How to help a traumatized rescue dog finally leave her crate?

Dogs are situational learners and can sometimes make some very weird connections. I recommend to start clicker training her. You will also need some very high value treats or a high value toy. Whichever she thinks is better. Basically start in the house near the doorway with you and reward her for coming near you. Gradually work your way out the door. What you are trying to do is produce a positive association. It is very important that you remain calm and try not to get frustrated her as she will pick up on negative energy. You can also start feeding her in the back yard or playing out there to continue the positive association. Also give her positive reinforcement for looking at you frequently or when she is afraid. This will teach her to look to you for action. This will be a slow process. Be patient and keep her on the medication for now. I hope this is helpful and please feel free to post any additional questions.

This will be challenging to correct as Copper has developed an unhealthy fear of coming inside. So you will need to be very patient and try to avoid any negative energy as that will only feed into Copper. This is an instance when clicker training can really help pets. First you will want a very high value treat. Once Copper knows what the clicker means, you will gradually move closer to the door. Make sure to click and reward him for any motion that he makes to move towards the door. Eventually you will work through the door. You should also utilize the area for play with any favorite toys. With holding these toys at all times except in that area will further the positive experience with the area. Lastly, slowly moving his food bowl toward the door can also help. The idea is to make the area positive. I hope this is helpful and please feel free to post any additional questions.

A pheromone product, such as the Adaptil collar or DAP plug in diffuser, may help to decrease any anxiety. Do not attempt to pick him up if it causes stress. A leash and collar should be enough to walk him in, out and anywhere else. You may need to reinforce crate training. Provide a crate that is just big enough for him to stand, turn around and lay down. He should be in the crate or on a leash attached to your hip when indoors. Monitor for signs that he needs to go outside. This may include whining, circling or sniffing about. When it is time for him to go outside, take him to a designated area and wait. As soon as he starts to go, say "go potty", "do your business" or any other phrase of your choosing. Praise and reward him every time he goes outside. You can take him for a short walk afterwards as well. Once inside again, he goes in the crate or stays with you on the leash. If you see him preparing to go, take him back out. Thoroughly clean soiled areas using an enzymatic cleaner such as Nature's Miracle.

It sounds like Penny could really benefit from a consultation with a veterinary behaviorist as well as some Anti anxiety medications such as clomiprine or fluoxetine. Maybe even trazadone before you leave the house. I would encourage you to discuss these options with your veterinarian. Best of luck and I hope she improves soon. Thank you for using Pet Coach.

I hate to hear this is happening for both you and Lola. If you want to try to show her that humans are good, you will need to gain her trust. The first thing you need to do is find a treat that she really likes. This will be her high value treat. Basically, sit quietly close to Lola and don’t look directly at her. This can make some dogs uncomfortable. Every time she makes a move to investigate you, she gets a treat. Clicker training is something that can help in this situation as well. Any time she makes an attempt to approach you, click the clicker and treat her. The key is to be slow, patient, calm and not to make her feel pressure. You may also get a small assortment of toys and once again, sit close to her (but don’t force yourself beside her), avoid looking at her and try to get her interested in the toys. This will not be forever but it is needed for right now. The key is that Lola needs to approach you on her own terms. You may also do some reading about shy or fearful dogs to learn other techniques that benefit them. I hope this is helpful and please feel free to post any additional questions.

Poor, Luna, the crate bit her! When you are home, continue to encourage her to be comfortable with the crate. You can try switching out bedding or blankets inside, place it in a different area of the house, or place blankets over it to give it a different feel. When you are home, throw treats inside without shutting the door. Play with toys in and around the crate. Feed her inside the crate. Give her some time before locking her in there again, and I am sure she will come around.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is something that she needs to get used to. There is not necessarily a magic trick to make them stay in the crate without complaining about it. What I find helpful is to reward them for being in the crate. I like to give them a long lasting chew or treat (such as peanut butter) right when you get her inside (not when she complains). She will then associate the crate with something positive which may help make this more ok. This should help. Have a good day!