I recently adopted a 1 yr 4 mos old black lab/retriever - she's housetrained & a
wonderful dog.? For the first couple of days, I left her free in the house while I was at work. She's never gone in the house except for once, and that was my fault. I go home at lunch & let her out & play with her (along w/walks & playing w/my bf's 2 dogs). About a week after having her, I was going skiing & knew I would be gone longer than usual, so I borrowed my bf's kennel (she's the same size as his dogs) & put her in there. She doesn't seem to mind the crate (doesn't whine or cry), but I can tell she would rather not go in. I've put food & treats to make it a positive area for her. It's been at my house for only 3 days, so I may be too anxious right now, but I would like it to become a comfortable "den" for her. Everything I read sounds like the dogs like having their quiet space. Should I stop putting her in there & only use it the days I know I will be gone from the house longer than 4-5 hrs? How long will it take her to get used to the kennel? It has a blanket & toys in it.
|