I have a 9 month old Boxer that is scared of his own shadow...the crate we have for him is getting to small so I got him a big one. I set it up for him and he was scared to death now I cannot get him to get into the old one...I have taken the new one out of the room. I can't leave him alone in the house while we are gone any thoughts on what to do to get him to go back to it....it took me 1 1/2 hours to get him in it last night today nothing works...I need help.....

This message has been edited. Last edited by: aelliott,

I've had boxers and mine were destructive as well, so I know what you mean about leaving them alone.
You are just going to have to pick him up and put him in there...BUT get in there with him as much as you can...MAKE him lie down, stick your head or arms or whatever bodyparts you can get in there to comfort him and you are going to have to pet and coo and relax him....and it's going to be a battle....when he's relaxed, let him out and then do it again later.....with your dog's anxiety level, you are NOT going to get a quick fix for this.....good luck

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it took me 1 1/2 hours to get him in it last night today nothing works...

Try putting his favorite toy in the crate and allow him time to "imvestigate" without being distracted.
If a toy isn't inticing, try "baiting" the crate with treats.
rule of thumb, a crate should never be used as punishment; let it become his safe "den" and is much more inviting if their human's scent (worn shirt) is part of the bedding

This message has been edited. Last edited by: tessa89,

My dog is a chicken too and was a walking anxiety attack when it came to her crate. Someone told me to just set it up near me and leave the door open. I put treats and such in it and after a while she would go lie down in side. After a while (a week or so of her going in under her own steam) I started shutting the door for a bit, then opening it again. I have to say it took me a long time but she did get comfortable with it and at least she stopped freaking out at the very site of it.

They're absolutely right. AND, you can't solve this "fast" It can only be solved with patience and time. If you try to get your boxer liking the kennel "fast," that may be what has caused the anxiety to begin with. You can't force them to like it & you can't rush them to like it. Put treats & toys in there, don't shut the door, let the dog get used to it on his own. DO NOT EVER use it as punishment. DO NOT EVER force the dog to go in. as far as "you just have to put him in there" NO NO NO. That will NOT solve your problem. That will only make it worse. Once the dog goes in there (with the door open) & starts to go in there to lay down & sleep, then you can start closing the door. BUT, don't leave the house. Only close the door when you are there, close by, until he gets used to it that way, then you can start leaving for a short period of time at a time. AND, don't let him out as soon as he gets antsy, if he does get antsy. If you go too fast, you may have to back up a little bit. Step by Step. You'll get there.

Well, my "fix" for this is, just let the boxer sleep with you, or sit in your lap - I thought that's what boxers are for! What's the problem?