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Originally Posted by NBSlav  thanks so much for the advice! Makes me feel a whole lot better that it's just because of her age (for the most part). As for the crying, my husband and I do ignore her, she eventually stops but we don't want her to hate her crate/pen, we tried getting her slowly used to her crate it doesn't seem to work, she won't play in it, she will occasionally nap there but we have to keep the door open otherwise she'll freak out. I'll def. try the pineapple and maybe get a bell for her too  |
When she's not looking try hiding some treats in her crate. She'll learn that crate = good stuff. Also, make sure you reward her for going in. Just like with anything, you want to teach her to go in by herself. Say something like "Crate!" when you want her to go in, put her in there and reward her before you even shut the door. Eventually you can dangle a treat from the top of the crate and lure her in, while saying "Crate!", then give it to her when she goes in with lots of praise. She'll eventually get used to it. Maybe try giving her a kong filled with peanut butter to keep her occupied when you put her in there too. Another thing... put a dirty shirt that you or your husband has worn. It will get her used to your scent and will comfort her. Some people even buy ticking alarm clocks and wrap it up in the shirt to sound like a heart beat.