While some puppies and dogs will take to a kennel easily, others will rebel, making them difficult to train. Using positive reinforcement along with treats will make the training process easier.
Dog Kennel Supplies
The first tip on kennel training is to make the kennel desirable. Put some bedding in the kennel along with a bowl of fresh water. If the canine has a favorite safe toy, place it in the kennel as well. Have some treats on hand as they will be used in the training process.
Kennel Training a Dog or Puppy
To begin kennel training, place treats in the kennel throughout the day. It won't be long until the dog or puppy will go to the kennel to see if any treats are inside. Once the canine begins entering the kennel, think of a command the puppy or dog will associate with going in the kennel.
Commands could be, "Go to your kennel," or "Go to your spot." Each time it is desired for the dog or puppy to go into the kennel, give the command and be sure a treat is waiting inside. If the canine listens and enters the kennel, reward him or her with enthusiastic praise. Close the door just long enough for the treat to be enjoyed.
Food in Kennel Training
The next step is to begin giving meals inside the kennel. Give the command to go to the kennel while announcing it's time to eat. At first, keep the kennel door open. Once the dog or puppy doesn't show any type of hesitation about entering the kennel, try closing the door until he or she is done eating.
Crate Training Tips
One of the key tips to kennel training is to take it slowly. While some dogs or puppies can train quickly, others can take months. It's important that the canine doesn't feel distressed. Chewing on the bars, excessive barking, and pacing back and forth are warning signs that the puppy or dog is not happy.
If a dog or puppy exhibits one or more of these behaviors for more than twenty minutes, remove him or her from the kennel. Go back to earlier steps in the training and take the process more slowly. If this doesn't work, a qualified trainer may be needed.
If the training is successful so far, begin having the puppy or dog stay in the crate for short periods of time, gradually increasing the time as the canine is comfortable with. Always offer lots of praise to give positive reinforcement for listening.
A pet owner might need lots of patience for kennel training. However, it can be successful by taking the process slowly and giving the dog or puppy lots of praise.
Readers may also enjoy How to Stop Dogs from Excessive Barking, along with The Best Family Dogs and What is the Best Healthy Puppy Food?
Sources:
- Everybody Can Train Their Own Dog, Angela White, (T.F.H. Publications Inc.,) 1992
- The Puppy Whisperer, Paul Owens and Terrence Cranendonk, (Adams Media,) 2007
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