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How do I convince my dogs that they can coexist outside of their crates without constantly tearing around the house?
My husband and I have two dogs, a six month old Shephard mix and a year old Pitbull/lab mix. We just moved in the last two weeks, and our new house has nothing but brand new hardwood floors (which we will have to replace upon moving out if the dogs damage them.) We also bought the six month old a brand new crate since she was outgrowing her old one. We can't keep bedding or blankets inside of or covering their crates since they literally shred and devour them. We've lost three sheets and at least three blankets that way already. Neither of them will play with any toys that are left in the crates, but both LOVE their toys when they're out. We're at a complete loss as to how to make their crates a fun, comfortable environment for them without risking them choking on something or getting bowel obstructions. We wish we could just leave them both out all the time until we go to bed, but it's just not an option yet. How can we both make the crate experience better, and trust them to be out?
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Member 1027478
on Mar 22nd 2011
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in Behavior & Training
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How much outside exercise are they getting??? If my guys don't go for an hour run before I leave them loose in my house they are CRAZY. But, after the run they are very calm and lie in their beds playing with their each other and their toys. Mine are older toy and mini breeds, so I would suspect your young guys will need much more than an hour to wind them down!
Otherwise, all that energy built up while sitting long term in their crates has got to go somewhere, and racing thru the house seems to be the only option they currently have to expend it.
NO amount of toys in their crate is going to burn the energy they have and/or provide any exercise...they need outside controlled exercise for that.
Toto, CD, RN, CGC
answered on 3/22/11.
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our shelter dog bridget was like that. she'd shred her blankets no matter how big. she was stressed out and hungry. Now she has adjusted she doesn't shred blankets and she is good in a crate, but she broke out of crate frequently and bent the bars. It took her one year to adjust. I am all for crating for short increments to keep the house safe and the dogs safe.
Use the rubber kongs, I love the black ones. and y ou can stuff them. www.rayallen.com has a ballistic mat that is for dogs who have sharp claws and teeth. I haven't bought one from them but I hear they are nice.
I use lots of food while crating, all my dogs eat in them every night, they fly into the crates so fast they move on the floor. even toss food in them when you don't plan on shutting the door, it will reinforce the crate is great experience :)
Dieta
answered on 3/22/11.
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