My Claire Bear (so cute that our dogs have the same name!!
) had to gradually get used to being in her crate. We say kennel up, guide her in and sometimes give her a treat. We started with leaving her in the crate just a few minutes and then working up to longer periods. She does well when we are away, but is MAD when she is crated and I am home. She is getting better in both situations though!! I feel that her crate is her home and it keeps her safe while we have to work. However, she is only crated from 8 - 11 am and then from 12- 3 or 4 at the latest. My hubby feeds her lunch while he is on his lunch break and since I teach I get home early afternoon! It works great for us!