- Puppies need to feel safe and secure in their environment. It is up to the "humans" to make sure these needs are being met. Sometimes this means it is necessary to place the puppy in a kennel or crate. If the puppy is not properly kennel trained, stuffing them into a kennel can be very traumatic for them. They will learn to fear the kennel, and the puppies will resist any attempts to be put into one. Proper kennel training should start as soon as you bring the new puppy home. The puppy owner should also train themselves in proper kennel use, too.
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Make sure the kennel is an appropriate size for the puppy. Kennels come in a variety of sizes, just as dogs do. It may even be necessary to have two different kennels or crates for your puppy. One can be small, just large enough to transport puppy safely to the vet, or groomer.
The other kennel should be larger and considered the puppy's home or safe haven in your house. It should be big enough for the puppy to stand up, move around in and stretch out comfortably. If the puppy will spend a lot of time in the kennel while you are at work, it needs to be large enough to accommodate the food and water bowls plus a toy or two. -
Set the kennel in a room that you will be in so the puppy will not feel isolated or abandoned. Leave the kennel door open and let the puppy explore around it, in it or even climb on it. Do not try to surprise the puppy and slam the door if he or she ventures in. Let him get used to the idea that this is his own space.
If the puppy is not willing to go in, try tossing her favorite toy inside to see if she'll go in to retrieve it. If the toy doesn't work, place a treat just by the door and another just inside the door. Let the puppy follow the treat trail in. Praise him in a happy voice. By sitting in the floor and spending time with the puppy as he gets used to the kennel, he will associate the kennel with good times.
If he goes in and lays down, leave the door open for a few minutes. Shut the door and watch for a reaction. If the puppy seems to panic, open the door and let him out. Never leave the puppy in the kennel if he becomes panicked or stressed. The kennel should represent safety and security, not fear.
Work with the puppy and the kennel several times a day to increase the amounts of time she stays in it quietly, either napping or playing with toys. The puppy will soon learn that the kennel represents her very own home, where he or she can go to feel safe and rest comfortably. - The puppy should be trained to view the kennel as a safe haven. Never put the puppy in the kennel as a form of discipline. Do not leave the puppy in the kennel if it is whining in distress. If you are working on kennel and potty training, the puppy may be asking to do its business. Once the puppy views the kennel as his own comfortable home, he will not want to do his business in it. You'll have to train yourself to understand what the puppy wants when she whines.
