Kennel Help!

Question
Hey,

Our family has a small 1 year old Yorkshire Terrior. About a few weeks ago, we found her sitting in her kennel with the door open and whining loudly. We called her to come out but she wouldnt come. We would leave her to get out on her own and she would start barking like she was stuck! Eventually after many callings she would come out excited and happy to see us like we had just come home. Is this normal? Dose she need to go to a vet for this? How can we stop her from doing this? We want her to feel like she can be left alone in her kennel and that its a good place so we cant force her out. Help please!

Thanks,
Robin and Molly.  

Answer
Hi

Does she do this often, or was this a one time event?

If it was a one time thing, I would not be worried.  If she does this regularly, like once a week a would get concerned.  Next time it happens try to figure out if anything triggered a fear responce.  ie, a loud noise, a storm, some person yelling, etc.  Also make sure that she isn't doing this for more attention.  If she has learned that when she is feeling lonely this gets all of you to pay attention, she will continue this behaviour.  Give her lots of attention, play with her and do some training.  Training using positive methods is really fun for both the owners and the dog.

Dogs were bred to work, even small ones like Yorkies.  (they were vermin control)  Yorkshire terriers are fiesty, active and very intelligent dogs.  Often they need an outlet for thier brains and bodies.  If you havn't already, how about trying a local dog training class?  Many places offer fun classes like tricks or agility classes as well as they typical obedience classes.

If you try various things and she still gets 'stuck' in her crate, or if she starts getting 'stuck' in more places I would consult a behaviouralist.  (most vets haven't taken classes on behaviour-heck just learning about all the small animal ailments takes years)

~Kerri