is easily moving forward in the pen as you approach. once the dog is easily moving their ears forward (even if it is forward and back) then slow as you reach the pen, count to 2 and drop the food in the pen near where you are and move on. don't try to push forward and talk to the dog and try to interact.
very soon the dog should be moving to the edge of the pen and looking forward to the food coming. when that is happening, as you walk to the pen, stop, and without looking "at" the dog, softly (not baby talk) say "good boy/girl" and drop the 