I have finally bought a crate for my 16 mth old boxer. I have been fed up with her chewing and wrecking the house when left. So for her own sake and for mine I have been advised many times to get her crate trained. Seems to be easier said than done. I have tried feeding her in it, giving her treats when she is in it. I have put her bedding in it. But still she will not stay in it. I don't want to close the door on the crate until she lays comfortably on her bedding and feels safe, or should I just get her in it and shut the door just for a little while, but I worry that she won't go near it again if I do this. Any ideas!

Hi :)
How long have you had the  crate for now?
We set up ours in the living room , also with bedding and toys in and left the dor open for Gus to enter/leave when he felt like rather than just putting him in and closing the door. He will go in for a lie down of his own free will but I must admit he doesnt like being shut in . Luckily he's not destructive and doesnt need to be in a crate when we are out.

Hi, I have only had the crate for about a week but I guess I was hoping for a quick solution. I need to cage her when I leave her alone as she is becoming very destructive and gets into the fridge and consuming contents. She also wees and poos. But is very housetrained when we are at home. Many people have said to get a crate and think that they are great things, if only I could get her to feel safe in it. I realise that it will take time but I can't wait until I can go out and Know that I will come home to a House how I left it. It is ruining my relationship with her.

Have you got the crate covered with something like a blanket?  Dogs often feel more secure if they can't see all around.  Make sure she can't pull it in and chew it when she's alone though.....

Have you tried closing the door for very short priods ( for example 5 minutes or so) while you are still in the room and taking no notice of any whining she may do?
Obviously if she is really upset then open the door at once. Also like Digger says try covering the crate with a blanket.
If she is ok for these short periods gradually extend the time.
With regard to chewing and housewreckng , have you tried leaving her with a kong? Or tiring her out with a lengthy walk prior to you going out ??

I have now closed the door a few times and she just sits there not a sound. I will now just leave her for a bit longer each time. She is always taken for a walk prior to being left and often given her kong to pla with. But I have returned only after 20 minutes before and the damage is already done so I don't think that it is boredom. When we are home together all she does is sleep by my feet or near by so I just think that it is anxiety. I have only had her 8 months now so i'm sure things can only get better from now on. Thanks for your help I will just have to take my time I think

Can you not close the crate door and pretend to leave the house( open and close the front door??) and listen in another room to what she does. She'll probably be fine...its just that your feeling guilty maybe??
Archer