Crate Feng Shui ?

[beasleymom]

Ever since Cali's departure Beasley REALLY hates being alone while I'm at work. When he started eliminating inappropriately (and he's been reliable in the house since he was a year old) I've had to crate him while I'm at work. Much as I hate to have to do this after he's had a lot of freedom, I can't come home to puddles and piles every day. I come home at lunch every day so he's never crated for more than 4 hours at a time without a break. When I'm home he holds it for up 8 hours and we have no accidents, so I suspect the 'accidents' are his way of expressing separation anxiety.

My question is, where do those who crate PUT their crate? I've moved Beasley's crate around to several areas in my great room where he'd been accustomed to having free run. In the great room he gets lots of sunshine (when we actually have sunshine in Indy during winter) can watch TV (SportsCenter...natch!), and it's a nice 'open' space. Unfortunately, a crate in the middle of the room isn't exactly what I'd call a cover shot for 'BETTER HOMES & GARDENS' and I am at a loss as to how I can rearrange my room to incorporate the crate.

Seriously, if anyone who's into FENG SHUI have any suggestions for an positive place (both for him and me) to put his crate that would be super. Even if you're not into FENG SHUI I'd be receptive to any input I can get!

 

[heartsong12]

I don't know if this is fung shu, but I put Diabla crate in front of the sliding glass doors so she can see out. I live on the thrid floor and there are huge tree out side my patio and windows. So all day long she gets to see squirels and her favorite birds. It seems to keep her calmer and more relaxed than if she was in a closed off room. Plus sunshine.

 

[abradbury.5]

Toffee isn't crated anymore, but when she was, I had her crate by the sliding doors too. She could see outside, watch the birds, see the sky, etc. It seemed to work fine. Now that she isn't crated, she spends most of her time on the bed where she can see outside. I'm thinking the outside view works for her

 

[dmartin]

Good luck in your attempt to improve the ascetics of crate placement. However, I've given up. We finally placed the crate in our bedroom as it gives Cheetah and Guinness more of a "den" like atmosphere which dogs enjoy. But a huge steel crate sure can destroy the sensual illiusion of the boudoir. But the dogs are lucky....we have huge glass windows in the bedroom where they can watch wild life, etc. however, I do have to be careful that the afternoon sun does not directly beam on the crate. It can get hot so quick. If you can come up with a better ....appealing location..please let me know..thanks...

 

[Anna Begins]

I have a 1/2 wall that divides my front room from my kitchen. I have Luka's crate right next to the wall- so he can see in the front room and the kitchen. He can also see out the sliding glass door. It is a great place, in the middle of my apt, but still out of the way- he can even see into the bathroom if he scrunches all the way in the corner (which you know he does!)
I leave the TV on, but he can't see it from the crate. (He hardly whaches anymore- I wish he would. It was so cute, he would whach all the time when he first came to live with me.)

 

[JulieM]

There's a bagua map here that you can 'overlay' on your room:
http://www.fengshuipalace.com/bagua.php

I'd suggest placing the crate in the Skills & Knowledge/Wisdom (also called Self-Understanding & Spirituality) area, if possible. Otherwise, Family/Foundations (Family & Health). The central area (tai chi) would actually be ideal, as Health & Balance, but as you've said a dog crate in the middle of the room is less-than-ideal. Of course, if it's an odd-shape room you might be able to swing it, in which case I'd go there over Skills & Knowledge.

I see a new career on the horizon....