[canana]

I think...crate training is very possible, granted the right approach with the correct timing. You have to create a willingness and not use forcefulness.

They will definitely hate it if they're not ready and you force them to be in there locked up. If they're freaking out, get them out immediately. Keeping them in there while they're freaking out will traumatize them and they only learn to hate the crate. You want to avoid that.

It's a repetitive, consistent, and patience game of using positive reinforcement taken with baby gradual steps - from getting them to go inside themselves, to them being okay in their with the door closed for a few seconds, to them being able to be calm inside for longer periods. Baby steps. If you see them start to freak out, revert back and make sure they know it's okay (usually done so with food or treats). Each dog learns to be calm with a crate at different rates - you need to gauge it depending on their reactions, but it can be done.

Think of it like learning how to swim. If you threw me into the water and I have a near-drowning experience, I will forever hate the water. I will need A LOT of reassurance that I will not die from the next instructor teaching me how to swim. Some learn to swim really fast. Others like me who 'tread water' like a boulder, need a LOT of patience to be taught how to swim; it's a matter of gradual and persistent learning. Technically, everyone can learn how to swim.

Yes, dogs are den animals. But in the 'wild', dens are open and they're free to leave whenever. Dog crates feel like a den, but once the door is closed, it's not natural anymore. That's why we need to train them that it's actually safe and okay. Being locked up doesn't sound nice, but the benefits of having a crate-trained dog is so worth the initial time investment.

I had introduced Casie to the crate with treats. Then, I had fed each meal with her inside the crate and the door opened, and then later with the door closed. A lot of time was spent conditioning her to love the crate.

Now, she actually leaps into the crate with enthusiasm. It's really cute and incredible! Regularly, I still feed her meals with her inside the crate. And with her behind the crate door closed, I feed her a treat everyday before I leave.