Crate Training.......

T

TheMorningRise

New member
Well, we picked up our 9 week old GSP on Monday evening.

We have crate trained dogs before, but this is our first GSP. The first time or two, she went right into the crate (with a little convincing from treats). Now, on the 2nd full day, she only goes half way in.

I am going to take the bed out, so she has a bit more room, but not much. Then, tonight, I am going to sit there and toss kibble or treats into the kennel, leaving the door open. That way, I hope she goes in, gets the treat and comes out. When she is not crated, we leave the door open, hoping she will walk in by herself (hasn't happened yet).

We also know, these are her first 2 days in a crate, ever. It will take time. She has already slowed down the crying when put into the crate. A few minutes and then she is quite.

My biggest concentration right now is getting her to go into the crate without assistance.

Fun times ahead. Love the little thing already.
 
My two GSPs learned quickly. Our first one whined for the first 2 weeks then no more. We found that covering her kennel with a blanket, especially at night helped her calm down. We would tease with a treat outside the kennel and then put our hand inside where they would have to enter to get the treat while giving the kennel command. Initially we'd kennel for 30 minutes to 2 hours (or as long as they'd nap) until they realized that "kennel" wasn't permanent. We put beds and blankets and a favorite toy in the kennels to make them extra comfy. Now they love to go into their kennels at night and wait patiently for their treat (vitamin) and we have to give the "out" command in the morning to get their lazy behinds out of bed.
 
The plan worked!

Also, since we picked her up (a whole 48 hours ago), we have been working on sit when we can. Tonight after dinner, I had her following me, (I planed on working with "sit" for a repetition or two) I turned to her and said sit.

Contrary to what she has been doing (jumping up and licking my hands), her little butt hit the floor and she sat there staring at me! My jaw about hit the floor. Nothing like the very first time a new pup does what you want, when you tell it to. Even something as simple as sit!

That made my day!
 
Congrads on the new pup. You can also feed her in the crate. Have her sit then release ,I bet if she knows her food is in there she will go in.
 
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