Other treats for cratetime besides the Kong?

[Wendy and Sophie]

Hello!

We just got a 10.5 week old goldendoodle, and she is not at all impressed by the Kong.  We want to use a special treat in her crate to help with crate training, and wondered if you have any suggestions on other yummy things to try.  We have just tried peanut butter in the Kong, so even other good fillings would be appreciated as suggestions.

Thanks so much!

Wendy

[Maryann,Roo and Tigger]

Congratulations on your new puppy. I hope you enjoy her as much as I do Roo and Tigger.

 I stuff my dogs' Kongs with low fat cream cheese with small treats called Charlie Bears imbedded in it, then I freeze it.   They only get these when I am home.

For the crate they just get a few Charlie Bears when I put them in.  I am a little overly cautious about leaving my dogs or being asleep with them chewing on something.  I'm  sure many people leave their dogs safely with other things such as antlers, bully sticks (non smelly ones are easier on us humans).

I have found the best way to have a dog love his crate it to feed him in it with the door left open.  I have even used that on older dogs that were never crate trained.  Start with the food bowl just inside the door and gradually move it to the back.

You don't have to feed them in the crate for very long - maybe about two weeks for the crate to mean safety and comfort.  Then just leave the crate around with the door open for awhile so the puppy can go in and out as he pleases. 

[Wendy and Sophie]

Thank you so much, Maryann.  I will look up Charlie Bears and try feeding Sophie in her crate.  I appreciate the guidance!

[Rica + Margot]

My pup wasn't into the Kong either but she liked it more when I mixed her kibble with a bit of plain yogurt (just enough to get a light coating) or swipe a piece of cheese on the kong. I actually started feeding her meals in her rubber treat balls again (she's ~20 wks now) since I'm trying to get her to become a chew toy addict.

[Wendy and Myla]

A friend of mine froze kibble mixed with greek yogurt in ice cube trays and gave her puppy an "ice cube" as a treat in the crate - it would also soothe the mouth while teething.