Doesn't want to go into crate!

[myandromeda]

I'm having a hard time getting the boys into their crate at night. It make me so sad, because I don't want to force them into it. The only way that I can get them in there is to lure them with treats. They don't whine or jump once they are in.

We always "wear them out" before we take them to bed, so we know it's not because they still want to play. Any suggestions?

[KatMc]

Tami,
I used treats for a long, long time to get them happy going in there. Then next thing I knew when I couldn't find them, they were napping in their crates.

But they definitely like the wire cage as compared to the travel type.

Patience!

Kathy

[sammylee]

Tami, I adopted a 20 month old and he had never been in a crate. I feed him in it twice a day it his home. For the the first two weeks I had him I had to push him in.(hes larger than me it was a site) then about the 3rd week he would go in for treats, this went on for a week / week in a half. Then It was like a light bulb went on and know for the last 3/3 1/2 months all I do know is point and say kennel and in he goes. I really think feeding in the kennel helps alot. Plus I work all day and he stays in a very large wire crate not the largest one but the next to largest one. Sam has the greastest temperment. Nothing like my other 3 I have. good luck and hope this helps Sammy :)

[Mattweiser]

I didn't use treats... just don't feed him all day... if you put his dinner in the crate.. he will go in to eat...

do this for a few days.... praising while he eats... close the door, as soon as he sees it is closed, praise and open, and let him out

basically you have to desensitize him to the crate..... just go slowly...

good luck

[myandromeda]

Thanks for all the advice! I guess we'll just keep doing what we're doing for now!

[AngelBunny]

Tami K:

Take a look at yourself and analyze your behavior as you're crating your dogs.

Rotties are smart, perceptive dogs who like getting their own ways. If your body language & tone of voice says to your dogs, "Oh! it's breaking my heart to put you poor, poor dogs in your crates. Pleeeze go into your crates, pretty please," of course they're not going to crate easily.

I'm matter-of-fact about crating a crate trained dog--they go into the crate when I tell them to and get a treat. If they don't, I push them into the crate & they get a treat. End of story.

With puppies I'm alot kinder. I feed the puppy in the crate & in a big happpy tone order the puppy into the crate. Puppy then gets a treat.

Don't coddle your dogs--the fact your dogs don't whine or jump around once they're crated imply they're crate trained, so don't pussy-foot around.

[myandromeda]

Originally posted by AngelBunny:
<STRONG>Tami K:

Take a look at yourself and analyze your behavior as you're crating your dogs.

Don't coddle your dogs--the fact your dogs don't whine or jump around once they're crated imply they're crate trained, so don't pussy-foot around.</STRONG>

I replied to this once, but it seems as though we've lost a few posts :p :D :)

I've made an effort to not give off the "I'm soooo sorry" feeling, although I don't think that's it. But I will continue to analyze my behavior. Thanks!