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Crate and Bitter Apple?

Basenji Talk
  • A

    I'm back, looking for more advice…

    My 16-week-old puppies are adapting to their crates, but still go through freak-out episodes occasionally, where they bite their crates (wire mesh types).

    I noticed today when I was looking at their permanent teeth that are coming in along the front that some of their baby teeth seem chipped or broken (the longer canines and ones on the bottom). Not badly, but just a little uneven. Could this be from their crate antics? I am tempted to rub some Bitter Apple on the wires so that they will stop biting the crates. I keep thinking of Oakley's mom writing that he chipped several teeth before he made friends with his crate. However, the Bitter Apple seems like it would be upsetting to them on their crates if it is something that they can smell.

    Any input is welcome. I should say that I recorded them today when I left the house for 20 minutes. By 2.5 minutes they were quiet, with only little episodes of whining now and then. They started up again when they heard me opening our front gate. Tomorrow I am going to see what happens when I take one on a walk, leaving the other here (which I end up doing when I have the time for sequential walks, as walking them together is still a nightmare at times).

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  • Chealsie508C

    That's a tough one…as I can tell you remember...unfortunately in my case he chipped one of his long adult canines lengthwise and it accumulates plaque so much easier! I have to be extra diligent in brushing but am greatful he didn't lose it completely! As always with everything Oakley- I worry about it often...
    Back on topic: do you notice any pattern to the times when they do freak out? Can you tell it happens more often when they aren't worn out fully? Do you notice one initiates and the other follows? My advice is to watch for patterns, feed in crates, make the crate part of daily training routine and build ways for them to associate crate with calm...all easier said than done (clearly..lol) some may say toys but I could have left bologna in the crate and 7 hours later it would be there... Adult teeth will hopefully be stronger..although I don't have proof of that, and I don't think the bitter apple would deter the behavior because it's not a determination to chew but rather acting out and panicking thus engaging the behavior.
    Good luck

    "I know I've found the breed for me because he totally turns my life upside down and I love it!"

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  • tanzaT

    Baby teeth can be rough and seemingly ragged…. most likely not from the crate wires, IMO.

    Pat Fragassi

    Tanza Basenjis

    www.tanzabasenjis.net

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  • D

    Would travel style crates-the plastic ones be a better choice?

    Jennifer

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  • N

    I swear by Kennel Aire crates. The 1 inch squares would make it harder to get his mouth in there to chew on the wires.

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  • Chealsie508C

    I tried travel crates as well, once I came home to blood everywhere in the kennel, even the roof, he cut his lip and paw…in the end they ended up taking an hour to clean...I think he got freaked out he couldn't see out on top of the anxiety....just my experience

    "I know I've found the breed for me because he totally turns my life upside down and I love it!"

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    In addition to all of the above posts, there are definitely basenjis who will not be crated. I have one. Went through all the correct procedures trying to crate Shaye as a new puppy. We got her a wire crate, the right size, put a soft piece of our clothing in it, put it next to our bed at first so we could touch her through the bars - she screamed all the time she was in there, did her business wih her butt against the side so it would go outside, peed all over the place and sat in it, even though we were very slow and careful with it. The eventual result was she broke nearly all her baby teeth biting the crate, never calmed down in it, would not go in to eat, get treats or anything else. Her personality has never changed; she still backs off if she even sees crates other dogs are sleeping in. She is now nearly five, and she does not act like that when she needs to be kenneled at a daycare place, she seems to know it's different there, although if possible she will try to climb her way out at first. When she cannot, she will calm down and rest for the hour they put her in there during the day. Be patient, but if it just never works, so be it. Once Shaye got a little older and we got her a companion, she has been totally trustworthy while we are gone.
  • A

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    No, Pat - she had them separated for at least 2.5 weeks (maybe longer). I don't take him out immediately when I see he has peed, because often he is sleeping - I put him in his crate and don't watch him, but go about my business or leave the house for a short time, then when I return, he has peed. Or, he does it when one of us comes down to let him out in the morning or in the middle of the night. I think I was wrong with what I said before about it being a longer time after feeding that he pees (or maybe it is just sometimes) - tonight, I fed him in his crate with no bedding, so I could observe what happened. Sure enough, 3 minutes after eating, he pees. I did remove him, mop it up, put in clean bedding, then put him back in, where he curled up and went to sleep. Should I consider feeding him out of his crate for now? ANY suggestions are really welcome. His sister is doing great with housebreaking. They are both incredibly easy to train on everything else - 5 minutes with a clicker today and they run and jump in their beds at the command "place." I don't notice any of the littermate codependence stuff - being very vigilant. We can separate them with no problem - walk them separately, train them separately (and together). They like to be with us as much or more as with each other. This housebreaking thing is my biggest anxiety right now. Keep any suggestions/advice coming… Please. Thanks in advance.
  • Katrina02K

    Crate Question

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    Katrina02K
    thanks heaps, now that i think about it wire would be best, i agree it would probably only last a day
  • G

    Need new crate

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    L
    @Gabriel: I have a small travel type crate that I put Noel in while we are away from home and at night. she is 14 weeks. She is really getting to big for this. What types of crates do you keep your B's in? I am looking at a medium size cage type kennel. 30L x 19W x 21H inches I want to be sure she has plenty of room to lay down in it. What is your advice? i got a crate big enough 4 a large dog. like a lab or something simular. I had 2 get the travel crate because in a wire crate she would pull things into the crate and eat it. comforters rugs you name it. She even ate her bed. fluff everywhere.
  • ChaseandZahrasmomC

    One crate or two?

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    I would not reccomend doing that, fights start over the slightest things. Too many things can go wrong…...seperate cartes is the way to go IMO.:)