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How to Kennel Train an Older Dog Training an older dog may seem like a challenge, but it’s never too late to teach new habits. In fact, over 52% of household dogs are aged 7 or older, showing that pet owners frequently introduce training routines to senior dogs. Whether you’re welcoming an older rescue or helping your lifelong companion adapt to new habits, kennel training is a fantastic way to provide comfort and security. With the right strategies and a bit of patience, how to kennel train an older dog becomes a manageable and rewarding process. Let’s explore helpful tips, detailed steps, and answers to common questions so you can make this journey smooth and enjoyable for both you and your pet. Is It Too Late to Train My Older Dog? The short answer is: no, it’s not too late! While older dogs may take more time to adjust compared to puppies, they are absolutely capable of learning. Many senior dogs thrive with proper training that provides structure and routine. For instance, kennel training older dogs not only offers a safe space but also reduces anxiety, especially in unfamiliar situations. Senior dogs often appreciate a cosy, predictable environment that helps them feel secure. With patience and consistent effort, you’ll see how quickly your dog adapts to their kennel. Why Is It Important to Kennel Train Your Older Dog? Kennel training offers numerous benefits for senior dogs, from reducing stress to aiding house training. Here’s why it’s worth the effort: Provides a Safe Haven: Dogs of all ages need a quiet, comfortable space to retreat to when they feel overwhelmed. A kennel serves as their personal sanctuary. Reduces Anxiety: Senior dogs often face stress due to changes in routine, ageing, or health issues. A kennel provides consistency, helping them feel more secure. Aids in House Training: Kennels are excellent tools for teaching boundaries and reinforcing proper bathroom habits. Supports Travel and Transitions: Whether you’re moving home or travelling, a kennel-trained dog feels safer and calmer in new environments. By focusing on how to house train an older dog through kennel use, you provide your furry friend with structure and stability during their golden years. Tips for Training Older Dogs Start by “Untraining” Old Habits Older dogs may have ingrained habits that don’t align with your goals. Before introducing the kennel, focus on redirecting these behaviours toward positive alternatives. For example, guide them toward the kennel during times of rest and reward them for complying. Stick to a Consistent Routine Dogs thrive on structure, and senior dogs are no exception. Set regular times for feeding, play, and rest, incorporating kennel time into their daily schedule. This predictability helps your dog feel at ease while adapting to new routines. Make the Kennel Inviting Encourage your dog to explore the kennel by leaving the door open and placing treats, toys, or a soft blanket inside. Positive reinforcement builds trust and comfort, making the kennel a welcoming space. Be Patient with the Process Training techniques for older dogs require patience and gradual progress. Start with short kennel sessions, gradually increasing the time as your dog becomes more comfortable. Use the Kennel for Rest and Training The kennel isn’t just a safe space—it’s a tool for teaching boundaries. Over time, your dog will understand that the kennel is a place for relaxation, not punishment. Step-by-Step Guide: How to Kennel Train an Older Dog 1. Select the Right Kennel Choose a kennel that’s large enough for your dog to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Avoid kennels that are too spacious, as a cosy fit helps dogs feel secure. See our full range of kennels here. 2. Position the Kennel Strategically Place the kennel in a quiet, low-traffic area of your home. Ensure it’s in a spot where your dog can feel included but not overwhelmed. 3. Create Positive Associations Introduce the kennel gradually by leaving treats or toys inside. Encourage your dog to explore it without pressure, rewarding them for any interaction. This step is critical in how to train a mature dog to see the kennel as a safe, enjoyable space. 4. Incorporate Mealtime in the Kennel Serve your dog’s meals in the kennel to strengthen positive associations. This builds trust and helps your dog view the kennel as a rewarding environment. 5. Close the Door Briefly Once your dog is comfortable entering the kennel, practise closing the door for short periods. Stay nearby to reassure them and gradually increase the duration as they adjust. 6. Extend Kennel Time Gradually work up to longer kennel sessions, especially during times when you’re busy or away. Use long-lasting treats or toys to keep your dog engaged. Over time, the kennel will become their go-to space for rest and comfort. FAQs About Kennel Training an Older Dog Can older dogs be trained? Absolutely! While senior dogs may need extra patience, kennel training older dogs is entirely achievable with the right approach. What size kennel is best for my dog? Choose a kennel that’s snug but allows your dog to stand, turn, and lie down comfortably. Too much space can make dogs feel insecure. How do I introduce the kennel? Leave the door open and place treats or toys inside. Reward any interest your dog shows and let them explore at their own pace. Are there different kennel styles for older dogs? Yes! Wire kennels offer visibility, while enclosed designs mimic cosy dens. Choose the style that best suits your dog’s preferences. How can kennel training help with obedience? Kennel training establishes structure, creating a secure base for teaching other commands and routines. What does Benchmark Kennels offer? Benchmark Kennels provides high-quality, durable options for dogs of all ages. With various styles and sizes, they make training easier and more comfortable. How to Kennel Train an Older Dog Training an older dog may take time, but the rewards are worth it. Learning how to kennel train an older dog not only provides them with security but also strengthens your bond. With patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, your senior dog will adapt to their new routine confidently. If you’re searching for reliable kennels to aid in training, check out Benchmark Kennels. Their high-quality designs offer the perfect balance of comfort and durability, making them ideal for dogs of all ages.

