Listening Question

Question
Hi,
  My wife and I just adopted a 2 year old yellow lab from adoptalab.org this past weekend.  We are having a very difficult time putting our dog in his crate.  Once in awhile, he will go right in, but usually it is a battle to get him in the crate.  We coaxed him in the crate last night with a bone.  He just doesn't seem to listen to us.  Do you think he may have been abused when we got him or do you think he is being stubborn? Do you have any suggestions you could give us to help him go in his crate more easily? Also, he alwaus wants to go outside, but then we have a tough time getting him back indoors- is this typical of a lab? Do you have any recommendations for us, so that he will listen better and come to us when called? I really appreciate your help!

Dave

Answer
I encourage adoption, but sometimes the dogs come with baggage.  The place to start is obedience training.  The key to most behavior problems is approaching things using the dog's natural instincts. Dogs see all the people and dogs in the household as a pack with each having their own rank in the pack and a top dog. Life is much easier if the 2 legged pack members outrank the 4 legged ones. You can learn to play the role of top dog by reading some books or going to a good obedience class. A good obedience class or book is about you being top dog, not about rewarding standard commands with a treat.

Yes, it is quite possible he was left in the crate for long periods of time in the past and fears it.  Many young Labs just can't be left loose unsupervised.  I am a big believer in crates, but hate to see any dog left over 4-5 hours. If you don't leave him too long, he may accept the crate better before long.  If you can't make it back to give it a mid day break, see if a neighbor or professional dog walker can. Doggy day care is a great idea too.

For now, bribe him.  The bone, treats, whatever it takes.  A Kong filled with peanut butter and frozen can be a big help.  

If you have a fenced yard or can tether him, leave him outside when you can.  Some dogs are happy to spend hours outside by themselves.  I recommend against letting a dog run loose even when you are with it.