How maintain Dogs and our Dog Kennels?
I’ll guess that you are asking how you can establish a positive relationship between your dog and their new kennel. I’ll do my best to answer that for you.
Kennels should always be associated with positive things. Much like you have your bedroom as a santuary, dogs have their kennels. When you’re first introducing the kennel to them, encourage positivity and don’t force the dog inside. Feed them their meals inside the kennel. If they refuse, feed near the kennel. Most importantly, do not make a big deal out of it.
Usually, dogs will adapt well to liking their kennels, but if they don’t, just take it slow. Don’t become impatient and don’t force your dog to spend too much time learning. Dogs are like us — short attention spans, until we understand what is actually being expected of us.
You can toss a treat inside the kennel and see if your dog will hop in. For the first while, we’ll pretend that the kennel does not have a closing door. Soon, the dog will enjoy going into the kennel by themselves. Tough toys that can’t be broken down can be left in the kennel, such as kongs.
Once your dog has associated the kennel with a positive experience, you can coax your dog into it, and start teaching them the command "In your kennel!" By saying it positiely each time the dog goes into the kennel. Keep in mind that dogs learn hand signals more than they learn vocal commands, so be sure to use the same hand signal, such as a pointing gesture.
You can now slowly introduce the closing door by closing it for short periods of time. Again, avoid making a big deal out of it and just keep them in their kennel longer and longer. Most dogs will whine through this, but it is important not to acknowledge the whimpers, even if you feel like you are nurturing them, you are only making them know that whimpering or whining will get a response from you.
You must be more stuborn than your dog. If they are whimpering and you are wanting to let them out, grab a treat, and wait. It might seem like it takes forever, but your dog will stop whining. When he or she does, immediately praise them (or click) and release them from their kennel.
Good luck!
