Hi everyone,
After spending a small fortune on a good size kennel and run for Sparky, he still kicks up a fuss when he goes in it. I mentioned to my brother-in-law (working gundog chap) that I was hoping to "go back to basics" over the two weeks I'm off at Christmas and try to get him used to it properly, feeding him in it, putting him in for short periods whilst I'm still in the garden and then building up the time he is in it with me out of sight. I must take the blame here, because on the days I don't work Sparky is with me all day; I feel guilty putting him in it when I'm here (yes, I know I should toughen up a bit on this). BiLs reaction to my back to basics plan was "At 7 months, he's old enough to be told - you'll have to shout at him when he's barking to make him stop it - he knows, doesn't he?" Now I'm confused and would welcome your thoughts. Sparky has started barking more often recently, but we are trying to play it down, ignoring him when he barks, turning our backs if necessary, and giving him lots of fuss when he's quiet. It does seem to be getting better. Being a border collie, I have been told he's also going to be more prone to separation anxiety (though will happily be left alone in his crate for the 4 hours I am out a couple of times a week), so this makes me reluctant to start shouting at him if he is anxious at being left.
Or am I being too soft?
Tracy

Remind me why you wanted a kennel and run for Sparky? I know what Bill means about him being old enough to be told if hes being disobedient eg pulling on lead, and yes you should be authoritative then, but you know Sparky best and when hes worired/ trying it on. Shouting at dogs to be quiet only encourages them to bark. I think you are right to build up positve associations for the run, give him time to get used to it like his crate and just ignore him barking. It does stop but there is always the extinction burst first as Digger says.

Hi Lorelei
The run was for the 4 hours I'm out on the mornings I work - (and to pop him in to dry off when we come back dripping in mud from a walk :)), and also for peace of mind in case I get delayed on the way home - hate the idea of him being stuck in a crate and not able to get to him. I suppose I still have a problem with seeing him in his crate, especially as he is getting bigger - and we don't have room for a bigger one (unless I get rid of the kitchen table and we eat on the floor!).
Tracy

Hi Tracy,
Generally, if a dog is barking, and the owner shouts, the dog thinks it is doing the right thing because the owner is joining in! Dogs often vocalise to bring the family together, so Sparky could well be barking because he doesn't like to be alone in a 'new place'. He's okay in his crate because it is familiar, so you have to make the kennel as secure a place for him as his crate. So definitely feed him in there, and get him used to it gently. At 7 months he is still very much a puppy, so his comforts are very important to him. Make sure the kennel is lovely and snug and cosy, especially with the cold, damp weather coming on.

If he is anxious, getting cross with him won't help, and in fact will make him even more anxious. Being told off for being fearful never makes anyone brave!

I'm sure others will be of more help. Good luck.
:)

Hi Tracy

What about putting a well filled Kong in with him to keep his mind on other things.  I have never found Border Collies to suffer separation anxiety if properly introduced to being left on there own.

A good time to pop him in there is after his run in the morning, he will feel more like settling down then, try this over the Christmas period.  I think he is seeing it as a punishment at the moment if he is usually with you when you are at home.

Another thought, what about putting his crate in the kennel for a while if he feel secure in it?  Leave the door of the crate open.

Hope this helps
Sandra

Thanks JG, that's what my gut feeling is telling me.
Men, eh?

Sandrah - have tried putting his crate in there - wasn't impressed, but I think I'm giving up too easily. He does have a kong in there, and a few of his favourite toys, but tends to just sit and watch me pitifully through the wire of the run - crafty thing. My main problem is the neighbours - nobody has said anything, but I do want to stay on the good side of them. Will try again,
Tracy