Archive for February 28th, 2011
Dog pens can be used for so much more than just keeping a dog away from guests or to keep it from getting underfoot. In my home, I have successfully used my dog pen as a training tool. Whenever I get a new puppy I establish that the pen is a place of learning. All new commands are taught inside the dog pen, that way the puppy associates the place with learning and is more likely to pay attention. Later on the commands are practiced outside of the pen.
I also use the dog pen to teach the puppy not to bite. We will play and cuddle together in the pen, and if the puppy bites, I step out of the pen and do not return for at least 10 seconds. Eventually the puppy bites less because it doesn’t want play time interrupted. Leaving the puppy in the dog pen for a while by itself also teaches it to deal with separation anxiety. Make your dog pen a place of learning and positive reinforcement.