I have always crate trained my dogs. I have 2 now and they willingly go to their crates. I have found if you use a special treat.( mine was animal crackers), to put them in the crate it is a happy experience. Never put them in in anger. My dogs sleep in their crates all nite and have since they were 8 weeks old. I would get up and let them out to potty every so often and they learn real quick to just rest in the crate. When they whine and fuss, try not to act on it. They learn real fast, how to push your buttons and get what they want. "If I cry, she will let me out"! My crates are in my room and if they keep fussing, I just gently tell them,"it's nite nite, go to sleep". Now all I have to do is open the pantry and they run to their crates. I have always been pretty lucky getting them used to and loving their crates. It is nice for them to be crate trained if you have to travel, or if for their own safety. I live in California and I always have this fear that if we have an earthquake, would I be able to get both my dogs out. If they are crated it is no problem, they go from house to car, and are safe.
Just keep up the good work and be persistant, it will pay off. |