Puppy cries in crate, won't eat. Is crate training traumatizing him?

Question

My pup is having a hard time crate training. We have been feeding him in the crate and I have been able to lure him into the crate with treats. He doesn't soil in the crate, he just gets excessively stressed when we lock him in there. He ignores his toys, treats, and my sweater I put in there for him to lay on, and he cries and barks and attacks the walls of the crate. Where do you draw the line between training and traumatizing him? Now he won't even eat or take his treats in the crate. Pet's info: Dog | Australian Shepherd | Male | unneutered | 2 months and 7 days old | 7.5 lbs

Angel Alvarado, LVT · Accepted Answer

Acclimate him gradually to the crate. Walk him in and out of it several times daily. Offer praise and rewards when he complies. If you have a crate with two doors, allow him to walk through while on a leash. Increase the amount of time as Oliver progresses. If he resists do not force him, just end the session and try again after he settles down. A pheromone product such as the Adaptil collar or DAP diffuser may decrease any anxiety during this training period.

Puppy cries in crate, won't eat. Is crate training traumatizing him?

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