Acclimating Fido to his Crate
Acclimation Method #3

Good If Your Dog Can't Be Lured into the Crate with Treats

If you've tried Acclimation Method #2 and found that Fido's too scared to take any treats or you've found that he'll take the treats outside the crate but once they're in the crate just stares longingly at them and refuses to budge, you'll need to give him a bit of help. He may just think that the crate is way too scary and he isn't interested in risking life and limb for a few measly treats!

In this case, the next step would be to physically place Fido into the crate. If he's a little guy, just pick him up and put him in. If he's a bigger guy, you can lead him in with one hand on his collar and one under his belly.

Once he's inside, he'll likely want to turn around and run right out, but try to prevent him from doing so by gently holding him inside the crate, petting him and talking to him. Do this for a few seconds, then let go of him and allow him to come out. Repeat this several times per session, gradually increasing the length of time you have him stay in before letting him come out. Praise him and pet him when he's in the crate, or if he's gotten hungry now that his initial fear of going into the crate isn't on his mind, give him some treats when he's in the crate.

As he feels more comfortable, stop using your hands to hold him in the crate. Once he'll stay for a few moments in the crate without restraint as you pet him or give him treats, try gently closing the door without latching it for just for a second. Hold the door closed with your hand and tell Fido he's a good boy or give him a single treat through the front gate then open the gate to let him out immediately so he learns that a closed door isn't scary and doesn't mean he's locked in there forever. Be sure to keep a firm hand on the door as you open it so that it can't move suddenly and frighten Fido as he comes out.

Repeat this step, gradually leaving the door closed longer and giving more praise or treats before opening up. If this is going well, latch the door and step away from the crate for a moment before returning to give Fido his praise or treat. Step away a little farther and a little longer before returning to give Fido some praise or a treat.

Once you're able to step away from the crate for 30 seconds at a time, you should be ready to try leaving Fido in his crate a bit longer. For this part of the training, you'll need something yummy that will take a while for Fido to eat or chew. This should be something other than his normal chew items... something of extra high value that he only gets when he's in his crate. You'll make Fido very happy with a safe chew bone like a pig ear from the pet store or a raw marrow bone from the butcher. A hollow rubber toy filled with something yummy is another good choice. Most dogs go crazy for a hollow toy stuffed with canned dog food... if you freeze it before giving it to him, it'll keep him busy for a nice, long time! If you worry that the canned food may give our boy Fido a bit of an upset tummy, mixing plain, boiled white rice with the canned food will help to prevent diarrhea.

Some dogs are too busy thinking about how to get out of the crate to chew or eat their special bone or toy in the crate. If Fido ignores his bone in the crate, then tries to pick it up and bring it out with him, take it away from him and put it away until next time he goes into his crate. He can only have this special treat in the crate. After missing out on it a few times, he'll get the idea.

Gradually leave Fido in the crate for longer periods as he becomes comfortable. If you find that he engages in bratty behaviors like barking or trying to dig his way out of the crate, you may need to correct these behaviors before leaving him unattended in his crate.