12/08/2023
Kennel training.... So many people think that a kennel is bad and not good for the dog..... Have you ever wondered why your dog will hide under your bed or behind things that seem small? Dogs like to have a "cave". A place where they can escape if they get over stimulated or are in a scary situation. Kennels are not a bad thing!! Is it sometimes difficult to train a pet to go into a kennel? Yes. Is it worth it in the end? Yes. As much as you want to trust your dog to be out and about in your house, alone when you are gone, don't. I have many horror stories about not kenneling dogs while the owners are away, one of them being my own pet!! I will spare you the details now but if you want to know some, let me know. Another one that I hear "Well, my pet wouldn't do anything!!".... That's what I though.... My dog was great out! Until he wasn't.... He was 9 years old and it cost him his life.... That being said.... here are some tips for kennel training!
*START YOUNG!! Always start the kennel training process young! This will make things much easier in the end.
*Feed you pet in their kennel- feeding them their meals in the kennel help your pet to understand that this is not a bad place.
*NEVER use the kennel as a punishment- It is not a prison or a place for punishment... it is a safe space for your dog
*Start with short amounts of time in the kennel- Put your pet in the kennel when you are home and let them be in there for short amounts of time. When they are quiet and settle down and stay that way for at least 3 minutes at a time, then they can be let out and praised for being quiet in the kennel.
*Do not let children into the kennel!! I know that it is funny when kids crawl into the kennel with the dog... but like I said, this is meant to be a safe space. Kids are overwhelming and noisy (I know, I have 3 of my own). Your dog needs a place to get away from the kids and be in the quiet and alone. Letting your child climb into the kennel with the dog or at all is a good way for a child to get bit and no one wants that because as much as some want to blame the dog, that one is the owner's fault. Dogs are mostly tolerant but no one is tolerant of everything and should never be expected to be. If you need further help with training, please reach out to 682.272.9412. We can help!!