Dog Kennel Training: How to make it easy on both of you

Dog kennel training is absolutely crucial if you ever intend to leave your dog anywhere other than your house. From boarding your dog, to taking your dog on vacation–kennels are just a part of life when you have a dog.

Fortunately, dog kennels no longer have the stigma they used to–you’re probably really aware of just how much dogs usually like kennels and how being enclosed actually makes them feel safer. A dog kennel becomes your dog’s den which can help your dog feel more comfortable no matter where you might be (or what might be going on in your life).

When life is stressful, nothing is quite so helpful as having a dog who’s happy about hanging out in the kennel–you can invite your dog into his kennel, give him a peanut butter stuffed Kong, and go about your day. (This especially comes in handy in the midst of a move when you can’t have your dog underfoot.)

So, how do you make kennel dog training easy for both you and your dog? With lots, and lots, and lots of yummy treats! (Can you tell I have a Labrador Retriever–everything I’ve taught Vance has involved a lot of food rewards.)

Take it really slowly and introduce your dog to the kennel a little at a time. First, set up the dog training kennel with a soft, cozy blanket and pillow, and make sure the kennel is the right size for your dog. Then for the first day, just invite him in there by tossing food in casually. Let him go in, get the food, and come right back out again. Do that a few times throughout the day.

Then, the second day, actually put the whole food bowl (with food) in the kennel. Let your dog eat an entire meal inside the kennel and you’ll be well on your way to completing your dog kennel training (once your dog discovers there’s food in there… he’s going to love it!)

On the third day, feed your dog in the kennel, and then encourage him to stay inside it for a few minutes (either before or after the meal, tell your dog to lay down and stay).

On the fourth day, repeat the third day, except, this time you can close the kennel door. I know, it seems like dog kennel training takes *forever*, but by taking it slow, you’ll find your dog absolutely loves the kennel and that’s well worth a taking a day or two longer.

On the fifth day, start extending the amount of time your dog stays in the kennel. If your dog is good in the kennel, you can speed things up, but if your dog is a little nervous, start by only leaving him in the kennel for up to 15 minutes while you stay in the room. Work your way up to longer periods of time before you ease your way into leaving the room while the dog is in the kennel.

For some dogs, dog kennel training may take several weeks. With Vance, he took to it right away, but the dog I had before Vance took a full month to get used to the kennel. Remember, this time is well invested because your dog will love the kennel for the rest of his life, so spending some extra time to do it right is well worth it.

How did you help your dog love a kennel?