Sleeping

Question
Hi, we have a 2 yo x terrior that we adopted from the Lions Hearing Dogs.  They adopted him from the pound.  We have had him for about 2 months now.  When we put him to bed at night he has only occasionally gone into the kennel we bought for him.  Mostly he seems to sleep on the back step outside the kitchen door - even when it is very cold and raining.  Is there anything we can do to encourage him into his kennel.  It is made of timber and has a flat roof that can be lifted up for access from the outside.  We have aired it thoroughly so there doesn't seem to be any smell from the timber, and have a soft mattress in there.  He was sleeping on this mattress in the laundry before we bought the kennel.
Thanks
Lisa

Answer

Hi Lisa,

When it's cold or raining can your dog stay in your laundry room, as he was doing before you bought the kennel? Not giving him the option to sleep in the cold or rain would be best, as your dog can get sick from being out in the elements.

Try to train your dog into going into the kennel. You could start feeding him in the kennel, this may change his perception of the location. Place every meal inside the kennel.  Place special treats in the kennel, and make sure there is comfortable bedding inside the kennel. This might take some time for him to learn.
Another option is to put a large tarp over the area where your dog stays outside, so even if he's not inside the kennel, he'd still be dry.

Unfortunately, it sounds like your dog doesn't mind getting wet or feeling cold, so in essence he may never be motivated to get out of the rain! The laundry room might be the best (and simplest) way to go on nights that are bad.  

I hope it works out!

Patti