Crate Guilt
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@Ann:
More useful feedback! Thanks everyone. I'm feeling better.
Oh Dan, you asked about our fence. We do have a safely fenced yard (including double gate system with a Basenji free zone - the BFZ - in the middle) but I still don't think I could leave her out there unattended for hours. I don't trust what's outside the fence. Too much barky unpredictable nonsense from surrounding dogs in the hood and an alley behind us filled with two and four-pawed activity. Alas, if I could only control the universe…
How high is the fence Ann? The outsiders shouldn't be able to get in if it's high enough. I have dogs all around me but none attempt to get in. There's even 2 Pitbulls behind me and there's no attempt to get in. Buddy is perfectly fine in the back all day. I just bought him a dog house from COSTCO online and I put 2 thick towels folded up in there with a small water bowl. My first Basenji (1975-1992) lived outside its whole life with no problems. She was actually an excellent guard dog.
How old is Noel? -
I crated Gossy for about a month while I was at work (9 hours) but then she learned to open the crate door. So then I worked with her to be loose and not terribly destructive by leaving her loose for short periods (while I walked around the neighborhood), then took some vacation hours so I could come home after a half-day, then 6 hours and so on. This way she gradually got used to the idea of my being gone.
In addition I did have to use piddle pads for awhile because she wasn't used to not going potty whenever she wanted. And of course I made sure she had interactive toys and treats/kibble to hunt for to keep her occupied and a frozen soup bone to chew on. (frozen ones last almost all day).
She did initially chew on the couch (jsut a couple of small holes thankfully) but once I started leaving her with a thick soup bone, that stopped too. She generally goes to sleep in her crate when I leave (I know this because I returned once day for something I had forgotten) and sometimes will sit on the table next to the couch to look out the window. No destruction, no potty on the floor, and no retaliation when I get home. Success! - but it did take some time. -
She did initially chew on the couch (jsut a couple of small holes thankfully)
That's exactly what I've dealt with. 2 small holes, one corner that has been slightly gnawed on. Problem is it's very random when he chews on these spots and he doesn't chew on anything new.
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Thank goodness I'm past the "few small holes" phase:). Ok, Ok,….truth be known I graduated from a few small holes, to the the absolute gutting of a "few huge cushions":eek: {let the sounds of taps playing in the background let you know where that sleeper sofa is now}
Seriously, I never crate now. The 2 are quite happy to live harmoniously (ie..sleeping) while I'm at work. Yes, I worry about them. No, I'd never leave them out side when I'm not at home (I also have a doggie door and a secure fenced yard)
Crating was a part of the training process for us. But once graduated (with honors:D) to a new level, they were never crated again.
I really think crating is a individual situational and lifestyle choice. There are exceptions, but what fits you and your dogs (if not excessive or abusive) is what's best for a happy family:)
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I never really bothered with crate training since I got Kananga at an older age (just under 8 months) and I found that within a few weeks of having him, he was ok out in the open.
Actually, strangely enough, lately he has been hanging out in his crate while I'm gone. I'll come home and he'll be laying in his crate. I keep it near a corner with the door open so he can use it if he wants. Recently he has decided to use it on his own, so I'm quite proud of him.
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Once a week I spread a little bit of mentholated rub on the area (it does stain it a little but once stained it doesn't get worse with continued use) and that keeps her away. A small amount is all that is needed - the smell is what gets them.
I've used the Tea Tree Oil. I have to apply it every couple weeks it seems. :rolleyes:
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Miranda and I have a gate on the bathroom that is off our bedroom. Roo's crate is also located in this bathroom which has a ceramic floor. Roo's food dish and water bowl live in this area as well. When we both leave the house, Bonzo our boston goes into her crate that is in the bedroom and Roo's dog bed is put in the bathroom along with plenty of toys to keep him busy. We started giving both dogs a couple of Chicken Chip treats when we go to leave and kennel them. This is worked out well for us because when we are getting ready to go, both dogs get walked, and as we come in the door we say kennel. They both run to their respective kennels and wait patiently for their treats.
They have both gotten into the habit of going where they are supposed to because of this practice.
Jason
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How high is the fence Ann? The outsiders shouldn't be able to get in if it's high enough. I have dogs all around me but none attempt to get in. There's even 2 Pitbulls behind me and there's no attempt to get in. Buddy is perfectly fine in the back all day. I just bought him a dog house from COSTCO online and I put 2 thick towels folded up in there with a small water bowl. My first Basenji (1975-1992) lived outside its whole life with no problems. She was actually an excellent guard dog.
How old is Noel?Hi Dan. Thanks for your feedback. Noel will be 5 in November. (I don't know how she spent her first 4 years.) Our fence is 6' so other dogs can't get in…it's her reaction to them that could cause problems. I'm sort of a hyper worrier since Noel has a weak front leg. It was badly broken in December and, when there's squirrel/dog activity around the yard or in the alley behind us, she forgets about her leg and goes into a full run and jump mode. It's great to see her fly over our 2' stone ledge and run the periphery of yard like a guard dog or chase a squirrel back to its tree, but if left outside alone all day there's the potential that she'll overdo it and tire out her leg to the point of pain. I know I'm sounding over-protective...The vet recommends plenty of exercise but in small doses to avoid the fatigue thing. (I'll be posting some queries soon in relation to this!)
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@Ann:
Hi Dan. Thanks for your feedback. Noel will be 5 in November. (I don't know how she spent her first 4 years.) Our fence is 6' so other dogs can't get in…it's her reaction to them that could cause problems. I'm sort of a hyper worrier since Noel has a weak front leg. It was badly broken in December and, when there's squirrel/dog activity around the yard or in the alley behind us, she forgets about her leg and goes into a full run and jump mode. It's great to see her fly over our 2' stone ledge and run the periphery of yard like a guard dog or chase a squirrel back to its tree, but if left outside alone all day there's the potential that she'll overdo it and tire out her leg to the point of pain. I know I'm sounding over-protective...The vet recommends plenty of exercise but in small doses to avoid the fatigue thing. (I'll be posting some queries soon in relation to this!)
OK Ann, now I see your dilemma here. This is a tuff one keeping a Basenji still or low activity especially when you're not there. The only other thing you could do is set up a kennel run or large dog pen to reduce the area. see this picture.
http://www.seefido.com/html/dog_kennel_runs_pen_fence_.htm
