Dog Kennel Guide

When you have decided to acquire a new dog you then need to consider all the different aspects of dog care that will make your new pet come to love his new home.  One thing that is recommended by all dog behaviour experts is to have a dog kennel.  This is because dogs need to have a place that they consider a safe haven to go to if they are ever feeling anxious, stressed or just tired.  By having this little bolt hole you will help to prevent any unwanted behaviour, such as barking, jumping up or shows of aggression.

Where possible it is best to start dog training when your dog is still a puppy.  This way he has never known anything other than his kennel.    You need to make the training as low key as possible.  It is probably best to start the training in the evening, as your dog will be tired and, hopefully, quite relaxed (it is no good trying to get him to try the house when all he wants to do is run around!)  Start by putting the dog home into the room with your pet and putting some items that you know he enjoys, such as a favourite toy or a bone, or even an item of your clothing so that it smells of you, into it.  Leave the dog alone and hopefully he will venture into it and realise that it is a nice, peaceful place to be.  You can then encourage him to go there whenever he wants to rest or sleep.

Dog kennels should then be used for various occasions so that your pet does not think that it is only for ‘going in the car’ or ‘when nervous guests arrive’.  Otherwise you may have trouble getting him in at other times.

If your dog shows no signs of wanting to investigate his new dog kennel then you need to be firm and insist that he enters.  Leave him there only for a couple of minutes on the first occasion and then gradually begin to increase this, giving him praise for trying it out.

It is important that you make the dog training fun and enjoyable and never use it as a form of punishment.  If you shut your dog up in his crate for a misdemeanour then he will come to associate it with bad things.

Once your dog is completely comfortable with his new home you can move him to an outdoor dog kennel or a portable kennel with a minimum of fuss.