If your pup's too cautious to even explore the crate you'll have to convince her it's a great place to hang out. Don't force her. Instead follow the advice for a slower introduction below:

• • Feed her only in her crate, preferably by stuffing her meals into Kongs and other hollow chew toys.
  • Place her meal in the back of the crate so she must go through the door to reach it. If you're using a stuffed toy instead of a bowl, secure it with rope so she can't remove it.
  • Stay near the crate while she's in it, and encourage her to investigate.
  • Be responsive. If your puppy pokes around in her crate, even briefly, quickly toss in a treat and praise her for being so brave.
  • Reinforce good behavior by calling her out of the crate and letting her try again. Repeat this a few times but stop the session before she finishes her meal. Leave her wanting more.
  • Return to step one, and repeat at different times throughout the day.

Another way to help your puppy enjoy a crate is to play what we like to call "the Crate Game." Here's how it works.

• • Waggle a freeze-dried liver treat in front of her. Once you have her attention, say "Crate!" point to the crate door, and toss the treat into her crate. She'll have to go inside to eat it.
  • Before your puppy leaves her crate, say "Puppy, come here" in a happy, playful tone while backing up a few feet and clapping your hands. When your pup comes praise her, and then start the game all over again.

Soon your puppy will race into the crate when you say, "Crate!" and point. Good dog!

Note: Never end the game by locking your puppy in a crate; you'll take all the fun out of it.