My Kennel House

HOW TO MAKE YOUR DOG’S CRATE SAFE AND NOT SCARY!

  • TREATS & FOOD!! 

  • Chewy toys (KONG is my favorite, stuffed with long lasting goodies) while they’re alone

  • Small steps. Make it a GAME (see Kennel Game Doc)

  • Don’t use kennel as a punishment or “time out”



Creating Comfort

  • Make sure your dogs kennel is comfortable and secure.  Some dogs prefer an enclosed travel style crate rather than an open wire kennel.  Many people have found draping a blanket over an open kennel offers a more welcoming place. However, if your dog is prone to chewing this might not be a good option.

  • Kennel should be of an appropriate size for your dog. Growing puppies might require multiple different sizes, or an adjustable crate.  Kennel should be large enough for dog to stand without hunching over and turn around comfortably.  However, it is not wise to use a crate any larger than necessary while house training since puppies in over-sized crates will urinate then move away. (if you are gone for extended time and/or puppy pads are a necessity please consult for best way to use them)

  • A mat or bed in kennel can help dogs settle.  An old blanket or towel can also be used. Again, this is not recommended if your dog/puppy is prone to chewing or ingesting items. 

  • For young puppies the smell of an item you have worn or handled can also be comforting. 

  • Place kennel in an area where your dog has privacy without being completely isolated. For example, the corner of living room where they can observe activity without being overwhelmed or in the way. Or in your bedroom for nightime. Kennel can be moved throughout day if needed. 

  • It is best to avoid letting things disrupt dog while in their kennel.  While it can be difficult, especially with small children, it is best to let this be a SAFE SPACE.  This means- as much as possible- avoid banging or climbing on crate, climbing in kennel while occupied, or things being dropped through onto dogs head. 

  • Dogs, and puppies, will settle down more easily with plenty of exercise and mental activity before they’re left.  Play outside, or practice obedience exercises inside before placing dog in crate.

  • Kennel makes excellent management tool so pup doesn’t have opportunity to fail or destroy. Use it whenever you can have eyes on pup 100%!

  • Exercise pens can also be used to limit access inside and outside.

Whatever you PRACTICE now: whatever you ALLOW now they will do when grown.

General Notes on House Training

“Successful houstraining requires you to manage your puppy at all times” -Patricia McConnell

  • Most puppies have to go within 30min or eating or drinking. 

  • Young puppies can struggle to “hold it” if they have unlimited water in their crates.  If you’re working on housetraining it is best to limit liquids immediately before and while in kennel. 

  • Keep time dog is locked in crate as short as possible at first. Young Puppies need frequent potty breaks. 

  • Only open kennel door when dog is not barking, whining or jumping. If you go let them out whenever they whine you’re rewarding undesired behavior.

  • Pup can be on leash (harness for young ones) when not in crate in your House. This will avoid potty accidents. 

  • When outside for potty wait to play until AFTER they’ve gone potty so they can focus. Stand calmly saying “go potty” or whatever your cue words will be until they do their business. Then praise and give Treats. If you have multiple dogs it can help to take puppy out alone so they can focus. 

  • If you find an puddle or pile in the house do NOT rub pups nose in accident. Consider it your error for leaving pup unsupervised. Corrections have to be given in the moment. 

  • If you DO catch pup in the middle of a squat pick up and rush pup outside while saying NO in a stern, calm, low pitched voice. Once pup outside, if they finish business outside make sure to heap extra praise!! The goal is to make a clear distinction between the YES and NO actions.

  • Learn to read your puppy’s signals. If you notice this behavior take them outside immediately.  Some general ones are:

    • Sniffing and circling

    • Going to the door

    • Halting play and wandering away

    • Starting to squat (duh)

Elizabeth SnyderKennel, CrateComment