Finally

[dieselicious]

After many ?? on here about how to stop my little diesel from peeing and pooping in the house and destroying other things and always getting the same answer of "crate him" we finally did it....we came home on thursday to a destroyed house and then came home on friday to an even worse disaster so my boyfriend and I decided its time to step it up and do something about this. we cant let him rule our lives!!!! So he went out yesterday and bought him a very nice crate and some special toys and all that good stuff. Now here is my question, should i be giving him water in there?? should i let him play with his crate toys outside of his crate?? and also if he goes in his crate to lay down but doesnt have to be in there is that ok??

i probably am worrying to much but he will be ok in the crate?? i have heard they like to be in the crate but i just want someone to reassure me so i stop having anxiety over him...today is the first day he will be in it and i am sitting at work thinking about him :( and wondering if he is really unhappy right now???

thanks everyone for your help and support

 

[simmons]

I think Diesel will be fine in his crate- especially if he has some toys, a comfy bed and a yummy filled kong to keep him busy. It is alright for him to play with his toys outside of the crate too. I wouldn't see why that would be a problem.

Also, if Diesel wants to just go and lay in his crate, that is perfect!!! Both my babies would never just go lay in thier crates. They see it as there safe haven-speical place. As long as you never force Diesel into his crate and he goes in there on his own, everything will be fine.

How long is he in the crate during the day? Also, make sure he gets plenty of exercise too? Ohh and maybe leave the radio or TV on for him, it always makes it extra nice for them Try not to worry too much, just think of the kisses and dancing you will get when you come hom

 

[mancin]

First off, how old is your boy? Tyson was a nightmare to potty train, but it just took time and patience. I crated him until he was fully potty trained.
I don't think it's a problem for him to have his toys outside of his crate, but I would reserve one "special" treat for just his crate. Such as a frozen Kong filled with yummy treats.
If he's in his crate laying down when the door is open, that's a great sign! My rottweiler Crash goes in there and sleeps during the day when the crate door is open. It's his own little safe place. He LOVES it. He's the best with his crate out of my 3, and most of the time if I want him to go in there I just need to point and he goes.
To be honest, if he's going around and destroying the house, he's probably safer in a crate. You don't want him to get into anything or eat anything bad when you aren't there to watch! I remember the first day I put Tyson in his crate.. I was a NERVOUS wreck!! I was so worried about him, but when I came home he was fine. I'd suggest to put him in the crate at random times during the day (and treat him when he goes in) so he learns to enjoy his crate and not see it as a "prison" for when you leave. Make it fun for him to go into his crate!
You might take him for a long walk before putting him into his crate. With my rescue Abby, she had moderate separation anxiety so we had to wear her out pretty good before putting her into her crate. Even she has become OK with her crate (over time). She doesn't love it, but it's a great feeling to have a dog with separation anxiety be able to go into a crate and not freak out.
Unfortunately, he probably won't love it overnight. Some dogs do, but most of them don't. This is where your time and patience will come into play.
Good luck!

 

[billbgh]

I wouldn't put water in the crate. They are confined in the crate and he may have to pee, thus peeing in the crate. Also, when it's time for the boys to go to the crate, I say it excitedly "Time to go to the kennel(that's what we call it)," or "Kennel time". I then abundantly praise them for going in and tell them to take a nap and be good, and that I'll be home soon. When I get home or dh does, we act extremely excited(which we are) to get them out of the kennel. And tell them that they were such good boys while I was gone. I don't put toys in the kennel, because every single dog that I've had that had toys in it, didn't do well with that. I one time(maybe twice) put a kong with bones(dog treats) in the crate and that didn't work well either(puked bones), so, I go with the comfy bed and no distractions. It may take you some alterations to figure out what's best, but your guy will let you know. Good luck

Erin
Apollo & Rocky's mom

 

[dieselicious]

He will be in his crate from 8:15-600, we are currently looking for a dog walker to come and take him out so his time wont be so long in there. we do give him lots of excercise in the morning before we both leave this way he tires out. he has a kong and other toys as well....but i am worried about giving him water and filling up his bladder any suggestions??

 

[dogqueen]

It may take a few days for him to get used to his crate. Both of my puppies howled and barked for the first few minutes, then they settled down. Its a good idea to have a soft blanket (washable of course) for him to snuggle with. We took a blanket and had each one of us touch it to get our scent on it and then we put it into their crates. This seemed to calm them down a bit.

 

[ForeverMama]

I have always had water in the crate. I have a bowl with a bracket that attaches to the crate. But for a pup, you might want to get the water bottle that looks like a rabbit water bottle. It attaches to the side of the crate and comes out just a little at a time when they lick it. If Diesel is going to be in a crate for that long, I'm sure he will get thirsty, especially with a kong of goodies.

 

[dieselicious]

We did the blanket thing and we also did a little bed in there hoping he lays down and sleeps the day away...oh how lucky also what are some other things i can put in the kong???

you guys are really helping me out and making not feel so guilty..thanks

 

[bxrwiggles]

I fill my dogs' kongs with either some of their dry food or real chicken meat and then cover the opening with a huge dab of cream cheese or peanut butter. Another option I use is to fill the opening with plain yogurt and freeze it so that way it takes them longer to get at whatever's stuffed inside.

 

[dieselicious]

Sooo Happy

I just wanted to give everyone an update...i came home yesterday and Diesel was nice and cozy in his crate and there was not a single ounce of poop or pee!!!!!!! i couldnt believe my eyes or nose!!! since we got him i have never been able to come home from work and not clean up some kind of mess...it was a miracle!!! i am so happy i did this now i dont have to feel bad anymore...maybe this whole time he was looking for his own place...well i feel like i am a better mother because i did this for him...thanks everyone for the advice should have taken it 6 months ago....i called my whole family and they couldnt believe it either....my boyfriend and i were eating dinner and he was like are u ok and i was like i just cant believe it he was sooo good!!!!!!!!! sooooo relieved!