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Daisy is scared of a crate. She was in one for the first three months of her life, due to the SPCA and one month while she lived with our friends. The crate at the friends house was so small she couldn't turn in it.
We have a crate now for the puppy we are getting and we would like to train Daisy to it also.
Her fear is evident, when I set it up, she ran and then hid on our bed. She licks her lips in a stress like manner and is also showing signs of when we correct her.
Cast your vote for which answer you think is best!
Answers
Make the crate a POSITIVE experience! This process can and should take 1-2 weeks.
Begin by closing the door to it and sit away 10-20 ft from it. Play with the dog and while you are playng take some small peices of treat and just toss them in the area of the kennel. NOT TO CLOSE, just near it so she gets used to being around it. If the dog takes them make a big deal of it and give LOTS of praise.
Over the period of a few days just keep moving closer until you are sitting in front of the door. If she becomes uncomfortable, back away a bit and begin again.
The next step is to just open the door slightly while you play.
Next: open the door all the way while playing.
Next: put treats just inside the door.
Next: toss treats inside and have the dog go in to get them.
Then make the dog sit inside w/ the door open. and so on.
The key is DONT get in a hurry! Do it at the dog's pace ... Sessions should last for just a few minutes, and do them several time per day.
I just read your page, and you are one lucky puppy to have found such great humans to take care of you! It sounds like the crate has been a horrible experience for you, and I agree with Patchs answer - it's going to take time and patience to coax you to use the crate.
I'm wondering if an enclosure like an X-pen might be a better solution for you? Or perhaps a baby gate to block off a safe area in the kitchen, laundry room, part of the family room, or some other space where you can see and hear your humans and the new puppy without being closed in the scary crate?
My other question is, how do your humans correct you, and for what behavior? I'm hoping they are firm but gentle and are using positive reinforcement instead of loud voices or physical force. Here is a link to my trainer's site, with articles on how to train in a positive way: www.k9techsupport.com
Hope this helps! Congratulations on your furever home, and good luck!
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