Why is the dog in the crate, while you are at home?

Its not a crate. Its a kennel. Its 8' wide by 24' long and is outside in the sunshine. Has grass and a dog house. He is with me every minute possible but sometimes I put him in the kennel when he needs to use the bathroom or when I work in the garden. He howls even when he can see me.

Since you used the term 'kennel', I'm going to assume this is a large run?
Like joe, I'd have to ask why he's in it at such a young age. Since he's going to be a therapy dog, the more he's around you the better.

I agree with above....if he is trouble when not in the kennel and you are trying to do things....it might be better to put him on a leash tethered to you so you can keep an eye on him.

That howling is not good, IMHO. He is being allowed to do something the pack would not allow. Best method for fixing it varies according to dog. The last one I had that did that responded best to continual verbal correction---HEY! HUSH! I would hide behind the door and pop out with the correction. Took a while---several times a day for several days.

Therapy dogs are great animals, but they first have to learn the same rules as other dogs. Basic good behavior is required as a base for further training.

Forgot to ask if he has toys available in the kennel? That is a good thing to help his fears.

I like the idea of the leash tethered to me. I will add more toys to the run also. I know he needs as much time with us as possible. He is a good dog and learns quickly. Maybe I am expecting more from him than I should at his age. Its been a long time since I had a puppy and I think I need to ease up on my expectations. He got kind of frightened when I tried to walk him last night. It was less than half a mile. He got tired and new things he saw made him timid. I will walk him shorter distances for a bit but know that socialisation is really important.

Some dogs hate kennels - some dogs need more attention. I suggest you take your dog out for long walks before kenneling him, and spend time in the kennel with him - play with a kong or chew toy. Dogs ARE social animals and it is not anywhere near their nature to be left alone. Good luck

mazer posted---"Dogs ARE social animals and it is not anywhere near their nature to be left alone."

Perzactly why I keep two dogs at a time. I have, on occasion, gone to some lengths to do that. Like now. I have a dog I ordinarily would not have picked because of her issues. But, Max---the dog for whom I was getting the second dog----liked her. Been a BIG change for us---but those two are quite content. That is the key!

Hi Karen:

You've got yourself one really great dog. Both breeds are absolutely wonderful. Just remember, he's only a 9 week old baby. Not too long ago he had litter mates and now he's being isolated. That's a really big, scary, thing.

At 9 weeks old I do not suggest long walks. I don't suggest ANY walks until he's had all his shots.

Also, if you research the two breeds they are not ones to be kept enclosed, especially the great pyrenees. He'll be a fantastic therapy dog although great pyrenees can be some what stubborn.

If your keeping him in a kennel for short periods of time while working in the garden, make it fun. Make it like a game. Toys should help and keep yourself within his sight. It'll take him time. I wouldn't suggest keeping him in there for long periods, he'll go stir crazy. Great pyrenees are fantastic escape artists.