There are so many things to consider when you’re choosing a dog. Whether you’re a Staffie fan or a Labrador lover, the UK’s most popular dog breeds show how much a part of the family man’s best friend really is. Does your favourite dog make it into the top ten? Whether you’re on a hunt for a new addition to the family or are simply curious, Benchmark Kennels are here to highlight the UK’s most popular dog breeds. 1. Labrador Retrievers According to the Yorkshire Post, the pooches taking the top spot are Labrador Retrievers. Labradors are known for being friendly and warm and have a playful side that makes them a great choice for families with young children. Gentle and easy to please, they’ll fast become part of the family thanks to their loving, loyal nature. Happy exploring, swimming and playing, Labradors love being around people and are sure to give back any affection you give them. They’ll chew anything in sight though, so be sure to keep any expensive belongings out of reach. 2. Cockapoos Next up, Cockapoos are very popular among dog lovers thanks to their mixed breeding. These friendly pups are as intelligent as cocker spaniels, with the cute curly hair of poodles. Outgoing and hyper without shedding lots of hair, Cockapoos are very energetic, but won’t leave those with allergies sneezing due to being hypoallergenic. They can be easily trained and are friendly enough to live happily alongside young children. Adorably affectionate, cockapoos soak up love and affection and make the perfect pup for first-time owners. 3. Springer Spaniels Coming in at third place on the list of most popular dog breeds are Springer Spaniels. Bouncy and lively, they love being around people and staying active. With a tendency to run around as much as possible, they’re more suited to bigger houses with garden space and will want as much affection and love as you can give them. Springers are susceptible to putting on weight quickly, so it’s best to avoid giving them too many treats on a daily basis and means you will need to dedicate time each day to take them out on long walks. 4. Cocker Spaniels Definitely one of the cutest and most popular dog breeds, Cocker Spaniels are loyal and loving, wanting a lot of attention and giving it back, too. Cockers have long, soft hair that needs to be brushed frequently, so if you’re sharing your home with a cuddly Cocker Spaniel, be prepared for regular grooming. Affectionate and amenable, they’re as happy snuggling up on the sofa as they are exploring outside. With gentle, positive training, cocker spaniels can be the perfect companion to small children, the elderly and even other animals, as their friendly nature makes them sociable and eager to please. 5. Jack Russells Best known for their diva-like, independent qualities, Jack Russells are loud, playful and have almost endless energy. Fast and furry, Jack Russells can play for hours on end, so benefit from lots of love, playtime, and grooming to make sure their coats stay soft. Lively and curious, they won’t be afraid to let you know if they don’t get their own way, so they’re best suited to homes with older children and plenty of garden space for them to run around in. Just make sure to put a high fence up: did you know Jack Russells can jump up to 5 feet in the air? 6. German Shepherds Often known as Alsatians, German Shepherds are faithful, friendly and very loyal. While they’re often portrayed as police dogs, these caring canines can be very gentle, watchful and obedient if trained from a young age. German Shepherds are very protective of their family, and are wary of strangers, making them great guard dogs, family pets and even guide dogs. They are comfortable sleeping in outdoor dog kennels and need to be groomed a few times a week as their soft, fluffy hair sheds regularly. 7. Border Collies Loved for many years as sheepdogs, these well-known Collies are energetic and playful. Easily intrigued by noises and visuals, Border Collies are alert and quick to bark and let you know if there’s any danger coming, so they make excellent guard dogs too. They need a lot of activity and entertainment, so you should be prepared to take them on long daily walks, as well as having a range of dog toys to hand. This doesn’t mean they never sit still, though. Collies are loved by many families because they’re so keen to snuggle up at the end of the day. 8. Border Terriers Terriers are known for their energy: thanks to their hunting history, they’ll chase anything in sight. These feisty and independent dogs are one of the most popular dog breeds in the UK because of their strong instincts and sociable nature. Playful and friendly, Border Terriers prefer being in the company of their favourite humans, so shouldn’t be left alone for too long. As well as having tons of energy to spend running around outside, terriers also have a tendency to put on weight quickly, so it’s important they get a lot of exercise. 9. Lurchers Lurchers continue to top the popular dog breeds list because of their lovable, affectionate nature. Bred in all shapes and sizes, Lurchers love long walks and plenty of exercise and are known for being gentle and often quite shy. Because of their amiable, intelligent nature, many Lurchers are also very compatible with children and even other pets. While they need minimal grooming and can be trained easily from a young age, Lurchers can prefer to follow their own commands rather than their owners, so they’re not the best choice for a first-time dog owner. 