i've been reading online about crate training, and every site has a different story, so i need some advice.
we have a 36" crate for our 7 month old poodle. it's got a puppy bed that about covers the whole floor, and i have a sheet covering all sides except the door. i'm trying to get her comfortable with the crate and potty train her at the same time. she's yet to soil her crate, but she's reluctant to go into her crate. i pretty have to pick her up and put her in there against her will. i've read online that you shouldn't force her into the crate. you should start by putting a treat just outside the door, then one just inside the door, then another one in the middle until she's all the way in the crate and goes into it comfortably so that she relates the crate to something good.
i know it's gonna take a few days for her to walk into the crate on her own will, so in the mean time, should i just carry her into the crate against her will when i leave for work? should i leave her food and water in the crate too while i'm gone?
we have a 36" crate for our 7 month old poodle. it's got a puppy bed that about covers the whole floor, and i have a sheet covering all sides except the door. i'm trying to get her comfortable with the crate and potty train her at the same time. she's yet to soil her crate, but she's reluctant to go into her crate. i pretty have to pick her up and put her in there against her will. i've read online that you shouldn't force her into the crate. you should start by putting a treat just outside the door, then one just inside the door, then another one in the middle until she's all the way in the crate and goes into it comfortably so that she relates the crate to something good.
i know it's gonna take a few days for her to walk into the crate on her own will, so in the mean time, should i just carry her into the crate against her will when i leave for work? should i leave her food and water in the crate too while i'm gone?