Crate training question
Hi
I just got my 15-wk old cocker/lab cross last Wednesday. I've been trying to get him adjusted to his crate, but he's having a hard time.
When I put him in there before bed, he whines a bit but soon goes to sleep. In the morning, he'll whine and bang until I get up. Today I got up before him so there was no whining.
When I put him in there during the day, like when I can't watch him (he's being housetrained), then he whines, bangs around, bangs on the door, digs up his blankets in there, and even barks. I don't know what I'm doing wrong.
When I put him in the crate, should I put him in & then just close the door and walk away? Or should I put him in, pet him and talk to him for a while until he relaxes, and then close the door, and then walk away? I'm not sure what I should be doing to help reduce his anxiety in the crate and make it not such a big deal to be in there.
Let me know what you think! Thanks!
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