How to Train Your Dog to Accept a Kennel

Make sure the kennel is the right size. You need him to be relaxed and comfortable and part of that means he has enough room. He needs to be able to move around and turn around with ease. If it’s too small it may make him stressed.

Make a house a home by sprucing it up. Put some comfy blankets down and put the odd toy in there. The toys will make it smell like him and that will instantly relax him.

Leave treats in the kennel. If he gets a treat every time he goes in there he’ll soon start associating the kennel with food, and then you may find it a struggle to get him out! Once he’s comfortable in there you can slowly cut out the treats.

Give him attention at the kennel. You can take a toy and play tug of war for a few minutes. Alternatively, you can calmly stroke him. It’s important he knows he’ll still get some attention from you.

Do not shout at him or scare him if he doesn’t want to go in the kennel. You don’t want him to associate it with punishment and fear, then it will be even harder to get him used to it.

Secure him to the leash and head for the kennel. Stay upbeat and positive you want him to think you’re playing a big game. Make sure you have some treats in your pocket too.

When you get to the kennel, point at it and encourage him to go in. As you do this give the ‘kennel’ command. Give it an animated tone. You can use any word or phrase you like, dogs can remember hundreds of different instructions.

If he won’t go on his own, try and lure him in with a treat. You can hold it in your hand to draw him in, or you can stand outside and throw it in to encourage him. Just make sure as soon as he’s in he gets a treat and lots of verbal praise.

Only leave him secured in there for a short period of time to start with. Just a couple of minutes is long enough. Also, make sure you stay with him just outside for those 2 minutes to make him feel at ease. The more relaxed he feels during this first visit the more inclined he’ll be to go back there again.

Next time you go back, leave him there for a little while longer and use the ‘kennel’ command again. If he always gets a reward he’ll soon catch on and know what’s expected of him when he hears the instruction. Over the next few visits, gradually increase the length of time you leave him in there for. When he heads straight there every time on command, you can slowly cut out the treats.

Before you go, give him a nice long walk. You want him tired by the time he reaches the kennel. If he already wants to relax and sleep then you’ll find he’ll be much more receptive to accepting the kennel. Throwing a ball for a few minutes beforehand could also do the trick.

Get him all ready with everything he needs. As you’re doing this, stay happy and upbeat. Dogs mirror their owners behavior, so if he sees you’re relaxed and happy he’s more likely to feel that way too.

Fit him to a leash and slowly walk him around the kennel. As you’re going, stay animated and upbeat. It’s important you set the tone of the visit.

Have some treats in your pocket and give him one every so often. It will also make him associate the kennel with tasty rewards.

Don’t spend too long there, then take him back home. A few days later, go back again. This time spend a little longer there. The time after, leave him there for a couple of hours on his own. This will help him realize that you’ll always come back to get him.