My Dog Is Afraid to Go Into His Crate, What Can I Do?

My Dog Is Afraid to Go Into His Crate, What Can I Do?

ANSWER:
When you are introducing a crate, it is important to make it fun for them. Start slowly. Sit in front of the crate with the door open. Have the dog sit in front of it with you and give it a treat. Slowly begin to put treats on the floor in front of the open door. Then just inside the door. After a short time you should be able to toss treats inside the crate and the dog should willingly go in after them.

When the dog is comfortable going in and out, make him sit down after he finds a treat. When he is in the sitting position reward him with another treat. Next move on to lay-down and stay. When the dog is comfortable with laying down in the crate, close the door part of the way. Then half way and so on.

Once you can close the door without the dog reacting, increase the amount of time the door is closed. Once the dog is comfortable with the door closed, face the crate so he can see you when you are anywhere in the room. It will help him relax and he will soon see the crate as his "relaxing" and "safe place".