Your Dog Hates the Crate...What Can You Do?

Do you have a dog who refuses to get in or stay in a crate? The crate when properly used is a great training and management tool. However, improper use of a crate can be traumatic. Some of those improper uses may include:

Above: Kromfohrlander dog breed

• improper introduction to the crate
  
• Above: Lagotto Romagnolo Italian Dog Breed
• stimulating experiences while crated

Improper use of a crate can create feelings of isolation that proceeds to separation anxieties. You don't want this to happen to you and your dog.

If you find out your dog is behaving badly while in a crate or even hurting themselves while crated think of confinement alternatives. Don't continue to crate a dog experiencing problems with crating. The dog might be better off in an exercise pen, a chain-link kennel or even a room of his own.

Above: The Lowchen Dog Breed possibly from France

Today, we can find doggy daycare centers. If you are fortunate enough to be in an area where one is offered, try using it. You might even be able to find a friend, a neighbor or relative home all day able to be with your dog when you are away.

Try to teach the dog to love his crate. The crate no doubt is a valuable training tool you want to be able to use successfully. Begin with small steps trying to get your dog to go into the crate on his own. Training should involve giving a treat for the desired behavior. Once you have your dog going inside the crate, proceed to closing the door and continue giving treats for the wanted behavior.

Above photo: Archduchess Maria Christina, Duchess of Teschen 1742-1798 with her Lowchen dog.

Once the dog is inside the crate start leaving him alone short periods of time and reward the dog upon your return if all went well. Gradually increase the time you are away from the dog.

Evaluate why the dog does not like the crate, and remove aversives. Is there a draft blowing in on him? Is the crate sitting next to a sound or noise the dog is afraid of?

Whenever possible, take the dog with you instead of leaving him alone in the crate.

Use Life's Abundance Tasty Rewards Dog Treats for positive reinforcement training desired/acceptable behaviors.

Tasty Rewards Dog Treats

Good behavior should be rewarded, but often training treats are empty-calorie treats with no nutritive value and include undesirable ingredients. At Life's Abundance, we strongly believe that you should only feed treats that can help to support overall health.

Tasty Rewards are wholesome nutritional treats made from New Zealand-raised chicken and lamb.

They’re loaded with proteins, minerals, vitamins and essential fatty acids. And, like all of our foods, supplements and treats, you’ll find no added artificial preservatives or colors..

With Tasty Rewards Nutritional Treats, discipline can be delicious!