How to Crate a Resistant & Fearful Dog

Crate training is not cruel, unless you intend to leave your dog locked up all day, every day. Crate training can help you housebreak a puppy or prevent destructive behavior while your dog is still working on obedience training. It is also a safe way to travel with your dog. A crate can even become a refuge for your dog, acting as a den or room of its own. Dogs should not simply be thrown into a crate, however. They may be afraid of the crate or resistant to being in there until they learn that the crate can actually be a positive experience.

Things You'll Need

  • Dog crate
  • Dog bed or blankets
  • Dog treats
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Instructions

    • 1

      Purchase a crate large enough for your dog. The dog must be able to stand up, turn around and lie down in it comfortably. Place a dog bed, pillows or blankets inside the crate to make it cozy. Consider purchasing a water dish for the crate, so your dog won't get dehydrated.

    • 2

      Place a few dog treats at the entrance to the crate. Encourage your dog to "go to bed" or go to its "house." Let your dog sniff at the crate and reach for the treats in its own time. Don't try to force your dog inside the crate, and don't close the door.

    • 3

      Set the treats farther back in the crate when your dog is willing to take the snacks by the door without hesitation. Again, wait for your dog to venture into the crate on its own. Don't shut it inside. If it snatches the treats and runs out, continue placing the treats inside until it becomes more comfortable with the crate's interior.

    • 4

      Hide the treats in the pillow or blankets so your dog must spend more time inside looking for them. Start varying the treats you place inside. Use dog treats, hot dogs or cheese. Put your dog's favorite toys in the crate, or a Kong stuffed with peanut butter. Teach your dog that the crate contains treasures and is not to be feared.

    • 5

      Feed your dog its meals inside the crate, with the door open. Put the dish at the back of the crate so that your dog can stand inside and eat. Always encourage your dog to go into its "house" (or whatever term you chose to refer to the crate).

    • 6

      Praise your dog each time it enters the crate on its own. Let it know it is doing something right by going inside, whether it is looking for snacks, chewing a bone or eating a meal.

    • 7

      Close the crate door when your dog is no longer nervous about going inside. Stay by the crate and praise your dog. Feed it treats through the bars. Start by closing the door for no longer than a minute. Slowly increase the length of time you leave your dog locked inside.

    • 8

      Leave your dog alone while it is locked inside the crate. Don't do this unless it is comfortable in the crate with you in the room. Go into another room for a few moments. Increase the length of time the dog stays inside. Start leaving the house for a few minutes and slowly work up to the point that your dog will stay in the crate for a few hours at a time. Continue to reward and praise your dog for being in the crate.

    • 9

      Give your dog a chance to go to the bathroom and to exercise immediately before and after leaving it in the crate for extended periods of time. This decreases the risk that it will have an accident and increases the chance that your dog will spend its time alone sleeping. This will help it remain calm in the crate and ensure that the crate continues to be a positive experience.