How do I get him in his kennel?

[mpoier]

Hello everyone!

I have a need for some advice!

My 9 month old lab Ceebers has a new run in our back yard that my husband built for him, very safe, secure, protected from the elements, and he has lots of toys and treats to play with.

Lately, Ceebers hasn't been as open to going to his kennel when we call him....this morning he actually ran away into our other yard and it took me 15 minutes to lure him in there!

I'm thinking about spending more time with him in his run(maybe during my lunch hour?) during the day, and perhaps putting a Tshirt of mine in there....I just don't want him to fight us everytime we have to leave for work and we want him to be safe.....

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
M

[lv4dogs]

That is a good idea to spend more time w/ him in the kennel. He probably feels "unwanted" & lonely there. You want the kennel to be a happy place. when he does enter the kennel praise him. Also do not give him the chance to escape, keep him on a lead until he is in the kennel. Keeping something w/ your scent in there may help too. Play a game in the kennel, make him do a few commands & remember to praise when he cooperates. Give him a kong toy in there to keep him occupied for a little while. Good luck!

[4 Dog Mother]

We bribe our dogs into doing things. We use something to lure them into their crates that they really like - like string cheese, puppy pepperoni. Now when we tell them to get into their crates they run for them, anxious for their treats!!

[Fuzzy317]

At first we would bride our Ginger to get into her crate. We give a raw-hide chewy stick as a reward. She now goes in when called even if I forget the treat.

[bnormal]

4 Dog Mother, we do the same.

[Tonya]

We play ball with Teddy. We'll throw the ball a few times into the kennel. He'll get it and bring it out, then after the third or forth time, we'll say "ok, no more." and close the gate.

[mpoier]

Great idea! My husband and I actually hung out in his run with him and played, now he doesn't feel as lonely, or associate the run with being alone.

Thanks for all of the great ideas everyone!

Michelle