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Originally Posted by Bluebells  You’ve gotten a lot of excellent advice, so I’ll just add this: if I were you, I’d also spend some time reintroducing crate training for Scout. I’m not saying she should be confined to a crate for hours while you’re away at work, since she’s trustworthy with the run of the house, but I’m a strong proponent of crate training in general for dogs. Most dogs are happy and secure in their crates once they’ve been crate trained, and that’s a very good thing, especially in case of emergency. Unfortunately, bad things do sometimes happen to dog owners or their homes (illnesses, deaths, fires...) and a dog who is happy and secure in a crate can usually handle those disruptions better than one who is not crate trained. |
I couldn't agree more. A dog should love spending time in his/her own secure crate, the experience being sweetened by luscious treats tossed inside, fun interactive, treat-dispensing puzzles/toys, safe chewies inside, along w/a recently worn tee-shirt or other item of your unwashed clothing. Teach your dog to enter into her crate voluntarily, tossing in a treat/ball/chewie/piece of your scent-heavy clothing in to encourage ready entry on her own, if nothing else to enjoy what you've just tossed into the crate and then reams of praises, clapping when she's in, the door closed as you laugh and keep her buoyed up. Always make it a thoroughly happy experience when you entice your dog into the crate, using a high, happy, laughing voice, smiling at her to keep her in an enthusiastic mood as she goes into her crate on her own.
As I pass by the crate in the course of the day, I pat it, rub it, say, "Oh, GOOOOOD crate" and smile so the dog keeps getting reinforcement that the crate is a good, happy place, even when she's not in it, she's still getting the message we love that crate experience. When she's in it, I keep up the patting, praising, toss in another treat occas. to keep her expecting good things when in the crate. Make a happy game of her going into the crate to retrieve a ball/treat, usually coming right back out but other times having the door closed and leaving her in it for a time, praising/treating generously when she is permitted out again. She should be trained to feel that crate is one of life's good, safe sanctuaries all for her, accepting it readily even when she'd rather be with you or lounging on the couch.
Part of being a pet dog is spending time in a crate, during emergency situations, at the vet, groomer, boarding, during travel, house cleaning/repairs, wild, unruly visiting kids or a visiting dog/cat in the house that could hurt her before they get to know, accept each other. Crate time training is absolutely essential to having a happy, secure, stable dog, equipped to do whatever is necessary to accept, remain calm when crated when the situation requires it.