Our first week with Atari was the hardest. One thing for sure, we knew we wanted to crate train, what we didn’t know was that we unintentionally picked one of the hardest breeds to crate train. After a few days, we learned that Huskies have separation anxiety. They REALLY don’t like being alone. However, we were committed.

We filled the crate with items that would make him comfortable. We started with a crate pad, which was a mistake. Within a few weeks, his puppy nails tore it to shreds and he ate the threads. Later, we added blankets and old clothes with our scent in the crate

Next, we introduced his crate as a positive place. We never send him to his crate as a consequence. The crate is his place, his safe place. We gave treats every time he behaved well in it, laid down, slept and became quiet. We ignored or said “uh uh” to the crying and scratching.

Lastly, we stayed by him until he fell asleep. Sometimes it took 20-30 minutes. Crate training took a lot of hard work and time, but we’re so glad we did it. Now, whenever we travel, Atari knows that he can go into his crate to feel safe.

*Atari also loved this heartbeat puppy. We bought two because someone (shall remain nameless) put it in the washing machine.