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we started crating Murphy when we had dinner
This is great advice. Ours now go there automatically when we’re eating.
A blanket over the crate is also a good idea. Makes it feel safe I suppose.
Our cocker has the blanket right over her crate at night these days because she started becoming a pain at night. Their reputation for being a bit needy is justified.
%~}
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)