Hi, I am a first-time dog owner and I just got a miniature poodle who is 2 months old 4 days ago. Most of what I read indicates that I should keep her in a crate for naps during the day and at night.
Most websites also say that I should never force her in a crate, but instead lure her in. But luring her does not work. I've put in toys, food, treats, etc. These are things that she enjoys outside the crate but honestly she seems to know that it is a crate and that I will shut the door. She went in quietly and voluntarily when I had friends over yesterday, but she had just had a scary encounter with an aggressive Pit Bull (fortunately, she was unhurt, and I am being more careful now) and I think it affected her behavior. That was the only time she's ever quietly gone in without crying.
Some people say to leave the door open and put fun things in there, but she will grab it and play with it outside. One time she pulled out the whole bottom pad so she could get at a treat I placed at the end.
So I've just been placing her in the crate and putting on headphones. She eventually goes to sleep, but I'm worried that I haven't, as the dog books say, made the crate inviting enough for her. A lot of articles say to never force your dog in, but if I didn't do it she wouldn't use it.
And I exercise her a lot - today I took her for a 10 minute and then a 30 minute walk before I put her in the crate. I could tell she was tired so that wasn't an issue. I'm trying to follow an exercise/ potty schedule, so I take her out often, and she's only peed 4 times in the house (which seems like a lot, but she also pees and poops a lot)
I so appreciate anyone's input on how to get her to go in the crate voluntarily and without crying and barking. I get stressed out about being a good first-time dog owner, and I want her to be happy and well-trained.
