Clicker-Training-To-crate-or-not-to-crate

To Crate or Not To Crate?

If a dog is taught through positive reinforcement to love the crate, the crate becomes his own private and safe place, much like a bedroom for a child. The crate or kennel is somewhere the dog can go and not be bothered; it’s a perfect destination when the dog is tired or nervous. Dogs have a natural instinct to be in a den. Many dogs take to a crate very easily.

Boston Terrier Puppy Sleeping in Crate, seen from the top view

 Help! My Puppy Hates the Crate

Does this scenario sound familiar? Your puppy will happily walk into their crate for a wildly desirable treat. But, once the treat is gone, so is your puppy’s patience. He starts to yowl. While you want to wait to release him until he’s quiet, it’s emotionally fraught to listen to his bewildered barks. It’s a common crate training dilemma, but …