Boxer Freedom

[Russ]

2 issues:

My boxer, Baron, is just over 2 yrs. old. We have been keeping him in his crate while we are at work (4 hrs. max - I come home for lunch) & he does pretty good but I thought that he may be old enough for a little freedom. I tried leaving him in the utility room, object of destruction free, but every time I get home he has found something to destroy. He has bones & everything - all his favorite toys lay untouched from what I can tell. One time I came home to find that he clawed a 20" hole thru my sheetrock to the bare studs w/ insulation everywhere. I believe that he could chew thru steel if he set his mind to it. I have given him a no. of chances & he keeps on and on - he has had a few good days but not consistant. Any advice? Should I just keep him in his crate for the rest of his life? Will he ever tire of this destruction mode?

2nd issue - If he does stay in his crate, I can't leave any bedding in there for him to lay on because he will eat/chew it & tear it to shreds. He has a bed he uses at night & he doesn't touch while we are around. Is he destined for cold crate floor? Does anyone have any tricks to break him of this? It's for his own good if he would just calm down some. Is there some type of bed made of "Kong" material ;-) ?

I believe that he has some major separation anxiety problems.

Thanks in advance for any input,

Russ

 

[Tulsa-Dan]

Russ, you can't expect a dog who has been crated for 2 years to suddenly know what is appropriate and what isn't when left out of the crate. You will have to take the time to guide the dog into appropriate behavior when not crated and alone. This takes time and work. The dog isn't going to "just know" what is ok and what isn't. He has to be guided and taught.

As for bedding, you might try some rubber matting such as people put on kitchen floors in front of the sink.

Exercise is key. Wear the dog out physically before putting him in the crate or leaving him alone in the basement. That way he's too tired to be destructive.

Throwing toys in a crate isn't going to cut it either. You have to engage the dog in fun activities. Make it interesting and fun for him. I suggest a goodie bag. You can do a search here at Boxerworld using "goodie bag" and you'll find informtaion on that and you can use terms such as "separation anxiety" and "crate anxiety" and find all kinds of useful information in this subject.

Good luck.

 

[Scorpio]

Dan is right of course. I had the same thing happen with Ozzy, before he would chew or play with a toy, he would eat a wall or whatever he cud get. Exercise!!!! He was just bored! and also growing. Now he gets exercised so much more and he's fine. Boxers have so much energry they have to expell it somewhere. Try walking him before leaving him alone or playing, catch, fetch etc, I am sure you will see a difference.