My dog has been living with me for about 8 weeks, and he’s been living freely around my home (chewing things, pee-ing, jumping on people). He pretty much owns the house. I want to start crate training him, but I’m afraid that he’s gotten too used to his freedom and crate training won’t work. Is it still possible? if so what are the problems I might encounter? and how do I deal with them?

By the way my pup is a 13 month old Labrador.

It’s never too late to get a crate for your dog. We got our first crate a few months ago and our dogs are 2 years & 1 year, then adapted fine!

Coming from my experience, my dogs lived freely like yours, we decided to get a crate to put them in when we were out so they weren’t roaming the house. Now, though, it’s been converted into our car. What we did was put the crate on the floor with the doors open, not making a fuss and let them investigate themselves. When they went in, praise. The crate should always be a happy place for a dog to be, DON’T put your dog in there for punishment.

It’s really not that hard. Treats and toys were put in the crate for when we went out and praise was given when they were in. Within a matter of days my dogs knew the command "Crate" and ran in whenever it was said!

He’ll get used to the crate in no time, don’t worry.

Filed under: Labrador Crate Training

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