How to Kennel Train a Stray Dog

Dogs are like children, once they are left behind they start to panic. Image how a dog must feel when it is left alone by the family on the street to defend for itself. I am a big supporter to "safe dog houses" and to those people who adopt stray dogs. All dogs, unless raised to be fighting dogs, are kind natured and will love until the ends of the earth. At first, it is exciting adopting a stray dog or rescuing an abandoned dog. Then it hits you, how am I supposed to deal with this new slightly defensive dog? Here are some tips to make the transaction easier through kennel training.

1. Purchase a good quality metal fence with metal clasps on each end. It looks like a long metal fence and can be purchase at any pet store around the nation. They are made for indoor and outdoor usage. They are slightly higher in price than a normal kennel however they are worth the money. As a stray dog it has learned to survive on the streets, to do this it had to learn to be aggressive. Combine with its aggressive behavior the stray dog will be very anxious when entering your house for the first time. Therefore, I suggest this type of fence instead of a normal kennel because it is easier to take this aggressive and anxious dog and put it in a large open circle fence then a tiny confined kennel.

2. Prepare the location for the circle fence in your house. It should not be placed outdoors because the dog will not get the social communication as it would from being inside. Clean the area free of all objects and make sure that it is a location that is free from noise and too much activity. If a spare room or basement that may be available is the best location. Setup the circle fence and make sure it is securely in place. Then place a water bowl full of water in the fenced area. Do not put food in the fenced area at first. An already excited dog will eat too fast and will get an upset stomach. If possible, place a kennel inside the fence or a blanket big enough to sleep on. This fenced in area will become the safety zone of the new stray dog.