Skip to content
Basenji Forums
  1. Home
  2. Basenji Talk
  3. Crate and Bitter Apple?

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).

    0
  • 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!"

    0
  • tanzaT

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

    Pat Fragassi

    Tanza Basenjis

    www.tanzabasenjis.net

    0
  • D

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

    Jennifer

    0
  • 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.

    0
  • 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!"

    0

Suggested Topics

  • P

    Lucky and her crate –--- problem...

    Basenji Talk
    9
    0 Votes
    9 Posts
    5k Views
    tanzaT
    Crates for bedtime should be in the same room you sleep in… especially with a puppy... if you are rooms away, how would you have any idea that he/she is having a problem? And if you are home, the pup should be with you... and you should be watching him/her.... every minute... the crate is not for your pleasure, so you can do other things... .... or you are bored with watching them every minute.. Certainly if you have to crate when you are out of the house.. that is one thing... but if you are home, they are totally tuned into you being there. If they fall asleep as puppies will do, you can pick them up and put them in the crate... just leave the door open.. and go about your business... but check on the very often.... I have raised many a litter that they are in our family room crashed out or on the back porch for hours sleeping... I can get stuff done while they sleep.. but I keep the eagle eye on them all the time..
  • Katrina02K

    Crate Question

    Basenji Talk
    5
    0 Votes
    5 Posts
    2k Views
    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

    Basenji Talk
    4
    0 Votes
    4 Posts
    2k Views
    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.
  • ELERICKSON40E

    Switching crates

    Basenji Talk
    5
    0 Votes
    5 Posts
    2k Views
    ELERICKSON40E
    Thanks, that is a good idea. She has a comfy bed and lots of blankets. Althogh as I have said before when she gets out of the crate everything has to come out with her. I will try setting everything up in the big crate and leave the door open. Thanks!!
  • B

    Oh, I forgot to crate you up?

    Basenji Talk
    27
    0 Votes
    27 Posts
    13k Views
    B
    Thank you JoeyQ for getting this thread back on topic :) Not that puppy mill/responsible breeding isn't a good thread… :p and there might be one on this very forum. Nice to see so many Basenjis that go against (somewhat) the stereo-types. I feel lucky because Jenny was a 7 month old shelter dog - stray - and really must have had a good upbringing because she has always been very handle-able (one of my friends picked her up and stacked her show dog style the first time he met her) and really only fussed (like the dickens!) in the crate the first night or two. I would remind those who are having difficulty crating: your emotions are a factor in how your dog reacts and adapts. The stress of hearing their cries, and worse, often puts an owner on edge enough to subtly (and often not so subtly to most dogs) encourage the behavior. Earplugs help.:o
  • jys1011J

    Bitter Cold!! :(

    Basenji Talk
    18
    0 Votes
    18 Posts
    6k Views
    bellabasenjiB
    LOL That's what Bella does!!! Alternating leg lifts!! We got five inches of snow last night and then freezing rain on top of that. So I take her out this morning and she steps on TOP of the snow - and then CRUNCH! she drops down into the snow… each step she does this... step, crunch, drop... step, crunch, drop. Poor thing just looks at me like "Mom, how do you expect me to go potty in THIS!" Finally she does squat (bum literally touching the frozen snow) and makes yellow snow. I honestly feel sorry for her, I sure wouldn't want to go potty out there!! Brrrrrr!!!:( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :(