Crate Training 101

Here is some very simple but extremely important information for crate training your Boston from Donna Farmer of Birmingham Boston Terrier Rescue

The dog needs to have good experiences with the crate to start with - feed him there, keep his toys there, give him treats in there, and interact with him while in the crate. Then address the loading into crate problem.  Some folks have found with Benadryl to expedite the procedure, let him go into the crate for something he wants (treat/ toy/ food) and praise him, stand near. 

Then do it again, but closer, maybe touching him as a brush up with the leg. Then do it some more. Next, do it with a leash/collar on. Then try to do it by hand, gently. Keep doing this with a med like Benadryl (your vet can tell you how much and how often) so he's less likely to have the energy and general snottyness to snap. Then start doing it slowly do it without the Benadryl.  Gradual desensitization is the key. 

The steps can vary as needed, but it is about starting slowly, safely and slowly introducing the dog's natural fears back into the training while he's distracted by the   Benadryl so that the repeated experiences are not negative and not frightening. 

Eventually, he will recall the recent and good experiences with being put in a crate. 

It's not an overnight solution, but this is the form of behaviour modification that works best for dogs! The meds aren't always necessary, but they usually make it easier for everyone, especially the pooch. If at any point, the dog starts back to old behaviour, go back to the last working step and do it over and over again and then move forward again, maybe even finding another stair step of progression in between them!