Portable Kennel Training an Exciting Industry Opportunity

By Rolan Tripp

www.animalbehavior.net

One of the most significant developments in portable kennels over recent years is the idea of reward-based kennel training. So what is kennel training, and what opportunities does it offer the pet Industry?

Portable Kennel Training: A Definition

Kennel training is the process of teaching a dog  to use a portable kennel in the home as a personal "safe place" or den. From a dog's point of view, the portable kennel satisfies the "wolf den instinct." Their genetic code makes them wary of predators and mindful of dissipating body heat while resting. In a portable kennel, a dog is warm, safe and protected – genetically fulfilled.

Portable kennel training should be encouraged for every dog, ideally starting as a puppy. Older dogs also benefit from kennel training but require a slower introduction. A portable kennel can be a wonderful tool for teaching good habits to dogs of all ages and curbing unwanted behaviors such as digging, chewing, possessive aggression and house soiling. Traveling with a dog accustomed to a portable kennel is a breeze and keeps her safer and quieter than loose in the car. 

The New Approach：Reward-Based Kennel Training                                                      

"Reward-based" training links the portable kennel to as many "good" things as possible. For example, the pet owner should put a soft kennel pad or cushy bed inside so the kennel is super comfortable and reserve a favorite toy for kennel time. During meals, the bed can be exchanged for the dinner bowl. Between meals, treats can be hidden inside the kennel. Pet owners should use the command, "Kennel Up!", to direct the dog to the kennel then actively give attention and praise every time she enters it.

Industry Growth opportunities

Reward-based portable kennel training is an important trend for the pet Industry because it offers opportunities for increased sales and growth. For manufacturers and retailers, the obvious benefit is an expanded market. As veterinarians, animal behaviorists and pet trainers recommend kennel training to pet owners, they're driving up demand, and consumers are being primed for kennel sales from their first veterinary visit. This larger market combined with the reward-based training approach means more opportunities for sales of portable kennel accessory items such as beds, kennel pads and kennel covers.

Training Pet Owners – An Industry –Wide Responsibility

To realize this growth potential, however, the Industry needs to do some training of its own：consumer education. Companies such as Doskocil® Manufacturing and its Petmate® brand are leading the way with kennel training materials to help retailers educate consumers. Education is necessary because to new pet owners, a portable kennel may seem like solitary confinement or punishment. Many mistake their dogs for furry, four-legged people, so they/re appalled by the idea of enclosing them. Canines, however, have a different outlook. Unlike humans, dogs derive a sense of contentment and security from being in a small space.

The term "cage" or  "crate" as a synonym for portable kennel hasn't helped public perception. For the inexperienced, these works have very negative connotations. Some pet owners hear them and think storage, confinement or jail. To avoid perception problems, we encourage referring to wire, canvas or molded plastic models as "portable kennels."

A Bright Future

Reward-based portable kennel training is an expanding trend that benefits the pet, pet owner, retailer and manufacturer. The entire Industry can grow as consumers become better educated about caring for their pets.

Source: PETS International Magazine (ISSUE 3, 2004)