I'm definitely not as knowledgeable as some when it comes to training, but getting my Maci comfortable with her crate was one thing that went very well for us. I only use it when I'm leaving the house, but she does ok in there even if I'm home for a bit too. when she was a puppy I would just pick her up and put her in her crate and say "kennel" and give her a tiny treat. Gradually she learned when I said kennel to just run over and hop in her crate and she would get a treat. Now, I sometimes don't even have to say Kennel. when Maci sees me putting on my shoes and getting keys she'll just get in her kennel on her own. This worked well for us. I wouldn't say she loves her crate, as she doesn't really just go hang out in there, but she definitely doesn't mind it when she has to be left alone. Good luck with training! I'm sure that if your puppy doesn't associate her crate with bad things then she will learn to tolerate it in no time.
__________________ Monica - Maci  |