5.0

From what I’ve learned over the years, cleanliness and pacing/patience is very important when building bonds with animals and training them. In my own home, I’ve made it a habit to pick up after my pets along the way and keep the play area clean. That way it’s nice and tidy for them, and safe for everyone else. Before I let my dogs out of their kennels to take them on morning walks, I always fill their food and water bowls BEFORE leaving the house. That way when we come back to the house I can let them off the leash immediately to eat or drink water. While they do that, I get to work on checking the kennels to see if it’s dirty. If it IS dirty, I just whip out my cleaning supplies and get to work! I try to include playtime in between walks so that they stay active. I provide them with plenty of chew toys, rope, and squeaky toys. Sometimes I’ll even sit on the porch after a walk with them and just let them run around in the backyard a bit to let out some more energy before bringing them in to eat. 😊 After they’ve eaten and I’ve cleaned the kennels, they go back in (with a few toys of course). Doing this has introduced a routine to my dogs. Putting them away for a while after walks can help with teaching your dogs NOT to use the potty indoors, and creates good potty habits over time. It can also help for when you need to travel with your pets. They’ll already be use to the kennel and won’t make a fuss while traveling in one! Neither of my dogs has an issue with traveling in a car or on the plane in the kennel because of this, and they recognize the kennel as a safe space! 🥸👍🏽 (Giving them treats while they are being quiet and calm in the kennel also teaches them that when inside the kennel, THAT is how they should be behaving)