Acclimating Fido to his Crate
Acclimation Method #5

SAFETY NOTE: This article is part of a series of articles on crate training. Before starting any of the training outlined below make sure to read the introductory crate acclimation article. There you will learn about setting up the crate properly to avoid startling Fido and will read the safety notes to ensure that your training goes safely and successfully.

The Best Bet if Your Schedule Forces You to Leave Fido Closed in his Crate on Day One

Remember that you should, if at all possible, start introducing Fido to his crate at a time when you have a few days to ease him into things. However, in the real world, it doesn't always work that way. You might find a stray dog at midnight or have an emergency that forces you to leave Fido at home alone on his first day he's with you. Under those circumstances, you can use this abbreviated method to get Fido to stay in his crate. We don't recommend using this method if you have time to do the other more gradual methods for crate acclimation. Try it only if you absolutely must.

This method's a simple one:

Step One:

Place Fido in his crate. You can lift him in if he's a little guy, or lead him in with one hand holding his collar and the other under his belly. Give him something yummy that will take him a long time to chew, like a raw marrow bone from the butcher or a hollow rubber toy filled with something yummy. 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.

Buy your puppy Rubber Kong Dog Toys to keep him busy in his crate

Step Two:

Close the door of the crate and leave.

Step Three:

Keep your fingers crossed and get home as quickly as you can!

SAFETY NOTE: If Fido is a large, adult dog that you do not know well, or if he has shown any signs of aggressive behavior, we don't recommend that you try to physically put him in his crate, since this could cause an aggressive dog to bite. If you are not sure you can safely put him in his crate, try getting him in by luring him in with treats or seek the help of an experienced, professional dog trainer to help you introduce Fido to the crate.
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