How can we get our puppy to like his crate?

Question

We have 2 English Bulldog puppies. One is 10-months old. We've had her since she was 6-weeks and she LOVES her crate. We got our 8-month old puppy almost 2 months ago, and his previous owners left him outside during the day and gave him free-run of the house at night. We don't completely crate him during the day, as I feel 9-10 hours in such a small space is too long. We put her in the laundry room with her crate in the doorway, and he's across the hall in the bathroom with his crate in the doorway. He's gotten to where he doesn't mind this, but when it's time to go in his crate at night, he's terrified! Both crates are in the living room at night, so the other puppy is still nearby. We can't find ANY type of treat or toy or anything that he will go in his crate after. In fact, while he gets very excited about treats outside of his crate, anything I put in there the night before is still laying there the next morning. I don't know how to help him feel better about his crate.

He shivers when he's in his crate...like he's scared, and has actually bent the bars on the front of it by the door trying to chew his way out. I'm afraid he's going to hurt himself.

Answer 1

Have you tried putting a hot water bottle in the crate with him? Another thing that has always worked for me is getting a wind-up clock, wrapping it in a soft towel or some other material, and placing that in the crate. The clock simulates the mother's heart beat and is very soothing.
Another thing that might help: wear a piece of clothing (old and ratty) for a day or two. Then, place this piece of unwashed clothing into the crate with him. Your scent will soothe him.

Answer 2

Sounds like you have tried everything. He was to used to another way before you got him. I feel sorry that he is so frightened in his crate. My Toy Fox Terrier loves her crate. I got her at 6 mos. and she was an indoor dog but not sure what she slept in. She uses it at will during the day and we lock her in at night.
Wish I could offer you something but you have tried it all. Haven't you ?? Is the crate large enough ??~~I am going to watch for your best answer. I'm curious. I love animals, especially dogs.

Answer 3

Have you tried crating the two dogs together? This may help with the anxiety levels.

Answer 4

Its odd how you think your dog loves the crate.No dog loves the crate.Some will get use to it but would perfer not being in it.I`ve seen dogs that has had emotional problems from being crated including severe aggresive behavior.Trying to bribe him with treats and toys to go in his crate is like me saying to you here you go,go in the jail cell and get your cell phone so I can lock you in.Why not be responsible and house train them from messing in the house and tearing up the house? You had both of them long enough to already have that done.Throw the crates out and treat then like they deserve to be treated.