Crate training

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Tumbles_Mama
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Crate training

Post by Tumbles_Mama »

My fiancé and I recently got a blue PB chow puppy, Tumbles. She is good about almost everything except her crate. When we first got her we could get her in the crate when we needed to with treats, but now she won't go within a foot of the crate when we need to put her in. We have a screened in porch and have been leaving her out there at nights (with the door to our room cracked) and she is doing really well with that, but we both work and some days need to be out of the house for awhile and it's too hot (here in SC) to leave her out on the porch for long periods of time during the day. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!! We are having to pick her up and hold her in now to get her in the crate and that's not ok/as she gets bigger will be more and more of a problem. We have started feeding her in the crate, but she still only puts her front paws in to get to her food. Help!!
Rory's Dad
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Re: Crate training

Post by Rory's Dad »

Smart pup...she is trying to be smarter than you are.

Dont let her associate the crate with a poor experience. That is why she started going in to get treats but now rejects it. Forcing her in reinforces her experience.

There can be a fine line here. You want her to view the crate as an extension of her home. Lots of people say that it should be her safe-haven, so dont reach in, etc. In this case, you need to let her know that its not a punishment. I would say go ahead and get her into the crate. Don't close the door immediately. Toss a favorite toy in and play with her. Let her know its not a bad place. I wouldn't feed here in there. She will feel the need to 'go' after eating, and wont want to 'go' in her space.

Work on getting to enter the crate on her own, and then reward her. Verbal praise may be the best option here. Tell her what a good girl she is. Again, leave the gate open during the training phase. Once she gets comfortable with that, use another verbal reassurance..."OK, Tumbles, rest time", or something similar. Make sure she has done her 'business' or she will stress about messing up her bed.
Jdcell100
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Re: Crate training

Post by Jdcell100 »

Don't give her an option if she won't go in on her Owen pick her up and put her in Shell get the idea
Rory's Dad
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Re: Crate training

Post by Rory's Dad »

Wrong plan unless you want her to object to the crate. Crate should be a safe and secure spot. Othewise the correct word is Caged. Forcing her into the crate will make it seem like a punishment.
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JammyJoy
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Re: Crate training

Post by JammyJoy »

Crate training can take days or weeks, depending on your dog's age, temperament and past experiences. It's important to keep two things in mind while crate training: The crate should always be associated with something pleasant.Training should take place in a series of small steps. Don't go too fast.
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