Dogs are natural denning creatures. Wolves, coyotes, and foxes all dig dens. The den is their safe place. Creating a “den” for your dog by using a crate gives your dog a safe place that is all their own. So why then do they bark like mad when you lock them in the crate? The first reason is that dogs want to stay with their pack, you. The second reason is that natural dens do not have doors. Dogs have to be trained to tolerate the door.
Start by feeding the dog in their crate. Put the food bowl in the back of the crate. The dog will go running in after it. Right before the dog enters the crate say the word “crate,” “house,” or whatever command you want to use to tell the dog when you want him to go into his crate. Leave the water bowl outside of the crate to keep them from making a mess. Leave the door open during this time, so that the dog learns that it is not trapped in there forever.
When you start to work on closing the door, throw a treat in the crate for the dog to be rewarded for going in. Treat the dog again if he is quiet when you close the door. If you treat the dog while he’s whining or barking, you just rewarded whining and barking. Ignore the dog, and wait until they are quiet. Then treat through the door. Finally open the door. Start with small time amounts with the door closed, and increase as you are successful. Start with 1 minute, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 20 minutes…etc.
If you turn your back to the dog when it is whining or barking it is more likely to stop faster because being noisy isn’t getting him what he wants: attention and getting you to open the door. Be patient with the process.
All this can be accomplished within a few feedings and 1 or 2 short training sessions. Then be consistent with the methods so you do not confuse the dog. Dogs like routine. Always feed in the crate, immediately letting the dog out and removing the bowl when they are finished. Always reward the dog for going in, with treats, praise, or their favorite toy. Always wait until they are quiet and calm to open the door.
Once your dog is accustomed to the crate, it becomes a valuable tool in managing your dog while potty training, socializing, and housebreaking. You may also find your dog going in their crate to rest on their own time.