Installation Guide

WWW.SPORTDOG.COM 17
A DIRECTIONAL COMMAND: KENNEL
You will often require your dog to enter diff erent areas and objects: airline crates, vehicles, buildings, boats, duck blinds,
and fenced areas are just a few examples. You will use the command “Kennel” to tell your dog to enter what is in front of
it. Always use the command “Sit” before you ask a dog to enter. If you give your dog a chance to sit and look into the area
it is being asked to enter, it will be far more likely to perform this skill without a fi ght. By looking into this area, your dog
can see that the boogie man is not waiting inside.
What should you do if your dog decides it does not want to enter? You know it will give to the pressure of a leash, so
lead it into the proper area and command “Kennel.” Once in the correct place, stroke pup on the shoulder until you
see acceptance via the swallow response. Repeat this routine until you start to develop a conditioned response to your
command. Some dogs fi ght this entry with a great deal of vigor. If your dog chooses this option, be sure to maintain leash
pressure until you get the desired response. Once it understands that there is no danger in these areas, it will be glad to
enter upon command.
Think about your individual training situation and see if you can create opportunities to work on the “Kennel” command.
This can be accomplished by having an airline crate with you while doing your dog’s obedience routine or working in an
area close to the entrance of your home where the doorway becomes the area in which your dog is commanded to enter.
Or, you could use your vehicle, and this will be very handy when you take your dog to other training areas.
A FINAL OBEDIENCE COMMAND: DOWN
The next command in your obedience program will be “Down,” which tells your dog to lie down and remain in this position
until it receives another command. This command is most often used around the home. For this reason, the easiest time
to work on “Down” is at night while watching television. Command your dog to “Sit” and stroke its shoulder when it obeys.
Face the dog, grab its front paws, and pull them toward you. When your dog’s chest hits the fl oor, command “Down”
and stroke a shoulder again. Most dogs will immediately rise, assuming a sit position. If this occurs, correct your dog
with “No” and repeat the “Down” process again. It generally takes around three evenings before your dog will become
comfortable with this routine. But, do not be worried if it takes your dog three weeks.