How To Train Your Dog To Enter His Pen By Himself

How many times have you had to go through this with your dog? You are ready to put your dog into his pen and you have to begin the process by chasing him around before getting to him to put his leash on. Then you almost have to drag him into the pen.

Wouldn't it be nice if you could just tell your dog to go inside the fence and he would do it? Well, here we have a simple process for teaching your dog to do just that. All it takes is some time, patience and some treats.

One of my favorite treats to use for training dogs are those cheese puff snacks you buy in any grocery store. I always buy the cheap generic types as he does not seem to care as much for the expensive brands. But these cheese puffs are an excellent training tool as you can carry several with you in your pocket without too much mess or fuss.

But here is how to get the dog into the pen by using them. First, it is best you have already used the treats for other training reasons. This makes it easier for the dog to know that they represent pleasure so he looks forward to using them. But begin by just walking around the yard and calling him. When he comes to you, give him a treat. Keep doing this for several days several times each day.

Gradually, begin moving closer and closer to the pen. Soon, you will even be entering the pen. It is at this time that you add the command you want to use to get into the fence all by his self. Let's say the command is get-in-the-pen. If that is the command, call it out right when you show him the treat after you have entered the pen. He will usually come to you. If he does not, you may have to stand in the gateway or slightly outside of it at first. But you must get to the point where he will enter the pen for the treat.

After doing this for several days, start stepping out of the gate and closing the dog in the pen as he enters. Then, feed the dog the treat through the fence. Always feed him in the same spot through the fence.

It won't be long before he will go into the pen by himself without you going in first. You simply feed him the treat through the fence in the same spot each time.

Soon, you won't have to supply the cheese puff every time. As the dog performs the task fine, just praise him well and pet him through the fence. You will only need to use the treats every 5 or 6 times from then on.

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