Kennel Game

STEP BY STEP KENNEL GOALS

COMMAND //pause// +Help

  • Give your <kennel> command (eg. “kennel” “crate” “house” “den”) 

  • PAUSE

  • Then guide dog into crate using treats or leash

  • Command <OK> releases dog from crate


First Goal: Dog enters crate on their own, without any help

  1. Sit near crate

  2. Give <Kennel> command

  3. pause

  4. Toss treat into back of kennel to get dog to enter

  5. Once dog is in crate use <OK> and let dog come out

If dog will not approach, place treats in front of nose and “lead” them inside kennel. Can also breadcrumb treats from front all the way to back of crate.

Second Goal: Dog remains in kennel while door is open. 

  1. Give <Kennel> Command 

  2. Encourage dog to enter crate (use meal time or a treat) 

  3. Once dog is in crate completely, place yourself at the door, but don’t close it

  4. Continue dropping treats in the back of kennel to encourage relaxing instead of bolting

  5. Use Body Block. Keep dog from exiting kennel

  6. Give <OK> command. Step back and to the side, allowing Dog to exit kennel

  7. REPEAT

    1. Steps 1-6 at least 3 times. Ideally, keep working until you can count 3 Mississippi without dog stepping past kennel frame

*Treat Timing: during this exercise treats and praise are ONLY given when ALL four feet and body are INSIDE frame of crate.  This precision is important for Dog to understand the boundaries of the crate. A nose poking out is not an issue, feet are. 

*Vocal: Praise in a calm, LOW pitch voice. This is a <Wait> based exercise


Third Goal: Dog remains calmly in kennel with door closed.

  1. Give <Kennel> command

  2. Encourage dog to enter crate (use meal time or treat) 

  3. Once dog is busy eating treat, Kong or food close the door

  4. Remain near the kennel. 

  5. Open door BEFORE they are finished with treat/food

  6. Repeat, gradually extending time in crate and your distance from the kennel

Only open door when dog is not barking, whining or jumping as this rewards the undesired behavior


Basic Troubleshooting

  • Make sure kennel is comfortable (see post My Kennel House)

  • Provide meals in kennel

  • Use kennel regularly, for short amounts of time, while you’re at home so it is not a sign you’re leaving. 

  • Practice <Kennel> command randomly throughout the day as a fun game

  • Provide chew toys, stuffed kong’s and durable bones whenever dog is left in kennel

  • Always wait until dog is quite and preferably calm before opening crate otherwise they will bark and whine more

Elizabeth SnyderKennel, CrateComment