[Kat]

I have a 9 month old boxer puppy. She is pretty well behaved for a puppy - potty trained, chews only her toys, follows commands, etc. But she HATES her kennel. I had originally purchased one of the molded kind and she actually broke it to get out! After speaking with many other boxer owners, I learned many boxers hate to be contained. I tried to leave her out while I am gone but she'd get so nervous that she'd piddle. So I bought a new kennel which is the cage kind. She seems a bit more comfortable with it since she can see out but still goes nuts. She's already bent the frame. I am at a loss about what to do. I've researched behavior that encourages separation anxiety and I don't seem to be doing any of those things. I'm trying to reintroduce the kennel to make her more comfortable but it does not seem to be helping. Any suggestions?

[Lara's mom]

Unfortunately, no. I had no more luck with crate training either of my girls than you're having. I finally took the thing apart and stored it away where it's been collecting dust ever since. Hopefully, someone else will be able to give you some useful tips!

[Yogi]

one thing to do is place a piece of your old clothing in the crate for bedding. Your scent is a bond that generally reassures the dog that you are still there. Another is to feed the dog in the crate so it becomes acclimated and sees the crate as a good place. Also, covering the crate gives the dog a dark secluded area which in many cases induces a calming reaction.