It’s not easy to know how to kennel train a dog. For many, dog training is an abstract concept. While some dog owners immediately make the decision to ‘go kennel dog’ when they see a cute puppy in a cute little dog crate, others spend hours trying to figure out how to do it without actually hurting or scaring the dog. Thankfully, dog training tricks can make the process a little bit easier to handle. Dog owners can pick up a few of these tricks in no time at all, and the benefits are usually worth the effort.
First off, when you’re thinking about how to kennel train a dog, it’s important to know that there aren’t actual dog training commands. Instead, there are mental cues that, when used correctly, can communicate your intent to train your dog. To start training, the first step is to make sure your dog is comfortable in its new ‘home’. Since you can’t ‘kennel’ a dog in any way, this means leaving it in its dog crate, sleeping area, bed, or even in your own backyard. Once it becomes completely comfortable, you can start training.
One of the best dog training tips involves rewarding your dog with treats. When you first bring the pup home, take it out of its crate to find it content and quiet. Then give it a few short dog treats (no more than 2 pieces per dog bite) and a sit or down. This is meant to teach the dog that it only gets a treat when it complies with your command to sit and down.
Once your dog learns to sit, the next step is to develop a routine. The best way to teach a dog is to have it repeat a behavior repeatedly without any confusion. In most cases, this includes sitting down after every meal, every time it tries to leap on you while playing, and after every stople. To reinforce this positive reinforcement, offer treats when these behaviors are met. To be consistent, however, you should always have the puppy in its crate.
Another dog training trick involves telling your dog a story. You do this by having your dog listen while you tell a story. For example, you could start by telling the pup into your favorite dog story. Then, pet the dog, tell a lullaby story, and pet the dog again while you tell a bit of the story. Repeat this pattern several times before your dog understands what you’re trying to teach. This positive reinforcement will help the dog to focus on the story instead of you and what you’re doing.
Another tip on how to kennel train a dog is to always give the dog a treat after every meal or snack. Dogs love a bit of food and will often ignore their owners for food if given a treat immediately after. However, you should be consistent and don’t give a treat every time the dog has acted badly. Give a treat only after a completely acceptable behavior has been exhibited. After a long period of ignoring your new pet, the dog may forget why you ignored him in the past.
If the puppy doesn’t take to your commands, make sure you give him some positive reinforcement. You could spank the puppy or give the dog a dog treat. Or, you could give the puppy a toy that is useful for the dog to play with as he masters the skills of staying away from your feet. Whatever method you choose to get your puppy to learn good behavior, always be sure to use positive reinforcement.
Training a dog can be frustrating, but with patience and consistency you can accomplish anything. It will take some time, so do not lose hope. Once you are able to successfully crate train a dog, it will become so much easier the next time you take him out.
