A lot of dogs do not like going into the crate, usually because there was some type of negative association made with the crate at an early age. If your dog or puppy does not like the crate--follow the steps in this article to change your dog's opinion of the crate--and actually get her to like it.
Instructions
1. It's important to understand that it will take a little time to get your dog to love the crate if they've already formed a negative association with it. So the first step is to be patient with your dog; it will take a little while to overcome this.
2. Start by feeding your dog every meal in the crate. Put the dog food bowl in the back of the crate. Your dog now has to go to the back of the crate to eat breakfast and dinner. If this is too much for your dog, you may have to put the food bowl in the front of the crate. As your dog starts to get comfortable, you can gradually move the food bowl further and further into the crate.
3. Anytime you give your dog a treat, toss the treat into the crate. Try to get your dog to go into the crate to get the treat. Again if this is too much for your dog, put the treat in the front of the crate and gradually move it further and further into the crate. Do not shut the door when your dog goes inside. At this point we are just working on getting your dog to go into the crate.
4. Whenever you give your dog a new toy, toss it into the back of the crate. Always try to get your dog to go into the crate to get the new toy.
5. As your dog starts to become comfortable with the crate, you can start to close the door, but don't latch it while your dog is eating. It's important for your dog to be able to push the door open if he desires.
6. Over time, as your dog becomes comfortable being in the crate with the door shut, you can start to latch the door. At first, latching the door should only be for a few seconds to a minute. Again, getting your dog to love the crate is a gradual process that will take a little time.
7. When you let your dog out of the crate, you can make a big deal about it. Praise your dog, play with your dog, tell her what a good girl she is. This way when your dog comes out of the crate your dog will be happy.
8. When you have to put your dog in the crate, don't make a big deal over it or fuss over your dog. It's important that you act very matter-of-fact as you put your dog into the crate. If you start to become emotional it will stress your dog out.
9. The only way to get your dog to love the crate is by associating it as a fun and positive place to be. This can be done by pairing the crate with anything that your dog likes. I once worked with a dog that loved a plastic watering can. We used this as a reward--and you can do the same thing with anything that your dog loves. Good luck!
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