italian grayhound bitting & clawing crate

Question
We have a 4 month old italian grayhound.  He is doing great with everything except when we put him in his crate and close the door he bits and claws the door to the point of hurting himself.  He will go in and lie down on comand with treats but when the door is closed he proceeds to hurt himself, trying to get out.

Answer
Hi Cindy,

You already have half the battle won; your puppy will go into his crate on command!

While you're home, have your puppy go into his crate with a treat or a toy,  close the door when he goes in, and let him stay in there for a few seconds at a time at first, and then praising him and letting him out. Gradually increase the amount of time he's crated with the door closed, let him out only when he's calm, even if that's just for 10 seconds, and offer praise.

When crating, try using a toy such as a Kong or Buster Cube, which occupies the puppy as he tries to get out he food that you've placed inside, and takes his mind off of the fact the door has been closed behind him. Use really tempting treats in the toy, such as a little cheese, peanut butter, kibbled food or something meaty, so he'll be focused on the toy, and not the crate door.

If over time your puppy simply NEVER calms down when the crate door is closed, plan "B" would be containing your puppy to part of a room with a child-gate or two, or using an indoor pen, such as one like this:

http://www.improvementscatalog.com/home/improvements/792924086-pet-yard-containm...

Best of luck,

Patti