My puppy, some of you know is around 3 months. I have tried everything to get him used to his crate. That it is a safe place. I have to put him in and he will only show out for maybe 5 minutes then he will be quiet for 2 hours if I am busy with other things or even have to leave while I am off work.

The problem now, suddenly is that I can't get him to go to the crate unless I make him. He is really paranoid if I throw a treat or put a toy, or something to chew on. He immediatley turns and goes away from me, he knows he will be going in.

So my question is this;How do I effectivley help him understand and help him to adjust to just going in and that I am not trying to punish or just lock him away for the fun of it. That he has to go and that it is a safe place.

Like I said;when he is in there he is just fine. No problems. It's just getting him to go that is the hassle. And it shouldn't be such a hassle.

Thanks for anyones help.

At 3 months , I had a problem with my now 1 year old to get into his crate, I didn't have a problem with other pups I had but this one just wanted to be at my feet all day. The time that I would say "crate" and got in and layed down and surrender to the fact that he HAS to go in was at the age of 6 months.I think it all depends on pups/dogs, for mine he was allowed to run around with the kids and play and kick back and take his nap on the big dog beds (on the floor) so for him crates meant away from us, no more interractions with the family and he did not want that.Some people crate their puppy for every nap and feed in crates and so on where their pups love going in their crates at an early age but for me and I don't know about you but the crate( in the house) at the time (when he was a pup) was only to keep him safe when we left or had kids over ect...
John I think you are going to get different ideas , but it comes down to how you are living day to day with your pup and how the crate comes into play.But eventually he will surrender to the idea.It might take a little more time or more motivational tools.

Thanks. Angelique

My puppy is like yours in similar ways. He always is under my feet when I am not at work. If I get up he ges up. I don't make him use the crate for naps, just when I cannot watch him and I am busy or leave.

 Quote: john bounds

My puppy, some of you know is around 3 months. I have tried everything to get him used to his crate. That it is a safe place. I have to put him in and he will only show out for maybe 5 minutes then he will be quiet for 2 hours if I am busy with other things or even have to leave while I am off work.

The problem now, suddenly is that I can't get him to go to the crate unless I make him. He is really paranoid if I throw a treat or put a toy, or something to chew on. He immediatley turns and goes away from me, he knows he will be going in.

So my question is this;How do I effectivley help him understand and help him to adjust to just going in and that I am not trying to punish or just lock him away for the fun of it. That he has to go and that it is a safe place.

Like I said;when he is in there he is just fine. No problems. It's just getting him to go that is the hassle. And it shouldn't be such a hassle.

Thanks for anyones help.

Hi John ~ at 3 months old it may be a little much to expect no hassle. For some pups it's simple, some not so simple. He probably doesn't see it as a punishment, he just doesn't want to be away from you. He's smart and knows it means separation. I would continue with the treats inside to entice him, treat in your hand to lure him, and having a lead on him (at that age I used the British lead - Ed sells them, picture on his site - easy to put on and take off - pup had it on when outside the crate). Lead him to the crate, put him in, put the treat/s down, take off the lead, close the door. He may try to bolt before you close the door. Gently push him back in. It doesn't sound like it will be easy though. My pup was/is food and toy driven so had no problems. But if he wasn't, I would have done the above. You might want to try some "bed" or "place" training when you're going to be home with him, having him go in and out of the crate without closing the door (all with treats and praise).

Actually I have been doing that with the place training some. Not sure if I've done it enough though.

Hi John
This is a slow process it takes time for the pup to adjust.First thing is the pup's kennel large enough ? It could be to cramped ,Can your pup stand up in there & totally stretch out? If so ,I would start feeding your pup in the kennel so they get use to it. Make it a really big deal every time the pup goes in (postive re-enforcement"oh good boy")dogs definately respond better to higher pitch voices . Maybe have a radio near the pups kennel to sooth it. You might want to watch " Your Puppy
8 Weeks to 8 Months " it is very helpful .Good luck

Yeah its big enough. He has plenty of room. I just keep working with him. I just got through a few minutes ago. He went in on his own a few times and I praised him alot.

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he just doesn't want to be away from you. He's smart and knows it means separation

This is why! If the dog is only being put into the crate when you leave then he will quickly start to think, "hey if I don't go in the crate then daddy doesn't/won't/can't leave". Well that's what they think anyway. Because dog's learn by association if you consistently put the dog away then leave him, obviously they will associate separation with their crate. Put the dog in and out of the crate while you are home. Man, I used to crawl into the crate and push the dog out just to make her appreciate it even more (after a few bubblies I'd like to note). There's all kinds of stuff you can try and they pretty much all work as long as in the dog's mind he has been conditioned to think of "good things" when he thinks of the crate. Just be careful that the dog is not being banished to the crate as a form of punishment and that you are careful to avoid the association with being alone or separated.

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Man, I used to crawl into the crate and push the dog out just to make her appreciate it even more (after a few bubblies I'd like to note).

Do you have pictures of this? lol

John,
Do you have a mat or pad in the bottom of the crate? You can use it to help with your problem. Remove the pad from the crate and train the "place" command with rewards for appropriate responses. Make the mat a place where only good things happen. When you are home keep the mat out and near you (reinforcing the fact that the mat is a good place to be). When it's time to go into the crate put the mat in the crate and give the "place" command and reward his obedience. Do this several times and leave the door open telling him to stay and then reward. Remember he's just a baby and it may take some time, repetition and patience. Enjoy your puppy!