Kennel Training Your Dog

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From the perspective of the pet owner, a portable kennel seems like punishment and solitary confinement. However, owners do not consider the fact that dogs evolved from wolves and have been den animals since time immemorial. Unlike us, they seek out confined spaces under desks or tables for security.

are an excellent way to curb the destructive behavior that stems from hyperactivity.If you introduce it properly and make sure that your dog gets the daily exercise that he needs, he will take to it really well. It is also a safe place for your dog as it makes traveling in trucks or cars much easier. Some of the plastic kennels are in-flight approved. Wire kennels can be folded down for storage or transport. If you want to mimic a den, just pad the bottom and drape a blanket over the wire kennel.

1. Introduce the bottom of the kennel as the dining room of your pet. Leave some food puzzles and feed him a few meals inside. You will not get a second chance to make a better first impression.
2. When your pet is not busy having food, remove it and provide a comfortable bed. Lure him in with a chew or a treat to encourage him to rest there. Stroke and praise him when he is lying on the bottom without creating a problem.
3. Assemble the portable kennel and leave it open. Toss treats to lure him inside. Insist that he stay inside with verbal and hand cues. If he comes back out, put him back in and forbid him to leave without your permission. Your dog should understand that it is your will and not the door that keeps him inside. Wait until he relaxes and then praise him for it. Keep repeating this until he goes in, waits and comes out under your control.
4. Close the door when you are feeding him. Also, limit his access to his favorite chews till he is completely locked inside. This is a great way to teach him to chew on approved items. Make sure that the chew toys are big enough so that your dog does not swallow them.
5. Once your dog gets relaxed with the routine, give him some extra exercise and close him inside the kennel overnight. Provide him with toys, but no water or food as that would excite his bowels. Make sure that he sleeps next to you on the first day so that he can smell you and hear you sleeping. If he fusses, tap the kennel and praise him if he quiets down.

If your pet panics a lot when you leave him inside the kennel, it could be because of separation anxiety. Take him to a vet to get him started on medication and a behavior modification program.