to kennel train again???

[GSDgirlAL]

Hello All ... haven't posted in a long time it seems! Something has come up that I would really like some input on.

I'm toying with the idea of kennel training Ava again but I'm not sure how she will react to this since she hasn't been in a kennel (crate) in many years. We are having some family move in with us along with their 18 month old toddler and 2 dogs so that is A LOT of changes. I'm concerned about doing this b/c I don't want her to think this is a punishment but on the other hand it would give me some peace of mind if we are going out for an evening and they are staying home if we kennel her rather than worry if she is listening to them, being gentle, etc.

I would really appreciate some thoughts ... I'm torn, I feel like it would really give me some peace of mind if I'm not there but on the other hand I'm not sure if this is the right thing to do.

[GSKnight]

Originally Posted by GSDgirlAL

We are having some family move in with us along with their 18 month old toddler and 2 dogs

Um... ah.... God bless you.

[GSDgirlAL]

:-) ... it's going to be interesting! but we wouldn't have it any other way! we have the space and we're not using it so we are more than happy to have them.

[law1558]

If approached positively, I think Ava will appreciate being able to "escape" into her kennel when things get too hectic at the house. I'd start just like you would when training a puppy to crate for the first time...baby steps.

[mysweetkaos]

We had a somewhat similiar experience. Our K hadn't been in his crate for about 6 yrs (we had actually given it away). We had a baby who was becoming more mobile (which we also hadn't had in about 6 yrs) and we got a new puppy. So we reintroduced K to a crate.....HE LOVES IT! We leave the door open on it and anytime he decides it's getting too hectic for him (which since he insists on laying in the middle of whatever room we are in) he gets up and goes to his crate. So you may be surprised that with all the recent changes your dog may thank you for bringing it back out!

[Freestep]

If she didn't have any problems with the crate before, she probably won't now. It's like riding a bike. Just set up her crate and put her in there with a big, meaty bone. She'll learn to appreciate it in no time.

[GSDgirlAL]

thank you all for your responses! I cannot tell you how much I appreciate them!

she did like it before, once she got used to it anyway! and then I would say the magic words and she would run in right in! She even slept in it a couple times on her own free will.

Again, thank you! too bad I don't have the old kennel ... heading to PetsMart this weekend! I'm going to start now since they aren't moving in for a couple of weeks.

[Veronica]

Try Craigslist for a crate. We got ours for $40.

Great idea to get the crate and get her used to it before they come, as much as possible.

If you have a Tractor Supply store in your area, they have really good prices on crate-sized beds. Ours has cedar filling which is supposed to keep it smelling fresh and also discourage fleas.

[GSDgirlAL]

Well I finally bought a kennel tonight and I feel like such a bad and mean mom
Will start working with her tmrw. Hope it goes well ...

[Freestep]

Originally Posted by GSDgirlAL

Well I finally bought a kennel tonight and I feel like such a bad and mean mom

If you're a bad and mean mom, so is just about everyone else here.