I was at a training last week in Flowery Branch with a very active one year old Collie named Henry. The client had originally called us out to help with the dog’s jumping and listening issues. I had explained to the owner that Collies are very energetic and also very intelligent. Because of this, he had to step up to show his leadership and his dog’s need to give him the appropriate respect. This was our third lesson and everything was coming along quite nicely. The dog was behaving well and obeying all his obedience commands. The one issue that my client was still experiencing was to get Henry to go into his crate at night. The Collie thought it was a game every time he tried to get him in the crate…
As I said, Collies are very smart dogs. I should know because I grew up with Collies. What my client had to understand is that he had to take any type of adrenaline creating experience (i.e. Hey, this is play time!) out of the picture as he was getting Henry to go into the crate. He also had to make sure that he would always have his dog obey the command without the use of force or coercion. He needed to have his dog obey his command as a simple “matter of fact”.
In order to accomplish this, we needed to create a situation of “I will always go into the crate because that is what I do and the crate is a great place”. In order to accomplish this, I suggested the following:
THE CRATE IS THE PLACE TO BE…
I suggested that he start feeding his dog in the crate every other meal. When he wants to give him a goodie or dog toy, throw it in the crate for Henry to retrieve. Put his favorite blanket in the crate. Sit down and play with him in the crate. I explained that he should initially never close the door while he was doing this. His dog should be allowed to trust the crate as a voluntary sanctuary where good things happen.
FOCUS THAT THE CRATE IS A SAFE PLACE…
After about a week of performing the steps mentioned above, start closing the door every once in a while when the dog is in the crate. I told him that he shouldn’t keep the door closed all the time, just for a few minutes every third or fourth time his Collie is in the crate. Slowly increase the times the crate door is closed. After a few days, start walking out of the room for a few minutes to make sure that Henry doesn’t whine or bark.
PREPARE TO GET THE DOG IN THE CRATE…
Now that we have determined that the Collie is fine with the crate, it is time to easily walk him in when we want. I told my client to get a leash and click it on his dog. Just let him wear it for a day or two (don’t keep it on him all the time). After a few days, practice walking with him around the house, initially not near the crate. After another day, start directing your walk near the crate. Pass right by the crate’s door, but don’t direct him into the crate. Always make sure that he is walking by your side and paying attention to you.
CRATE TIME!
Now, on one of your walks, briskly walk him right into the crate. As soon as he enters, praise him. Make sure that one of his toys, his dinner, or a treat is waiting for him in the crate. As you do this, give him a command such as “Crate” or “Go Home”. (You can pick any command you like.) Repeat this for a few days until he starts to pull towards the crate when you give your command. Start saying the command farther away from the crate’s door until you have reached the spot you would normally want to give the command.
FINAL STEP…
Now it is time for my client to finish the process. I told him that as soon as he gives his command, drop the leash and let Henry go to the crate all by himself. I told him to practice this for about three or four days. After he is constantly going to the crate every time the command is given and leash is dropped, take the leash off. Walk him around the house without the leash. When my client gets to the “command spot” with his Collie, give the command. Henry should now go into the crate all by himself through the simple use of the command.
All we have done is what I teach my dog training clients every day. We have broken the problem into multiple steps with singular correct and incorrect actions. We have worked on each action until the correct action has been consistently delivered. We move on to the next action and repeat the process. My client now has a precocious Collie that will go into his crate on command.
We encourage you to call Robin or myself at (770) 718-7704 if you are having any problems with your dog. If you liked this article, we have more at Best Dog Trainers Flowery Branch Georgia. We have posted all out contact information on Dog Training Help Center Flowery Branch Georgia.
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