Kennel training

[Goofy]

We are going away for a few days and have arranged for someone to come and stay and look after our dog.
However, they will have to leave her alone for an afternoon - although someone will come and take her for a run.
We can't leave her in the house (she'd chew everything) so I have ordered a kennel with run.
What is the best way to get her used to this? I thought about taking a book in and locking her up with me for an hour or so a day as practice, or would it be better to just have her do 'cold turkey'?

She is young yet - not quite 2, but has never been left. Normally we take her in the car, but she will cew that too if left to long on her own.

[lankeela]

Try feeding her in there with the door open a couple of times, and then start to close the door. Spend the time not in the run with her but pottering about the garden and give her something to chew on or play with. Make sure she has had a good play before putting her in there, so she is tired and will probably lay and chew her bone or pigs ear, and then drop off to sleep. Ignore here is she whinges or whines and only do it for a short while at first, gradually increasing the time. Maybe go and make a cuppa and sit out in the garden not actually looking at her but watching out of the corner of your eye to see what she's up to. Shouldn't be a problem provided you don't keep pandering to her if she tries to get your attention. Another point, don't make too bit a thing of it when you take her out of there, so she won't feel she has been 'rescued', its just a matter of course.

[Goofy]

thanks. Rather what I thought - but then wondered if I should join her. glad I don't have to!

[madmaggot]

Nothing to add to Lankeela's answer really, just do it for very short time to start with and increase it slowly.
One thing: don't take her out if she is crying or she will think that this is the way to get you to come and do it more and more; wait for her to settle and go quiet, then get her out.
Try a treat ball to keep her occupied, or a Kong. If she gets something really tasty when she is in there she will be keen to get in.