Kennel training your dog

How many stories have you heard about a dog, puppy or older, tearing up things when the owner is out of sight? It happens regularly doesn't it? It is a fact that a dog, young or old, can be trained to sleep in a crate (kennel) when you are out or at night when you are asleep. The first thing you do is find a crate (kennel) that will be comfortable for your dog when he is fully grown, and one that is easy to disassemble and clean. You can acquaint your dog with the kennel easily but slowly. Place it in the home in an area where the family will be during the evening such as the television room, and just place it there with the door open. After a day or two, put in a cushion and a toy or treat for the dog. As he finds out this is his private space, he will gradually decide to go in and take a nap or just take a rest for a while. After a couple of weeks or so, you can put him in for a nap when you go out to the market, and after you return you can let him out and really praise him for being such an angel while you were gone. The first few times you confine him you should leave him for short periods, less than two hours. You certainly don't want it to feel like a punishment to him. This is for his safety as well as your piece of mind. After a week or two, you can move it to your bedroom next to your bed if you choose, and put him in for the night. After he gets used to sleeping in his space at night, he will go in willingly and you can train him to "kennel" on command. He will be a much happier dog with his private place and you will be secure in knowing he is out of trouble.