Ask George’s Mom

Answer:

Fist things first, for All training purposes your dogs should be eating measured out Meals, not having an endless doggie buffet available all day and night. For all of the training, since your dogs have Tiny tummies I suggest using their food. If they don’t like it make them skip a meal and they’ll like it when its training time.

Step #1 Re or Plain old Kennel Train your dogs. I don’t care if they go in there willingly (and April, all of these things need to be done 1 on 1 with Juno, No Cats or Jax in the room!)

I kennel train during primetime TV, I take each step to it in 30 minute shows and only work during the commercial breaks. So if you’re doing something else work for 2 minutes and take a break. Meanwhile you are only talking to the dog when they are IN the kennel. No Pets, No Talking, No Treats when they are outside of the kennel during the training sessions. Good things ONLY happen IN the kennel. If the dog starts to fuss simply ignore and keep the door shut until they settle down, but then go back 1 step, because your dog’s stress level shows you that you went too far too fast and they need the lesson to be easier.

How to Kennel Train:

1) Toss a piece of kibble in the kennel as the dog runs in to get it praise and toss another kibble in the kennel and allow the dog to walk out w/o closing the door. Do this for the 1st 30 minute show. During the last 2 minute rep fake toss the treat in and if your dog goes running for it toss it for real and you’re ready for the next step.

2) Shut the door behind the dog when they get into the kennel. So you start the first 2 minute rep tossing the treat, when the dog fully enters kennel reward and shut the door, reward again through the door of the kennel and side slots (Treats shall rain from the sky of the kennel), open the door and let the dog out.

3) During the next 2 minute rep lock the door behind the dog, reward through kennel openings and then let the dog out immediately.

4) Next 2 minute reps follows the previous step and lengthen the time the dog is in the kennel. If the dog is OK with being locked up for 1 minute start walking away during the next 2 minute rep. When walking away take 2 steps turn around and have treats rain from the sky. Then repeat lengthening the time again.

5) Once you have reached 2 successful minutes away start varying the time away, meaning some “departures” will be 2 minutes some 30 seconds, some just entering the kennel locking the door and then opening it back up. Also this is the time you will be leaving the room with the dog in the kennel.

6) During the last show leave the dog in the kennel for a full segment of show while occasionally dropping kibbles from the sky.

7) You should be able to leave your dog in the kennel for the final 30 minute show occasionally dropping kibbles in. If they are doing well with this you’re doing great.

For most dogs they display the same behavior after 20 minutes and 6 hours in the crate. Meaning, if the dog is calm for 20 minutes in the crate chances are they will remain that way unless they are disturbed by something. Also, you Must be diligent about NOT letting the dog out while they are fussing even if that fuss is a display of excitement and happiness to see you. Cause getting out is the largest reward they are going to receive.

8) Also do this several days in a row and continue to do refreshers as things change or the dog may become more anxious about the kennel.

9) Lastly, Your husbands have to do this too; I’m looking at Al on this one. The dog will learn to only kennel well for the person who goes through these steps with them so Everyone should go through the kennel training process with them!

I used these steps to kennel train George after coming home to him full of Blood trying to escape his kennel as a young dog with Severe separation anxiety and he now loves his kennel.

 

Step #2 Feed the dog’s final meal 30 minutes before bedtime IN the kennel; this way once the dog catches on to the routine they will attempt to go to their kennels when hungry. You’re creating a Wonderful association with the kennel by Re-Kennel training them. Feed ALL meals in their kennels to get them used to being in there when you’re home and April you shouldn’t let the dogs eat together to curb off any potential guarding issues and to be able to monitor their intake so you’ll know if one’s appetite is changing any Who is eating more or less food.

After kennel training George and feeding him in his kennel every night he started to retire to his kennel for dinner so when we can’t find George after 8pm he’s sleeping in his kennel waiting for dinner. And Ollie is starting to do the same thing when he gets hungry after living with us and the routine of eating in his kennel at night since May.

 The key to reducing barking is to reduce the stress that is causing the dog to bark. Barking is a Symptom Not the Problem. By teaching the dogs to like being in their kennels and being alone in the kennel While you’re home will reduce their anxiety about being away from you and any fear of the kennel.

A couple notes about my writing, I interchange words a lot; Kibble, Treats and Rewards are all the same thing along with Crate and kennel.

Betsy Soderlund, CPDT

A Night Time Barker

Question: How do I get my dog to stop barking at night while I’m trying to sleep? I don’t want to bring her in bed with me, but it the only thing that keeps her quiet?

Date: 11/6/08