Kennel Training- Why?

Kennel training is the process of introducing a kennel and teaching your dog to rest comfortably while confined. Depending on the dog and circumstances, this process can be quick with a dog easily accepting it as their safe space or an extended process with the dog having to overcome anxiousness around confinement. When trying to teach a dog anything, positive reinforcement is most effective and best for your dog's mental health. 

In an age where many dogs have run of the house and yard while their human companions are away, why is kennel training still useful? As someone who lets my dog sleep in my bed, I still kennel train every dog who lives in my home and encourage others to do so, here is why.

Travel

Kennels are commonly used and often required for travel by car or plane. When your dog is traveling in the car, being secured is safest for them and all those around them. Even outside of accidents, hard braking can result in a loose dog falling into another individual or off a seat or even out a window. Securing your dog in a kennel, or in a seat belt (although currently safety testing standards have not been established) can protect them and you in the event of an accident. If your dog is ever transported by a transport company they most certainly will be secured in a kennel. Many states and companies require it. I have lost count of the number of times pet parents asked me how to manage their pets' stress when an unexpected travel situation requires confinement. Unfortunately, on short notice there are not good options. So start the training process as soon as you can.

Safety

Safety is the second reason. Firework holidays or home repair being the easiest examples. There are times in our pets lives that we cannot control stressful situations. The 4th of July is a common trigger. Many dogs responsed to loud noises or fear by running, often without paying attention to what they are doing and where they are going. Lost, stray, and traumatic injuries in dogs increase around these holidays. When a dog is trained not just to tolerate a kennel, but feel safe in one, you can secure them safely inside before a known issue and rest assured that they will be safe when you return. What is even better, when trained well your pet feels safe too. Some dogs will actively seek out their kennel when they become startled and the sense of safety helps them calm down.

Medical Care

Finally, at some point in your dog's life they will need medical care, and that will likely involve a kennel. We can’t ask a dog to pull an IV stand behind them whenever they move in the hospital, or voluntarily comply with laying still while a parade of strangers pass their hospital bed, so kennels are used. For dogs that are not kennel trained this adds to the stress of the circumstances. What’s worse, if your dog has a major surgery and has to be kennel rested at home for an extended period of time that prolongs the stress on your dog at a time when comfort and a sense of safety is essential.