Lynn writes: any ideas/suggestions as to how to get Joey to go into his doghouse? He seems to be afraid to go in, either because it’s echoey or maybe he’s afraid to get trapped inside??It’s one of those igloo type doghouses. I tried putting blankets/pillows inside but Joey,being a puppy(earlier) would take out the blanket and play with it….I tried putting treats inside and he would just stretch himself enough to reach the treat without actually going all the way in.. So cute and pretty funny but I want him to go inside for especially if it rains/snows..
Thanks
Answer: There are several things you can try. Start with washing it out thoroughly with bleach to make sure it is free of anything that might smell bad to him. Next, if he has a favorite spot to lie down, set it in that place so he can see the direction he normally likes to see. You can also try other locations if this does not work. It may just be a matter of getting him use to it so you could put treats in the back of it several times a day so he has to go all the way in and will get more comfortable being in there. You could attach his favorite blanket so he can’t remove it, you could get him in it and spend some time petting him and giving treats. In a lot of cases training a dog is a matter of getting enough experience with something in a calm easy going atmosphere to make a dog comfortable. This would all be easier of course if done as a puppy.
