Dog Induced Headache

[kgf73]

I went home for lunch yesterday, and let the dogs out to do their business, which they both did. Made sure the crates were together to make a barrier, so as not to get into the main part of the kitchen. Which is where I put the trash, since I don't have a garage, and someone stole my outside trash can. Well trash day was today, so I put ALL the trash in the main part of the kitchen, behind the barrier. When I went home after work yesterday, the first thing I noticed was a cheese wrapper on the floor, so my first thought was that they had gotten into the refrigerator. No...they had gotten through the barrier and got into the trash. ALL of the trash was strewn through the kitchen, and the bathroom, and part of the dining room. When I say ALL of the trash this is what it included:
***the used kitty litter bag - ripped, so the dirty litter was EVERYWHERE
****rotten food from cleaning out the refrigerator the night before

The litter was the worst part, and of course, the ROTTEN food.
Then on top of all that, they had vomited, and pooped (diarrhea) in this mess, and on the dining room carpet. AND then on top of this, I had used the last of my trash bags, so I didn't have a one, and they had ripped and shredded the ones I had used. I wanted to cry, but the tears wouldn't come. I didn't even know where to start, so I just kept walking from mess to mess muttering to myself.
The dogs knew something was amiss...probably because as soon as I went into the kitchen I let out a piercing scream.
The first thing I did (after gathering my wits) was put them in their crates, and headed to the nearest gas station and bought trash bags. Went home and started cleaning, and scrubbing. I got everything cleaned finally around 9:00pm (started at 5:30pm), but had a massive headache all night.

In conclusion, I am going to start doing heavy duty crate training on Reilly. Mabel is already crate trained, so this won't be a problem. In case anyone is wondering why I haven't already worked with Reilly...I have. He has destroyed two (expensive) crates (wire, and fiberglass crates) already while training. The crate I have now for him has to have the door held in place by heavy duty hauling rope. I have to admit though, that through all this they still made laugh once or twice, but they're still lucky they're so cute, otherwise I might've just turned around and never came back, which is what I really wanted to do.

 

[BRIDGIT]

You poor thing! I came home the other day to a hole in my wall if that makes you feel any better? I'm sure it doesn't though! I had put Jasmine's crate against the wall which was a bad idea. She got bored so started scratching the wall. I was glad one of my brothers does drywall and could fix it.

I wish you luck on your crate training. I have had some issues with Jasmine and her crate and it is tough. I'm glad to know you got your house cleaned.

 

[cashisking]

Sorry you are going through this with Riley... I know of the story of how he came into your life, how long has he been with you now??? I wonder if he may do better in a crate during the day if you get him all tired out before work??? I know, what a pain, but maybe worth a try... Is there a dog park near you? or perhaps just long walks (though me thinks he probably isn't an angel on leash either:rolleyes: ) I don't know, just a suggestion... Sorry about the mess, I know EXACTLY what you mean by "lucky they are cute"... Hard to be mad at them while they are trying to figure out why you are picking up the artwork they worked so hard on all day!!!!

Good Luck!!!!

 

[kgf73]

I have had Reilly now about two months. He's definitely a handful, especially since his health is improving every day. He and Mabel go outside, and romp, and run for a least 45 minutes in the morning, at lunch they go outside for 30 minutes, and in the evening they romp and wrestle for 2 hours before they sack out in the evening, then it's about another hour of pestering each other, before we go to bed. Good Lord...they exhaust me just watching them! However, he may calm down a bit when he gets fixed at the end of this month. I'm not counting on it though.:p

Out of all the things he didn't have done for him, I just wish he had been crate trained. It would make things so much easier. So for anyone who doesn't crate train, at least train them so they'll get used to it. It will make it easier for them (and you) in case they ever need to be crated.

 

[gordsan]

I agree - I got Mason at 8 weeks and the first thing I did was spend the weekend crate training him - I'd even lie half in the crate with him until he went to sleep so that he would get used to it. After about 4 days he would just go in when I told him it was time - of course, there would be a pile of treats and toys to occupy him! I cannot imagine how I would have coped otherwise. At 10 months, he's still so easy and I don't have to worry about him hurting himself while I'm gone - because that is the worry more than what he could destroy!

People still comment on the cruelty of 'caging' a dog - but that is because they have never had one!! I even have a travel crate for Mason and it makes any trip away a breeze for both of us!!

 

[Boxerpal1]

Wow, what a nightmare to come home to! We had Sampson in a crate once and he had an incredibly horrible case of diarrhea once. It was everywhere!

We were told by our boxer rescue that Sampson was crate trained. Well, he isn't. He has gone through two crates and we're now on our third. It is by Midwest and is a heavy duty welded crate! We have to use climbing carrabiners to hold the sides together since he can unhook the sides (it is a collapsible crate). Sampson also has major panic attacks inside a crate. It is so severe that he will hurt himself trying to get out and will also pant excessively. In a short period of time, he will coat the floor with saliva.

We have learned to work with his personality and his likes and dislikes and have found that he likes the garage. So, when we do have to leave him, we close up the two doggy doors and keep him in the garage. We've spied on him and found that he sleeps while we're gone or chews on his toys.

You have to understand, this is a MAJOR step for us! We're working through separation anxiety. Ah, months of work are beginning to pay off!

We would love to give him access to the yard but he has found a way over one part of the fence. We need to reinforce that.

 

[LC's mom]

Oh my! Been there!
Do you happen to have a basement? We have a nice, heated basement, so my husband bought a chain link outdoor kennel and built it in our basement. After we adopted Ice he did have to take ties and tie up all of the ends to the poles, but it was well worth it. Now he can't "Houdini" out of it!
It has totally been a life saver for us.

 

[boxerpat]

:eek: Oh My! You poor person! My Sophie probably would have got a good tongue lashing....not that she would have understood the words, but would have made me feel better! We started crate training the minute she came into our lives at 6 weeks. Now granted there are times when she cries and howls, for instance, when company is over or if we are doing something that she thinks she needs to be involved in. But we are firm (and it's hard) and try not to make a big thing of it. But I believe the crate is better for our sanity and her safety as well as our homes! LOL :D

 

[SweetGirlie1400]

instead of using heavy duty roap you may want to try a small chain with a clip like a leash has... my horse trainer uses thoes when her horses learn how to open there stall dores.. if its horse proof it should work quite well with the dog and you may want to do that on both sides of the crate.. maybe that will help.

 

[Boxerpal1]

Our vet thought Sampson was losing too much liquid and that it was cruel to keep him in the crate. We got other opinions as well. That's why we've branched out to the garage. Now, we don't have any crying, excessive panting, or injuries. Instead, we have a dog who is content to sleep on his bed.

When we were using the crate, we were using metal carabiners (the metal clips that rock climbers hang from).

All in all, it's been a long haul but we're making head way. :D

As for fostering, my boyfriend/partner needs a less threatening approach to getting another dog. What can I say, he's not good at adjusting to change in his life.