Benefits of Kennel Training

The Benefits of a Kennel            

In the wild world a den is a safe space for canines. Coyotes, wolves, and wild dogs are born in dens and they use them their entire lives. Our bird dogs are also canines which is why the kennel serves the same purpose as a den; it's a safe space. For this reason, kennel training is a fundamental and foundational piece of nearly every dog training method used in America today. Everything begins and ends at the kennel. A dog's kennel is their safe space, and it's our job to make sure they have a safe kennel to learn, sleep, travel, and find solitude in.

Sizing a kennel

There are several kennel options available for dog owners today but it's important to find a kennel that fits the size of your dog. A common mistake that dog owners make is having a kennel that is too large. You don't want your dog to be able to roll around in the kennel. A small kennel is recommended for puppy training, and this kennel is typically not the same kennel you will want to use when your dog is full grown. Researching the proper kennel size for your dog size and breed is important.

Choosing a Kennel

There are several excellent kennel options available today that have been proven to keep dogs safe during horrendous car crashes. Roto molded kennels like Ruff Land Performance Kennels and Lucky Duck Kennels are built to last and can take a beating. I've seen metal dog crates fall apart on the road and trust me, you don't want your dog inside that kennel if you ever get into a car accident. A well-built kennel is typically a one-time invest that should last the lifetime of your dog.

Securing your Kennel

A kennel is the safest place for your dog to ride while driving. Not the passenger seat of your car, and certainly not on your lap. That's a danger to the dog, to you, and to others on the road. Securing your kennel is also important. Safety straps holding the kennel in place can be the difference in your dog surviving a car crash or not. Don't forget to strap your kennel down before loading your dog for a road trip.

Kennel Accessories

There are several accessories that you can add to your kennel that will give your dog a safe ride in all weather conditions. Will your dog be riding in the open box of a truck when it's cold? If so, then an insulated cover is a wise purchase. Will your dog be riding in the kennel under a topper when it's hot? Then you may want to mount a battery powered fan to provide proper air flow. Will your dog be wet after a hunt? You can add a raised mat or a cushion to the bottom of your kennel to help air flow under your dog to dry off after a hunt. Your dog gives you everything they have on every hunt, these kennel accessories will help them remain comfortable before and after their work is done.

Traveling with your dog

Traveling with your dog is an important part of every hunt. Once you have your kennel it's important to let your dog get comfortable with the kennel and introduce them to it well before their first hunt. I like to let them ride and rest in the kennel often so that they know it's a safe space. Take your dog in their kennel to the grocery store, or to run errands. If they're not comfortable in a kennel the first time you take them on a hunting trip then you're setting your dog up for failure in the field. Working dogs prepare for a hunt mentally just like we do, which is why planning ahead matters here.

The Kennel is Safe

Never put your dog in a kennel as a punishment for their bad behavior. Their kennel is a safe space. If you force them into a kennel as a punishment they will learn to resent it, or become scared of it, and associate your trip to a hunting field as a place they don't want to go. Resist the urge to send them to their kennel after they've made a mistake, and it will be a long-term win in your relationship.

The Hunt Starts at the Kennel

Every hunt begins at the kennel. When I open the door of the kennel my dog is trained to wait for my release before they can exit. If they fly out of the kennel that means they are in their own mind, and not mentally prepared for the task we are setting out to accomplish together. If they wait for my release at the kennel door then I know that we are a working team, and our hunt will reflect that. A well trained dog is a joy to hunt behind, and it always begins at the kennel. Whether you have a hunting dog, or a house dog, everything in their life begins and ends at the kennel. Plan wisely, and you'll have a happy dog.