QuestionMy dog will not go into his crate. I have put food, toys, treats, blankets...he will not go in. I got him at a shelter and think he was traumatized as a puppy. He is 2+ years old, healthy, weighs 50 lbs. and I don't think I can get him to travel by air without tranquilizing him. I am scared because of all the warnings. What should I do?
AnswerHi Merle,
Thank you for your inquiry. I would suggest two options. First, you might consider taking him to a professional dog trainer for assistance with crate-training. Dog trainers can work with you and your dog to help him feel more comfortable in the crate. One of the other things I would recommend would be to take the top off the crate, and see if he can get used to standing in the bottom half of the crate with the top completely off. If he gets used to that, after a while you could try putting the top back on, without the door, and see how he does.
The best thing you can do is work as much as possible on getting him used to the crate before you have him travel.
Good luck!
Rachel Farris
rachel@petrelocation.com
