Crate Training a Shih Tzu from a Wheelchair

Crate training works best when the crate becomes a space your dog genuinely chooses to be in — not somewhere they tolerate. The right crate size and type matters more than most people realise, and so does how you introduce it. For a Shih Tzu whose owner uses a wheelchair, the crate design itself becomes especially important — door placement, latch style, and access angle can make the whole routine either straightforward or a daily struggle. Can I ask: is your Shih Tzu starting fresh with crate training, or has she had a bad experience with one before? And are you using this primarily at home, or do you need something that works for travel too?

That's really helpful, thank you. A few things to factor in here — for a 3-year-old Shih Tzu with no crate history, you're not undoing anything, which is the easier situation. She'll take to it fine with a gradual introduction. But the physical design of the crate genuinely matters for your setup. Can I check: do you have a preferred spot in mind for the crate, and roughly how much floor space you're working with? That'll help me confirm whether a top-door crate or a double-door design would suit you better.

Perfect — that gives me exactly what I need. For your situation, I'd recommend the Ellie-Bo Double Door Dog Crate in the small size (suitable for dogs up to 10kg, which covers a Shih Tzu comfortably). The reason I'm pointing you to this one specifically is the double-door design: you get both a front door and a side door, which means you can position it so whichever door faces you most naturally from your chair is the one you use daily. The latches are simple slide bolts — not the tight clip mechanisms that need two hands or a grip — and they operate with a straightforward push-and-slide action that most people find manageable one-handed. The crate is also low enough to the ground that you're not reaching up awkwardly. It folds flat if you ever need to store it, and it's robust enough for everyday home use. For a calm adult Shih Tzu coming to crates for the first time, the snug interior size of the small version is actually better — it feels den-like rather than exposed. You'd add a soft mat and a worn item of clothing initially, and let her go in and out freely for the first few days before you start closing the door.

Honestly — it's one of the easier latches on the market. It's a horizontal slide bolt, so you push it across rather than lifting and pressing simultaneously. Most people with limited grip or one-hand use find it manageable. It's not spring-loaded, so it doesn't snap back on you. That said, if after a few weeks you find the latch is stiff from repeated use, a small amount of silicone spray on the bolt fixes that immediately. It's worth knowing going in rather than being surprised by it.

Yes — age doesn't change the method, just the timeline. Adults often settle into crates slightly faster than puppies because they're calmer by nature, but you still go gradually: door open for a few days with treats and meals inside, then short closed periods while you're in the room, then longer. With a Shih Tzu, company matters — they're people-focused dogs — so positioning the crate where she can see you from it helps a lot. Don't rush the door-closing stage and you'll get there without any stress on either side.