Liking the Crate

[aalvarez]

How do we get Yogi to like his crate? We are trying to teach him the command to "go to your crate" but since he doesn't like his crate, he's not obeying very well. I think he doesn't like it because he is in there all day while we are at work and that we leave him for the day. I would like it to be a safe haven for him, not the "bad place."

 

[Kodiak]

I can't tell you how to make Yogi like his crate, but I can tell you that Kodi too was crated all day since we work. When I got home I always went to his crate first and made all sorts of happy silly talk with him as I let him out. He loved all the attention, maybe that's why he never minded the crate. I would get him in there by saying, time to go nite nite Kodi Bear and in he went no matter what time of day it was. He's 15 months old and the crate is still up. He'll go in there on his own and sleep.

Brenda and Kodi

 

[Sound Bay Newfs]

I throw a treat or even a few pieces of kibble in the crate and my pup happily runs in after it. When your pup is in there, you can give lots of praise and another treat. I even put a favorite toy in the crate also. Over time, he should start to see it as a safe haven as long as he knows he is not being put there as a punishment.

 

[brendapiepiorka]

I think that being consistent with crating your puppy makes a big difference. Maggie is just shy of five months old and she knows when it is bed time. Usually I am sitting here at the computer at about this same time and she is always lying close by and when I get up and say lets go to bed she is in her crate before I'm out of my chair.We are alone in the evening since Jerry works 2nd shift and all my children are older and moved out so maybe thats why my routine was so easy for her to catch on to. I do the same ritual on the weekends if possible too. I must lead quite a boring life for my dog to catch onto my routine so quikly

good luck and keep us posted

 

[charliebear]

I have a few quick questions,( maybe you've given the answers somewhere else and I just don't know). How old is Yogi? Do you only put him in there when you go to work? If so he may associate the crate with your leaving. Try putting him in for short amounts of time while your around and having him get used to it. It took a few weeks for Bear to get use to his crate. He use to cry terrible. Just stick to your guns and make it as nice for him as you can. He will catch on in no time and soon he will go in there when ever he needs a break. Good Luck!
Sherri