To the dog, a kennel is not a home unless it is fitted with things he knows to be his own. It is easy enough if he is a puppy. Leave him with some of his favorite toys and he will gladly come inside the kennel without much prodding. Let him stay a couple of hours at a time to start with. This will make him feel less confined.

Make it comfortable with dog crate mats. He will soon discover that the kennel is such a comfortable place. It is his special home. He can come here whenever he is tired and want to rest. Eventually he will welcome the fact that he can sleep or play undisturbed.