Impulsion control: Crate Games

Susan Garrett pioneered Crate Games, where you teach the dog (using positive training only) to like his crate, to enter upon command, and to have impulse control. Mac lacks big time in impulse control.

See, the thing is, Mac is like a cat: very independent. He has to have a really important reason to do anything you ask. Like food. Thus far, Mac will only work for food. I wish I knew his background! I'd like to know if he's always been as independent of people and as food motivated as he is now. Who taught him to come (which he does when he thinks there is something in it for him)? Did they call him to them and then punish him? Is that why he only comes when he feels like it? I wish I had a professional trainer to help me figure this out, but with the costs associated with the new pup, I can't afford a professional's help.

Anyway, I tried the very basic crate game to day: just entering and turning around and not immediately exiting. At least I got him to the point that he'll down (spot) when he turns around. We'll have to wait to work on duration. Just getting the beginning behavior is enough for now.

So here's the plan:

Cue:     Verbal cue "go in"

Description:     On cue, dog will enter his crate, turn around and either lie down or sit and will await further instructions.

Elements:

Behavior specifics:      Enter crate; turn around; lie down; stay.

Duration:      Behavior terminates at remaining in crate until released (come out).

Distance:      Up to 40 feet.

Latency:      Immediate.

Position:      Dog should go into the crate on command no matter what my position is relative to him or to the crate.

Locations:      Everywhere.

Distractions:      Anything and everything. Especially distractions common in a dog show or performance environment.

Training Plan: (Accomplish each level in multiple locations of gradually increasing distractions.)

1.     Enter the crate.
2.     Turn around and lie down.

3.     Add cue.
4.     Exit crate.
5.     Add cue.

6.     Remain in the down position with the crate door open while I am near the crate.
7.     Close the crate door.
8.     Upon opening the crate door, dog should wait.

9.     Remain in the down position with the crate door open while I move around.

10.  Enter the crate from a distance with cue.
11.   Exit the crate from a distance with cue.

I'll detail what exactly I do to achieve the desired behavior and document it here.

Instructions for crate training Mac:

1. Ideally, Mac will show interest in the crate on his own.
2. If Mac shows any interest in it (looks at it, moves toward it) - Mark and Reward!
3. If necessary, lure him in with rewards. 
4. Give Mac the cue for down (spot). Mac should lie down in crate facing door. Mark and Reward.
5. Allow him to exit on his own. Do not mark or reward exit.
6. Repeat many times, rewarding extravagantly when he goes in, turns around and lies down.
7. Add cue for entering (go in)
8. Add cue for exiting (come out)
9. Mac should wait until given the exit cue before leaving crate. Mark and reward.
10. Build enthusiasm for returning to crate with treats and cue.
11. Send Mac to his crate from a few feet away. Mark and reward.
12. Increase distance. Mark and reward.
13. Mark and reward when Mac comes to me when I give him the exit cue.

Date:               Criterion:                                                 #R/E   #R/E   #R/E

9/8/13              Enter crate                                               15/0   15/0     15/0
                        Turn around in crate and lie down           12/3   13/2     15/0