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also, don't use the crate as a punishment
We kind of do this. Not really though. If Odie’s being a jerk and we need to put him a way for a sec, we’ll put him in the crate, but always try and do it positively. He’ll get a treat for going in and a ‘good boy’. Sometimes you do just need to get them out of your hair before you get cross with them and the crate can be useful for that (we’ve got you do kids and occasionally the chaos all gets a bit much!). My feeling is that if they’re rewarded for going in, the positive affirmation is still there.
AlexD
DethBeard
That reminds me, we started crating Murphy when we had dinner.
The first few days we would howl, bark, cry and bite the bars to get out.
After a short while he would start the same but settle, then a little while later he would settle, then bark for a bit.
Now he gets in on his own when the oven timer goes off (Pavlovian response is strong) and gets a dog treat for his troubles.
I read somewhere about tossing treats into the crate (when dogface isn't aware) so when they do go in there, they find rewards.
Inspires them to voluntarily go into the crate during the day.
(also, don't use the crate as a punishment)