How can I encourage my dog, a 16-month-old Malinois, to go into his kennel and actually stay there, especially when it's raining and we're not around? He'll go in if we throw some dry food inside, and we tell him to 'stay', but it doesn't last for long. I built the kennel myself and he watched the whole construction process, so it's not like it's something unfamiliar to him.
Many thanks! 👏
Translated from French
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I completely agree with Fonzie; I’ve got the exact same problem. He has a bespoke kennel with a rug and a mattress, a massive garden (around 8,500 square feet), and two walks a day—basically doggy heaven! But no! He’ll go into his kennel when I tell him to, but he pops straight back out again. I don’t think he’s quite realised it’s meant to be his summer house, as he sleeps indoors during the winter. My aim is to have him sleeping outside when the weather’s nice so that if he’s a bit restless at night, he can just use the garden for a wee or… well, whatever else!
My gran’s dog, a Malinois cross, hardly ever slept in his kennel despite the weather. He preferred braving the elements to being inside his kennel... that’s just the way it goes! :)
I think I’ll have to look into that as an option 👏
You need to make the kennel a pleasant place where he can rest peacefully without being disturbed.
Firstly, the kennel should be raised off the ground, insulated, and in a spot he likes.
To make sure your dog feels at home, it obviously needs to be comfy, and you must make it a positive space at all costs – never let it be associated with anything negative (punishments, telling him off...).
If he still won't go in despite all that, just leave him to it; after all, if he doesn't want to take cover, that's his loss. But eventually, he'll probably realise that having a little shelter within paw's reach isn't such a bad thing 😌
Thanks for getting back to me, but that's exactly what I've done. So, I guess I'll just have to be patient... maybe one day? Or maybe never 😋
Evening,
Sorry to be the one to tell you, but that won't necessarily work ^^
Would we want to stay in a tiny single bed doing nothing, even when it’s raining? Well, no, so you have to tell yourself it’s the same for a dog; despite all the love he has for you and his trust in you, staying in a kennel on his own, rain or shine, well, it just won’t be his cup of tea :)
Does your dog have a run? A kennel + shelter + toys etc? Basically everything he needs to play in a secure area?
Given all the potential problems and in my personal opinion (and it is just my personal view), you shouldn't leave a dog in the garden unsupervised: theft, poisoning, barking, escaping, etc!
If your lad is doing all that, it’s because he’s bored on his own, which is understandable ^^
So you need to find him something to keep him busy and help him burn off some energy, especially at his age :)
Thanks for the advice, but when my dog isn't in the house, he has plenty of space to run around—it’s an enclosed area, and even if the gate is open, he never goes through it alone unless he’s on a lead and with someone (he waits patiently). He never barks without a valid reason. He’s never left alone for very long because someone is home every day, and we take him for a walk or a run in the woods daily, sometimes even twice a day. The kennel was simply so he’d have some shelter and "feel at home" when we’re out for a few hours or when it rains. As it turns out, he won't go in of his own accord. Never mind. It’s a lovely custom-made kennel though (but not too big), with a rug, toys, and treats... We couldn't have done any more 👏
Evening all,
Sorry to be the one to break it to you, but it’s not necessarily going to work ^^
Would we want to stay cooped up in a tiny single bed doing nothing, even when it’s raining? Well, no, and you have to realise it’s the same for a dog. Despite all the love and trust he has for you, being left in a kennel alone—whether it’s raining or sunny—just won't be his cup of tea :)
Does your dog have a run? Kennel + shelter + toys, etc.? Basically, everything he needs at his disposal to play in a secure spot?
Given the number of potential issues and just in my personal opinion (mind you, this is just my own take), you shouldn't leave a dog in a garden unsupervised: theft, poisoning, barking, escaping, and so on!
If your pooch is doing all that, it’s because he’s bored being by himself, which is understandable ^^
So, you need to find him ways to keep himself busy and burn off some energy, especially at his age :)
You need to make the kennel a lovely spot where he can rest peacefully without being disturbed.
Firstly, the kennel should be raised off the ground, well-insulated, and placed in a spot he already likes.
To make sure your dog feels at home, it obviously needs to be comfy, and you must make it a positive place at all costs—never associate it with anything negative (like punishments or telling him off).
If he still won't go in despite all that, just let him be. After all, if he doesn't want to get under cover, that’s his choice. But after a while, he’ll probably realise that having a little shelter at paw’s reach isn't such a bad thing after all 😌
My gran's dog, a Malinois cross, hardly ever slept in his kennel despite the weather. He preferred braving the elements to being inside... that's just how he was :)
Oh yeah, mine used to think his mat was a toy too, but you have to show them that’s where they’re supposed to sleep. For example, when my puppy didn't fall asleep on his mat, I’d put him on it, and eventually he realised that’s where he goes for his sleep. Maybe he doesn’t like the spot where his kennel is?
Actually, that’s not where he sleeps. He stays in the kitchen at night. The kennel is for when we're out during the day, especially if it’s raining. It was also meant to be a bit of a safe space for him. Thanks for the reply! 👏
Oh yeah, mine was exactly the same, my dog used to treat his bed like a toy! You’ve just got to show him that’s where he’s meant to sleep. For instance, when my pup fell asleep off his bed, I’d move him onto it, and eventually he realised that’s where he’s supposed to go for a snooze. Maybe he just doesn't like the spot where his bed is?
