The kennel box (airline crate) is one of the greatest aids for training and caring for dogs. A lot of times we forget what it was like before they were out there. Now, for between $35 to $90 you can have a well made, durable, light weight, safe den for your dog. We use them for transporting dogs, house training aid, safe zone, sleeping in at night, and a backup summer dog house.
The best way to get your dog used to them is start when they are a puppy. Use them for house breaking the dog and as their sleeping quarters. They quickly learn to love them. They see the crate as a cozy den.
If you haven’t used them since the dog was a pup, they may be reluctant to go in. Here’s a trick. Take the dog by the collar and give the command to kennel. Steer the dogs head into the crate by the collar. If they are reluctant, wrap your arm around their hips (see photo) and lift their back legs off the ground, direct them where you want them to go and they should go right in. This trick will work for directing the dog anywhere they don’t want to go. With out their back feet to dig in and push against, they loose their fight. (The slick metal table top at the vet has the same effect.) I believe I learned this tip from one of Bill Tarrant’s books and it has served me well.
Once you get the dog used to going in the kennel by lifting his back legs off the ground, then you can just begin wrapping your arm around the dog and touching their underside, then soon you should be able to simply command and give a gentle nudge. Try it. It works like a charm.
