some take longer than others to "take" to it... some never really crave the crate, but if you think about them as the animals they are, they are den dwellers... it is in their makeup. They naturally will seek out a safe place to rest and sleep. If introduced right your dog will grow to see his or her crate as its "safe place".
Never put them in as a punishment, always praise and treat, offer their favorite toy only when in the crate, show them that it is a good thing!
Some protest at first is normal... but if approched right, they will just do what come natural to them...
My last dog would have had a nervous breakdown if you took his crate away from him! He freaked out if you even close the door on it... He felt secure knowing that he had a place to retreat to if need be... he would lounge in it for the better part of the day. Loved his crate.
How long? I guess it depends on how its introduced and the personality of your pup... All I can say is... DON"T GIVE UP!!! you'll thank your self in the end!!!
__________________ Kathryn, Pixie  and Chynna  |