do you use crates

[maddie-my-lab View maddie-my-lab's Profile Find maddie-my-lab's Posts Find maddie-my-lab's Threads Send maddie-my-lab a message E-Mail maddie-my-lab]

hi i just wondered do you crate your labrador and if so how do you get[/size] them to get used to is

[Andy View Andy's Profile Find Andy's Posts Find Andy's Threads Send Andy a message E-Mail Andy]

We don't crate trixie, but have crated labs in the past.
You want to make sure they associated the crate with good things, so try feeding them in the crate.
Also have the crate in the living area with the door open so they can go in and out as they please.
If the lab won't go in try entising him with some yummy treats, so it him and then throw it in the crate. when he goes all the way in the crate and gets the treat reward him keep doing this until he is comfortable going in there.
If he then goes in and lies down reward him, but don't shut the door at this time,when he will happily go and lie in the crate start shutting the door for short periods, say 30secs to start, if he doesen, whine or play up, reward him and slowly increase the time the door is shut.
Eventually he will enter and lay down of his own accord and be happy to have the door shut and sleep all night.
Whatever you do do not use the crate as a punishment as this will make him fearful of the crate.
You may also find this http://lab-lovers.com/Thread-Crate-Training contains other useful tips i may not have mentioned.

[maddie-my-lab View maddie-my-lab's Profile Find maddie-my-lab's Posts Find maddie-my-lab's Threads Send maddie-my-lab a message E-Mail maddie-my-lab]

Thank you for the infomation i was reading on a website that if you have children dont let them in there and if a dog goes in there dont touch them is this true
?

[Aramis View Aramis's Profile Find Aramis's Posts Find Aramis's Threads Send Aramis a message E-Mail Aramis]

Some dogs can be protective of their space so I would keep kids away from the crate so the dog can be at peace in there.

[Andy View Andy's Profile Find Andy's Posts Find Andy's Threads Send Andy a message E-Mail Andy]

I've never known a lab be possesive over a crate we was able to stick our fingers through and stroke our labs nose while in the crate, I suppose it just depends on the bond you have and how much the dog trusts you.

[maddie-my-lab View maddie-my-lab's Profile Find maddie-my-lab's Posts Find maddie-my-lab's Threads Send maddie-my-lab a message E-Mail maddie-my-lab]

I put maddie in there the other day and she was deparate to get out she is ok in there now, but no she is not persesive over her crate. I used to own a malamute and she was never, have you ever had a mala? I f you do not know what they are search them especily this one
http://www.malamute.org/ they are like big huskies.

Maddie loves us to sick our fingers through, my daughter kara fell asleep in there the other day!

we also might be getting a yellow pup. mason is over the moon

[JulieVA View JulieVA's Profile Find JulieVA's Posts Find JulieVA's Threads Send JulieVA a message E-Mail JulieVA]

We use a crate with Toby.

He's fine with it. Never had a problem.

Most of the pet folks around here say crate training is the way to go....especially if you want your puppy to grow into a well-behaved dog.

[maddie-my-lab View maddie-my-lab's Profile Find maddie-my-lab's Posts Find maddie-my-lab's Threads Send maddie-my-lab a message E-Mail maddie-my-lab]

yes maddie has been more obediant latly