Hello lovely CD Members!!

I got an email today, from the people that took my Rufus (who they have called Lambogucci - Lambo for short)  and they have this problem:

Lambo is a loving soul when out of his crate.  But trying to get him out of the crate is a task (was like this before he left).  When you open the door, he doesnt want to come out. 
This happened because when we took him to a puppy fun match (conformation) he tried to bolt from his kennel.  Out of reflex the door was shut in his face, and since then he is a bit scared to come out of the kennel. 
Since then, I had been working on bringing him out of the kennel by saying "Ok Rufus" and then stepping back to have him come out on his own.  I suggested that to the couple, but am open for any advice on how to make the transition easier.  They had been using a trail of food to bring him out, and then closing the door behind him so he couldnt get back in.

Also, second issue they are having is when they reach in the kennel to get him, he is growling and shaking.  I think part of this could be because there is so many new things around him (people, house, lack of his play buddies, lack of me, etc) and trying to get used to his new name (4 months of being called Rufus).  But I obviously want this to change, as I want Lambo to work out with them.  They were giving food, and he would stop, but I told them that this is rewarding the behaviour that is unwanted.  But apart from suggestions to correct it, I am at a loss. 

So please, CD, I am begging you, any advice???  When Lambo is out of the kennel, he is the sweetest little dog, and they are happy with him.  They cuddle and such infront of the TV, and knowing Lambo, he is the best cuddle dog!!! 

Hi, I know you said he had the problem before he went but it does sound as if it's made worse by being a new boy in a new situation.  The owners are probably desperate to interract with him and frustrated by his unwillingness to come out and of course that will just make the situation worse for both of them.  Just a quick question - does he actually have to use the crate still, can they do without it?  It might be better to just contain him an area using baby gates and doors.

If it is still needed I'd try a few things:

** Firstly NEVER try and get him out unless he wants to - this is his safe place and, no matter how inconvenient it is, he should be allowed to come out in his own sweet time.  They should open the door and walk away.  If he still hasn't come out after 30 minutes I'd make exciting noises elsewhere - bowl bashing, squeaky toy, collar and lead etc
**Move the crate to a different place for a while
**Remove the doors completely or, if this unworkable (whilst travelling for instance) use the alternative door
**Try a fabric crate

A lot depends on how necessary the crate is but I'd also look to get them involved in a good training class.  It will help bond puppy and owner but also give them a clear recall command.  They can open his crate door and later call him from another room.  If he is conditioned to respond to their call he may get over this issue a bit faster.

Good luck and HTH :)

A crate is a good thing for a puppy min pin, my adults still have crates (although they are a bit more trustworthy) 

I will send him a link to this post, and see if that helps Lambo (Rufus). 

They are enrolling him in puppy obedience soon, and I do think that this will help Lambo out. 

Thank you for your suggestions, I will pass them on. 

Also, Rufus never growled here, that is new.  Totally shocked me when they said that. 

i agree with the other posts advice but you know best about your breed and crates.
with regards him being frightened i would ask them to  ignore him for a couple of days unless he comes to them, then they can give him a treat ie chicken or cheese which ever he likes most.
By ignoring him he will calm down and no longer see them as a threat but they must not give him eye contact or speak to him. sounds hard but it does work and he will come out the crate on his own terms and begin to investigate his new home at his own pace.
When he comes out the crate they should still ignore him and just leave him to potter around on his own. if they approach him as soon as he comes out then he will just go back in again.
If they sit on the sofa and have treats with them when he decides to go up to them they can offer a treat or just put it on the floor next to them if that makes him too nervous.
The only thing to do is to take things at the pups pace and not rush him, this will take a lot of self control on their part but will earn the pups trust in time.
Also get to training classes and build up a bond with the pup but make sure he isn't forced to do anything and they taker it slowly with him.
I'd give the first advice a couple of weeks or so before training classes so the pup is used to them and has settled more in the house otherwise all at once maybe to much to soon.
best of luck, i'm sure he'll be fine soon.

I just got an email from the people who took Lambo (Rufus) and apparently this morning he was totally fine.  Left his crate excitedly, and enjoyed a game with his new parents!  So happy to hear this!! 

really pleased he's settling in.

They were giving food, and he would stop, but I told them that this is rewarding the behaviour that is unwanted.  But apart from suggestions to correct it, I am at a loss.

this isnt the case

food can be used to lure him out of crate, and also to give the crate a positive association (replacing the old fearful negative association) as it will help him relax about the situation.

its not rewarding the unwanted behaviour.