🚫 “My Puppy Won’t Go Into the Crate” — What To Do When They Refuse

Does your puppy bolt the other way when you get the crate out?
Refuse to step inside unless you lift them in?
Or bark and panic the moment the crate door closes?

You’re not alone — and you haven’t “ruined crate training.”

Crate resistance is incredibly common, especially if the crate has been used too fast, without enough positive association.
But with a little help, your puppy can learn to love their crate again.

🐾 Why Your Puppy Might Avoid the Crate

1. They’ve learned the crate predicts “bad things”
If your pup is always crated just before you leave the house (or ignore them), they’ll quickly associate it with separation.

2. It’s been rushed
Shutting the door too soon or leaving them in too long early on can break their trust in the space.

3. They don’t know how to enter willingly
If the crate is just a place they’re put into, not choose to go into, they’ll avoid it.

🎥 Watch: TikTok: “Why forcing your puppy into the crate doesn’t work”

🛠️ What You Can Do to Help

✅ 1. Reframe the crate as a good place
Bring out the crate when nothing else is going on. Place it in a cosy, quiet spot and add soft bedding, a chew, or a LickiMat.

✅ 2. Use crate games and positive reinforcement
Start rewarding your puppy for looking at, stepping toward, or entering the crate. Use kibble, treats, or a stuffed Kong.

🎥 Instagram: “Crate Game #1 — How to build willingness step by step”

✅ 3. Let your puppy choose to go in
Leave the door open at first and reward all voluntary exploration. Crate time should feel like a choice, not a punishment.

✅ 4. Pair the crate with things they love
Feed meals inside, give long-lasting chews in there, or let them settle with you nearby. Make the crate a positive routine, not a trap.

❤️ It’s About Trust, Not Force

We don’t want our puppies to just tolerate the crate. We want them to feel safe, relaxed, and in control of their experience.

With patience and gentle steps, your puppy will learn that the crate is a calm place to rest — not something to fear or resist.

🛒 Get the Tools to Make Crate Training Easier

Grab my Crate Training Bundle for £9.00 (instead of £15.00)


It includes:

  • Crate Games to build willingness

  • Settling & Confidence Cheatsheet

  • Printable Tracker + Nap Schedule

  • Common Mistakes Guide