Reply from discussion thread, "Return to kennel/dog run resistance and handling difficulties"
One thought that came to mind reading your post is that the conflict may not actually be about handling, leashes, or even the staff members themselves - it may primarily be about the emotional meaning of returning to the kennel - how the dog feels about going back to the kennel.
For many shelter dogs:
- going outside = freedom, stimulation, agency
- returning to kennel = loss of all of that
Once dogs begin anticipating the return, some will try to prevent the outcome by:
- leash grabbing
- mouthiness
- avoiding the doorway
- refusing food
- becoming conflicted around handling
One important nuance is that dogs who are anxious or conflicted often cannot emotionally engage with food. Dogs that are stressed refuse food altogether. In those moments, treats are not "low value" - the dog may simply not feel safe or regulated enough to enjoy them.
I'm a certified trainer and have also volunteered in shelter environments for many years. A lot of my approach focuses on how immediate behaviors are influenced by:
- function
- environment
- emotional state
In shelter settings especially, behaviors that look like "stubbornness" or "noncompliance" are often conflict-driven behaviors connected to stress, predictability, and loss of control.
One approach we've been discussing is creating a predictable and positive return-to-kennel routine using a "Find It → special enrichment" pattern.
"Find It" is a cue that means:
"Search for food on the ground."
Instead of taking food directly from a person's hand, the dog engages in sniffing and foraging behavior, which can be naturally calming and less socially pressured for stressed dogs.
The important part is that "Find It" is first taught INSIDE the kennel and paired with something the dog truly values:
- Kong
- LickiMat
- scatter feeding
- snuffle-style searching
- chew item
- frozen enrichment
- or another calming activity the dog enjoys
The sequence becomes:
Find It → scatter treats → special enrichment appears
Over time, the dog begins associating the kennel with a predictable positive outcome instead of only the end of freedom.
A few thoughts on implementation:
• Start by teaching the pattern entirely inside the kennel
• Once the dog anticipates the enrichment after "Find It," practice very short reps only 50–100 ft away from kennel before attempting full yard returns
• Use "Find It" as an anticipatory cue for the return routine, not as a lure or distraction outside
• Keep the cue special and consistent - ideally only used in this context initially
The goal is not to "convince" the dog to go back, but to change the dog's emotional expectation of what happens when they do.
If this creates positive outcomes, it can lead to reduction of conflicts on both sides:
- less fighting from dogs
- less physical pressure from handlers
- cleaner and safer transitions overall
At its core, the approach tries to:
- remove conflict
- build internal motivation through foraging
- restore agency so the dog participates instead of feeling pushed
I realize my recommendation was to start with the kennel but Caitlin on this thread indicated that for some dogs, the kennel can already be a challenge. So I modified the infographics so it reflects this challenge. I hope you find it useful. I love to hear if it helps.
#Behavior,TrainingandEnrichment