What are some effective ways to acclimate my puppy to her crate?

Answer 1

Try putting her fav toy in it, or some of her fav treats. :).

Answer 2

She needs to have the crate be her bed and special place.Not a place she gets stuck in and left. I assume you may be crate training your pup. Please note that it is a natural instinct for a dog to seperate the potty place from where they eat and sleep, especially as they get old enough to hold. Keep clean linens in crate. Crate needs to be big enough for movement and to allow room for pottying in a corner, just in case.Also provide toys or some treats to munch on. Small stuffed animals are a favorite to chew on and snuggle.

The crate should only be used short term to get pup used to, even leaving door open to go in/out. Try puppy pad right outside the crate for use when first wakes up/comes out if using crate for overnight. Obviously, you want to get the pup to outside from crate to go potty. Taking the pup outside and praising when it goes, lots of praise for "going potty". Pup needs inside/outside play and interaction. The crate can not be seen as "punishment".

You have to verbalize how good it is for her to go in crate as you need. Lots of praise for any good behaviour. Puppys will have accidents and being harsh and scolding does not accomplish anything but fear. Like fussing at a baby for pooping their diaper!!

Letting her explore her crate and the toys inside is first step. Once she claims the crate as hers then she will not be afraid to be in there. Lots of patience here .

Answer 3

You always want to start out slow, like put her in for a few minutes at a time. This way she is reassured she will get out eventually, and always reward her when she goes in. Place her favorite toys with her, as well as her sleeping blanket.