So my fiance and I adopted a little shiz tzu a couple of weeks ago from the Franklin Co. shelter. Couple years old, just a really good all-around dog. The problem is, he will not go into his crate voluntarily. It's always a struggle and I need some advice from those on here who know more than I do.
Here's info on the dog: He's a 15 lbs. dog. The cage is suppose to be built for his size. He was found as a stray, but does listen to some commands, so we think he was dumped. When he's in his crate, he lifts up his fleece mat and lays underneath it. Or he pushes it up against one side and lays against it. He hasn't gone to the bathroom in it.
My thinking is, of course, he really doesn't like being in a crate. The other is he doesn't like his mat. Which is fine, but I don't want him having to lay on the plastic tray underneath for 5 hours.
I don't know where to go from here. I've never crate-trained a dog before. I've had dogs for 14 years growing up, but we never had to worry about using a crate. Frankly, I don't trust the dog alone in my place for that long. May have an accident, chew on the furniture, etc. So, please give me some advice.