10. West Highland White Terriers Sneaking into the last position of the most popular dog breeds, Westies are furry, friendly and fast. Originally bred as vermin hunters, these playful pups are very agile, with harsh white coats that need to be groomed regularly. Because they can push through hedges and underground easily, it’s important your Westie’s coat is clipped often to make sure the dead undercoat never causes any problems. Westies have tons of self-esteem, playful energy and are happy to socialise with other dogs, humans and even cats if trained to interact from a young age. Their independent nature means they’ll ignore commands if annoyed, but with firm training, they’ll come to enjoy your company all the more. Order a bespoke dog kennel to suit any breed today Whichever dog you choose to be your furry friend, Benchmark Kennels has you covered with high-quality wooden or WPC eco-thermal dog kennels to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and completely comfortable when outdoors. All our kennels can be completely customised to suit your environment, dog and needs. Get in touch for more information on our kennel range to find a luxury kennel fit for a king today. For even more ideas on what dog breed to pick why not try this A-Z of dog breeds to help you

Dog agility is a recognised dog sport all over the world, with many organisations hosting competitions for owners and dogs of all breeds to showcase their skills and win awards. Despite this, dog agility doesn’t have to be a serious affair that requires you to dedicate hours into training and practise. Dog agility training can simply be a fun activity for you and your pet to enjoy together, with the added benefit that it keeps your dog’s fitness levels up and allows them to burn off plenty of steam. No matter how seriously you want to take dog agility, you can get stuck into the sport by constructing DIY obstacles for your garden and training yourself and dog over time to become masters of communication. Agility dog training isn’t just about teaching your dog new behaviours but involves learning new skills and developing from a dog owner to a dog handler. It takes time and dedication but the benefits for your dog’s fitness, confidence, anxiety levels and overall wellbeing make it highly rewarding. The great thing about starting to familiarise your dog with agility obstacles at home is you can take it completely at your own pace and keep it fun, without your dog having to be on its best behaviour. It’s important to keep in mind that some dogs are more naturally gifted at agility than others and not all dogs will enjoy or excel in competitions. Dog agility training at home allows dogs of all breeds, sizes, ages and abilities to have fun without the pressure of an audience. Dogs love to be active and learn from their masters, both things that agility allows them to do, so what are you waiting for? Grab some old household items and spend some quality time outdoors with your dog. Benchmark Kennels are here to share some of the major benefits of dog agility training with some easy DIY dog training equipment to try. Is agility training good for dogs? While dog agility involves dogs following many behavioural commands and might seem like hard work, a dog will never view it as such. Agility gives dogs the opportunity to do what they’re born to do, keeping both their body and mind active and stimulated. Reduces anxiety An active and busy dog is a happy dog, which is why behavioural issues and separation anxiety is seen more in dogs that spend a lot of time lazing around or on their own. By starting an activity that involves both you and your dog being up on your feet and learning new commands, you can tire your pet out mentally and physically. If you find your dog is still energetic after a long walk this is usually because their mind has not been active – agility ticks all boxes, leading to a healthy and happy dog. Once you’ve started regular dog behaviour training using agility obstacles, you are sure to notice far less negative behaviours in your dog when you do have to leave them in outdoor dog kennels or in your home for periods of time. Trust and communication As well as improving the overall behaviour of your dog, dog agility training also hugely strengthens the bond between an owner and their dog. Your dog will learn to trust you completely as both your communication skills develop. Agility training essentially involves the two of you learning a mutual language to communicate with each other, consisting of body language and verbal commands. As your dog learns to understand your every move, your relationship can only get stronger, benefitting you in a range of other situations where you need your animal to behave and stay by your side. What age should you start agility training? It’s important not to start using agility obstacles or courses until your vet has approved this. A young dog below one or two years can severely damage their bones if they try to jump or move in certain ways while they’re still growing. Although you need to wait till your dog is fully grown to start agility, being proactive with any dog behaviour training from an early age is still important if you want to start your dog’s behaviour on solid foundations. Teaching your dog basic key