Kennel Up

We have been working on crate training for several weeks now. Face it, who of us can't relate to learning new behaviors, new ways of doing things. We resist, we struggle, we squirm. Even when the treats are enticing we drag our heels.

Snowflake (aka Flake) has been a wee bit reluctant to embrace the process of going into the crate under her own power. There are times when the schedule allows for a slower entry process. Sometimes the schedule requires a quick departure so it's a assisted entry. Sometimes I'll say kennel up and find Hank standing in Flake's crate. One couldn't ask for a better role model than that. I don't think she's impressed with his abilities.

I am finding, at feeding time, that patience pays off. When I put the bowl in and let her go in the crate in her own way it happens nicely. Not quickly, but nicely! Picture one 5 month old puppy doing laps in a tiny living room, prancing towards the crate, darting away from it, leaping with excitement. She nudges me from behind as if to say - hey you go in there and eat. If you wait through her antics the lure of the food wins out.

By then of course Hank has bolted his food and tried to lick the silver off the stainless steel bowl. Mick is waiting patiently for his food and wondering when Flake will leave for good.

Progress can be measured in little steps and prancing leaps. Flake can testify to that.