7 yr old dog aggressive when we try to get him out of crate

[Giselle]

I guess I would suggest to put a leash on him, have a handful of yummy treats and teach him to go in and out of the crate when you tell him to.

Thurston, kennel. Let him go in. Reward. Thurston, come. Gently pull/lure. Reward. Repeat. Not sure if this is right or wrong, it's just what I would do.

It's odd that a 7 year old would suddenly become THAT unwilling to come out of the crate. Has he had a complete medical check up lately? Have there been signs that he's in pain? That might cause him to not want to get up and come out as well.

Exactly my advice!

Leash and reward with treats, praise, play, whatever. Make the experience positive and fun. He has obviously associated hands inside his crate with grabbing and pulling, so he reacts negatively - by growling and snapping. To counter his behavior, you have to approach it from a positive way, too. Good luck!

[mruffruff]

Sounds like Thurston equates leaving his crate with being banished to the yard and left alone.

If he was my dog, I'd make sure his health is OK. Then let him out of his crate while I was home. Just open the door and leave it and him alone. Take him for a walk before putting him in the yard for a short time.