Four Paws Dog Training Club

WHEN SHOULD I USE AN INDOOR KENNEL?

Indoor Kennel

The use of the indoor kennel has progressed over the years. Originally it was only used for house training or for containing destructive dogs and when the problem had abated, the kennel was removed. This in itself, created problems as the dog had grown used to the security of its own space. All dog trainers and vets now accept that there is no reason why an indoor kennel should not be used throughout a dog’s life, if used correctly.

House Training

All normal puppies of eight weeks old or over are capable of holding their bladder through the night, it is just easier for them not to. Once they have associated the kennel as ‘their space’ they don’t like to foul it. The simplest method we have found is first to choose a kennel that will suit the dog into adulthood, place suitable bedding on one half of the kennel (we recommend Vet-Bed) and newspaper in the other half. To start with the dog will use the paper but will soon prefer not to, this can take as little as just a couple of nights. When you first visit the dog in the morning, take the dog out to a suitable area, I have found that it is best to carry the dog like you would carry a baby, they don’t like to foul themselves either. Once the dog has done its toilet, give it lots of praise, you will soon find you have a ‘house trained’ dog. If the dog does have an accident indoors, please do not scold it, as this will only confuse it, but show it where it should have gone. There are many very good books and videos on dog and puppy training; these are excellent for the novice owner.

How Long Can You Keep a Dog Contained?

As said before, overnight is not a problem, during the day from our own experience four to five hours should be the limit, of course they should be exercised prior to containment, it is a must that they have access to water but not too much, some dogs will drink simply because they are bored, suffering discomfort from a full bladder. Much the same as us, we will make a cup of tea simply because we are bored. Use the kennel as the dog’s own space leaving the door open for it to come and go when you are at home.

Older Dogs

Take to the indoor kennel and train by the use of tit-bits, a saying in dog training circles is ‘a dog’s brain is in its stomach’. Simply place tit-bits into the kennel when the dog is not looking, allow the dog to find them it will soon claim the kennel as its own. With all dogs, we recommend the collar be removed while using the kennel to prevent it getting snagged in the mesh.

Puppy Pens

We do not recommend the use of puppy pens when the dog does not have supervision, they are ideal for containment when you just want to get on with life without having your vacuum cleaner or iron cable chewed.

Taking Your Best Friend on Holiday

The indoor kennel really comes into its own when on holiday for visiting and not just for dogs, cats love them also. Giving you the freedom of being able to leave your pet in an unfamiliar place, knowing it is sage and happy in its own space, not damaging your host’s carpets or furniture.

SOMETHING TO TEACH YOUR DOG

The Roll-Over Trick

Command your dog to the down position, using a treat if necessary.

Look to see which way your dog’s hips are lying and attempt the roll over to turn with the hips over on to its back, not against them.

Hold a treat close to the dog’s nose and slowly move it backwards and around over his back so that it follows the treat with its nose being over its shoulder, moving the same way the hips are lying.

As the dog follows the treat he should roll over onto his back. If necessary, do this in stages to encourage following the treat all the way.

Once the rolling over movement has been learnt, try stopping the use of the treat, as your dog will also be learning to pick up your hand signals whilst doing this exercise.

It follows that you can try to teach the complete roll over followed by the dog learning to throw himself back up on to all four legs in a standing position.

That would be great!