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Why I Kennel Train My Dogs
I can assure you that when my dogs are in their kennels, they're happy, safe, out of trouble and have plenty of water. They're not going to the bathroom anywhere in my house and I know exactly what they're doing. When they're out of their kennels and I am home; same thing. I am in complete control of my dogs. This is purely out of love and my responsibility to them to keep them happy and safe. I will not ask you to do the same, I'm only going to tell you why I kennel train my dogs.
DISCLAIMER: A dog kennel is a SAFE place and should NEVER be used as a form of punishment.
I first introduce the crate or kennel to use it as a puppy potty training tool. If I felt the need to never use it again after that, so be it. I would still at least have a kennel just for this purpose. Unless they're ill or "still learning" as a puppy, dogs will not potty where they have to sleep. Giving puppies plenty of opportunities to potty outside on a fairly routine schedule will gradually teach them how to control their bladder and, as they get older, for longer periods of time.
Second, my dogs travel in their kennels in my truck. Usually one will get shotgun and sit up front with me but I don't have five dogs loose in the cab while I'm driving... Ok, I'm not gonna lie, sometimes I do just pile them all in with me when we take a trip out to the river to frolic but most of the time and on longer journeys, they're in their kennels safe and sound with water, an air vent and a fan. And the kicker? They're happy and feel safe in their kennel because it is strictly their space. If something happens and they have to stay overnight at a vets office, they may get kenneled. Having no prior exposure to kennels could be a recipe for disaster and also extra headache for the technicians that may have to deal with your dog. This is just a what if. I'm not saying all dogs who've never been in a kennel before wouldn't just nuzzle up and immediately begin snoring away but it's just something I would think about ahead of time. Lastly, they are kenneled at dog shows. My dogs have to be comfortable waiting patiently in a kennel while we groom or potty other dogs in our setup or walk away for that matter. I kennel train my dogs for comfort and piece of mind but they also benefit from it as they're given their own space like I said earlier and don't have to worry about guarding their food, toys or territory. They happily jump into their "houses" when asked and have no anxiety or fear issues. They're just a bunch of happy goofy pups! If you have any questions or would like tips on kennel or potty training. Please get in touch. I'm always happy to help!
- Julie Thorne