Crate Training older puppy help?

Question

We adopted a 9-month-old puppy that is not crate trained and seems petrified of the crate. He freaks out just going near it and will scream until he makes himself sick while inside his crate. He isn't completely house trained either. He does well most of the time but he has several accidents throughout the day. We know that crate training helps greatly with housetraining (as well as consistently taking him outside) but we are not sure exactly how to get him comfortable in his crate.
So, I would love some advice as to how to crate train an older puppy (who is used to being free in a house) that is stubborn and scared of his crate. If you could give me some sources where you found your information that is even better.
Thanks in advance.
:D

Answer 1

Try putting a treat just inside the door, or just outside the door to start. Put a soft blanket in it for him and a toy. Let him sniff these things out. Then when he needs to go in it, give him a treat as soon as you put him in it, and say good boy. I covered mine with a sheet, for one they cant see you any more, and it just gives them their den like feeling for a more secure setting. The first night or two is the worst, if you can get past them, he should learn to love his crate. all the best to you

Answer 2

WOW, this pup may have been in a crate for some time as a youngster. I crate all my pups and house break them before they go to new homes at 8 to 10 weeks of age.

Where is the pups favorite place in the house? Put the crate there. Drape a blanket or large towel over the crate. Only and I mean ONLY give the pup treats inside the crate. This will take some doing, if you haven't figured that out on your own. Put clean bedding in it, like it's favorite blanket and toys. DON'T close the door to the crate for some time, like 10 days to 2 weeks. Sit with the pup at the crate. This will take some doing. Don't ever scold the pup for being scared of the crate. My thought here is for the pup to understand that it's a den for the pup. A safe place to be and also to get special treats when being a good dog. Use "good dog'' as much as possible in a soothing tone.

I feel for this pup, I can only imagine what happened with him.
Be prepared for some time to pass. When he gets to the point that you can get him in it, let it only be for a minute or 2. DON'T SHUT THE DOOR!!!!!!!!!!! Increase the time as he gets feeling better about it. This has to go slow, no quick fix here dear.

My best to the both of you for a happy life together.

Answer 3

I would try babygating the pup in the kitchen or bathroom and see if that is more acceptable for the time being. However, I wouldn't give up on crate training because the pup needs to learn to accept the crate if he ever NEEDS to stay over at the vets or be boarded. I would start making him eat his meals in there, start with the bowl just inside the doorway and slowly move it further back, but don't force him to go in there and don't close the door until he is going in and out without any problems at all. I also wouldn't give him any treats out of my hand, I'd put them in the crate and make him go get them. Take it slowly though, he is probably enjoying his freedom and you don't want to be the bad guy at this point, you want him to see it as a good thing and not a punishment.