Storm is a 10 week old Alaskan Malamute had him 2 weeks now, had a crate for a week and have left door open so he can go in and out which he has been happy to do. Yesterday I shut him in for 5 mins, he cried and howled but I let him out once he stopped doing this. Tonight I shut him in again and he was fine for about 3 mins then started crying again, I got him to lie down (with the door still closed) and gave him a treat when he did so without crying, I praised him and opened the door once he seemed calmer.
Am I right to do this little by little, so far he has shown no interest in lying in his crate, I have put lots of blankets and his favourite toys in, he just drags them all out. Ive tried looking at crate threads but cant seem to find out how I am supposed to train him to see the crate as his 'space'.
Any help most welcome x

__________________
1 Alaskan Malamute Storm 1 rabbit Snuffy