commands like ‘sit’, ‘lie down’, ‘stay’ and more will always be valuable in everyday life but especially when it comes to trying your hand at agility, whether you plan to do it for some fun or to compete. A dog that is already familiar with learning commands and can listen to your communication will find it far easier to pick up agility tricks than a dog who has been allowed to run riot all through its early life. How to start dogs in agility training: Attention First off, you need to make sure your dog can focus its whole attention on you. Try to set up any dog training equipment in an area of your garden with minimal distractions at first, to give you and your dog the best shot at learning new tricks. Once your dog has shown that is can listen carefully and follow your lead, you can start to practise in slightly busier areas to build up your dogs ability to block out potential distractions. Body and spatial awareness Although our dogs are eager to learn and are intelligent by nature, when it comes to some practical skills like spatial and body awareness, they can fall short. Luckily, you can help your dog to understand its own size and be aware of its limbs and where they’re being placed. Rather than investing in legitimate dog agility training equipment, use narrow household items to practise your dog jumping up and keeping its balance. The ‘back up’ trick, in particular, requires dogs to think of each individual leg as they walk backwards, benefitting both spatial awareness and coordination skills – and an ideal command to teach to help with agility! Flexibility Dog agility training is great for improving your dog’s flexibility as well as their fitness. Certain tricks, like weaving between poles and bowing, help to stretch a dog’s muscles in ways they wouldn’t normally get to. To start off with, teach your dog to weave between your legs. Once your dog understands how to move their body in certain ways, you can move onto helping your dog practise weaving around poles or other obstacles. Improved flexibility has major benefits for your dog’s mobility and joints, something which will be hugely valuable for your animal in later life. Handling While the main focus is on your dog learning certain moves and tricks, the methods used by you as a handler are key to grasping basic agility training. You need to use positive techniques and have a trusting relationship already established with your pet if you are to succeed. Transforming from a dog owner into a handler involves using firm language and positive reinforcements such as treats or attention to reward your dog when necessary. It’s important to be patient and tackle each trick and agility obstacle one by one and gradually, to avoid confusing your dog. What obstacles are in a dog agility course? Agility is an easy and highly accessible sport to get into. Don’t go out and invest in a range of agility dog training equipment when you can create DIY options that are just as effective for beginners. Contact obstacles There are a few contact obstacles such as the ‘plank walk’ which involve your dog jumping up or walking along objects. While there are specific dog planks on the market, save yourself some money and start out using park benches or other long items around your garden to help your dog practise balancing and become familiar with moving along an object. Tire jumping Use safe objects such as large spare tires or hula hoops to practise your dogs jumping. Keep your DIY agility obstacles at a reasonable height of around two inches to avoid your dog straining its back and use a training lead to direct your dog to jump through, not around, the object. Using plenty of treats and consistent ‘jump’ commands should have your dog ‘jumping through hoops’ for you in no time. Tunnels Got any old kids play tunnels in the back of a shed somewhere? These are ideal replacements for agility equipment and perfect for teaching your dog to run through tunnels. You can even use hollowed out cardboard boxes lined up. Dogs are naturally wary of unknown and dark spaces, so you will likely need to offer a treat or inventive at the other end while your dog gets used to this obstacle. Weave poles Weaving is arguably the hardest agility obstacle for dogs to learn. It involves your dog bending in ways it likely hasn’t had to do before, so you should be prepared for the long process and plenty of patient practise required. At first, use sticks, brooms, plastic cones or any long object that you can stick in the ground on diagonals to each other, allowing you to build up the amount your dog has to bend its body. With enough practise, your dog will understand how to do the movements and will be able to weave in and out at great speed! Need a wooden dog kennel to help with your agility training? Investing a quality wooden or WPC eco-thermal dog kennel is a great way to keep your dog safe and secure outdoors when you’re not training. With dog agility training being mentally and physically stimulating for your pet, you can use an outdoor kennel as space for them to relax and unwind out of harm’s way, without having to leave them unattended in your home. Benchmark Kennel’s are a leading dog kennel manufacturer, offering custom kennels with quick installation to homes all across the UK. Get in touch with their team of dog experts today or customise a kennel online and have it delivered in as little as seven days!