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It’s best to start the “kennel” command training early in a dog’s life, preferably right after basic obedience training. Use a collar and lead during the initial training – you cannot teach this command if you cannot maintain control of your dog. Throughout the training, use your hand to give the dog a visual clue as to where you want him to go. Pointing at the object in question helps the dog know what exactly you want him to enter or jump on. Begin the training by teaching the dog to enter a crate on command, a straightforward concept for him to grasp. Sit the dog facing the open crate. Grasp the lead and command, “Kennel,” while simultaneously pointing into the crate. If he’s reluctant to enter, throw a treat into the crate as you repeat the command. Obviously, the treat motivates the dog to enter the crate, but seeing the treat leave your fingertips helps teach him to look to your hand for guidance and reward. Praise the dog for successfully entering the crate, and then allow him to leave. Food is a great motivator for training Labs, and I don’t just mean using treats. I often start my dogs’ kennel training during feeding times. I sit the dog in front of the crate, put his food dish inside, and then say, “Kennel.” This allows me to work on “sit” and “kennel,” and the food motivates the dogs to comply. Not only that, but he begins to associate good things – food – with his crate and, by extension, the command. When your dog understands and reliably complies with entering the crate, start using the commands in other areas of the dog’s life. The visible boundaries of doorways are a logical next step. Approach the door with the dog on lead, sit him in front of the threshold, then point through the door while saying, “Kennel.” If the dog doesn’t move, use the lead to show him the way. Praise after passing through the door. This approach works for entering cars or trucks. Use the same technique to teach the dog to jump onto an object, such as a grooming or training table. Sit the dog, point to the tabletop, and use the “kennel” command. Place a treat on the table or otherwise encourage him to jump up. You may need to encourage him to place his front feet on the table or even give him a boost up, especially if he’s been scolded in the past for seeing what’s for dinner! The “kennel” command
is an incredibly valuable tool and easy to teach, as long as you
take your time, break the training down into the outlined steps, motivate with
food where necessary, and praise for success. Give the command a try,
and you’ll
be pleased with its usefulness. |
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The
Universal Command
