[Ozzie]

Here's my situation- I adopted an 8 year old male Sheltie about three weeks ago. As far as I know, he was never crate trained (and he was only nuetered two months before finding me). We're now trying to introduce him to the crate, and he's acting a little fearful. We've tried placing treats inside- he'll go about 6'' in, but not any farther. We feed him about one foot in front of the crate and he's not shown any fear of it during eating.

Is he just too old to learn the crate? Or am I using incorrect technique? Any input would be greatly appreciated.

[Cheetah]

Have you tried placing his food bowl in the crate? Make him up a special meal when he's ready to eat, and place it in the back of the crate... then just leave him alone and see what happens...

I taught my corgi that the only time he gets to have his meals is if he's in his crate, so it's become a special place for him.

Is this dog potty trained or house broken? If you can't manage to get him to warm up to a crate, then perhaps an exercise pen might work. >^^;<

[toniaxp]

Just place his food inside his crate and no where else. He will eventually get hungry enough that he will go in and get it. After a few times he will realize there is nothing bad about it.

[all4thedogs]

I agree, place the food in his crate. Make it super smelly (canned food, fish etc). Dont feed him outside of the crate. When he goes in to eat, softly praise. Once he gets used to eating in there, try closing the door as he eats. ALWAYS make the crate a positive place to be.