A Little House For Your Dog

Some people feel sorry for the animal, while others think it is an indispensable thing.

We're talking about the use of a special pet home, or kennel, within your own home.

The fact is that when a dog gets used to the kennel, or interior dog house, it truly becomes a home for your pet, and the pooch seems to want nothing else.

Originally, this type of kennel was only used for the transport of animals on planes or trains, but now they are available in various sizes and shapes for home use, and can be used for many purposes.

For example, a kennel can be very helpful in housetraining your dog, or in staying alone, or teaching it not to destroy furnishings or other items.

Of course, it is not a place to imprison your pet. It has to be an environment for the dog to feel safe, and this is only possible if we teach them the proper use of the kennel.

      
In the first place, we have to make sure that the kennel is the right size. Its length must be at least one and a half times the length of the dog. The width has to be about the same as the dog's length, and the height goes automatically in proportion with the length and the width.

So, if your dog is still growing, make sure you use one in accordance to your pet's size when fully grown. 

As with everything in the life of the dog, it is best to teach your pet to use a kennel when the pet is still young. Puppies are so curious that it will not be difficult to get them to go into the kennel with a treat. If there is a nice pillow or blanket, it will not be long before your dog will realize it's a great place to fall asleep, and if you put a treat next to your pet, it'll be a happy camper upon awakening.      

When the dog is a little bit bigger, it is still possible to teach the pooch that it has a special place.

Put the kennel in a place where the dog can see his "boss," and the movements in the house. Open the door and put the bed and toys inside the structure. When your dog goes in, reward it immediately. When he leaves, and goes back, reward him again. Often, the dog will leave the enclosure immediately after it eats the treat, which is normal. Next time, just delay the treat for a short while. Then, continue the procedure, each time extending the period between your dog entering the kennel and its reward. After a few days, your dog will go into the kennel on its own.

Then, it is time to start closing the door. First, only partially close; then a little bit further, and so on. And finally fully closed but not locked!

If your dog wants to leave, it is still possible. When it becomes more comfortable with the kennel being closed, then the time is right to lock it.

In the car, the kennel is a safe way for your dog to travel. In case of an accident, the dog will not be thrown throughout the car. There are kennels which are specially designed for use in automobiles.

So, to summarize, in addition to providing a space for your pet to feel protected and "at home," the kennel can be used: as a tool for housetraining; for teaching your dog to stay alone; as a private and safe sleeping space; as a place to recover from emotions; as a protection for your furnishings; as a comfortable place to keep your pet from certain visitors, and as a travel enclosure in the car or on a plane.

But, remember, a kennel can NEVER be used to punish a dog because then his own safe place does not feel so safe anymore.