JackieG
Posted : 8/4/2009 3:26:54 PM
Yes, you are. Just take her back to where she is not fearful and will take treats. Progress can be very sloooooow with fearful dogs, so don't push her too fast. Also, keep the training sessions short, no more than 5 minutes or less depending on her attitude. I can't stress that enough. Fearful dogs get stressed very quickly. When you start a session, always start at a point where she was comfortable the previous session. Don't start out a new session by moving the treat beyond where she took it before. Stay upbeat and happy but calm. Dogs really can sense when we are getting frustrated and will often shut down. I would take the door off the crate until she is very comfortable. It's common for the crate door to bounce closed accidentally and this can give her a fright. When you are ready to start closing the crate door, keep your hand on it and close it without latching it and close only for a few seconds. As she gets comfortable, increase the time you keep it closed and shovel treats in at the same time. I always start from the beginning with a command even though she won't know what it means. Every time she enters the kennel, say the command. I use "kennel up" but whatever the future owner is going to use. She will learn what it means as she learns to get in the kennel. I can't think of anything else right now.
You are definitely doing it right and patience is the key. Use the highest value treats you can get your hands on!