't like being separated from us but it is necessary for her own safety.

My dog Cerberus (no longer with us) was allowed to free roam the house. He didn't have issues eating non-edibles and didn't try to go through windows. He was also claustrophobic to the extreme so he couldn't be crated at all.

None of my dogs are crated at night. They sleep in bed with us.

Wow Diesel is tough jumping through windows. Malinois are known for that. Cane Corso don't do that usually, they guard the home normally never run away either. Maybe some do now, I don't know but the breed are not supposed to leave the property lines typically, one of the cool things about this breed.

I do agree if he jumps through windows, I would not risk that liability wow. It would be destructive so deserving of the crate as mine when I'm not home now but as soon as she stops being destructive (for us its chewing property) she will be out of the cage indefinitely.

@Boxergirl Not that I really care much about the stats but I remember they show robberies or invasions are 86% less likely with a dog inside the property. Another point I would add is that a bullet is less likely to kill a highly muscular dog as it would a non muscular dog and the speed of my DDB could grab a pistol arm at a short distance very fast in a dark setting. These dogs are fast and amazing at guarding, working dogs like these make terrible companions without jobs. We have Poodles for companions which doesn't mean we don't love our working breed dogs, they just need a job and to confine them is a waste imo.

This has nothing to do with me caving, it has everything to do with me thinking anyone can get used to being confined against their will. I do understand leaving the cage open and giving them a den.

 

[Boxergirl]

@Boxergirl Not that I really care much about the stats but I remember they show robberies or invasions are 86% less likely with a dog inside the property. Another point I would add is that a bullet is less likely to kill a highly muscular dog as it would a non muscular dog and the speed of my DDB could grab a pistol arm at a short distance very fast in a dark setting. These dogs are fast and amazing at guarding, working dogs like these make terrible companions without jobs. We have Poodles for companions which doesn't mean we don't love our working breed dogs, they just need a job and to confine them is a waste imo.

I didn't mean to suggest that I love my dogs more than anyone else. My dogs are still a deterrent simply by being in the house. Believe me, anyone that were to case our area would know that I have many large dogs here. As I said, I've returned home to dead and bleeding animals and it's not something I wish to do again. There are all kinds of jobs my dogs can perform, and do. I just don't expect them to be guard dogs. Like I said, to each his own.