Houdini Strikes Again

[Suzanna828]

Well, Jake has done it again. We figured out how he had gotten out of the crate the last time. It is a metal, collapsable crate. He figured out how to PULL the sides of the crate IN, which allowed him about a 6" gap to squeeze through. This has to have taken a lot of physical and mental exersion. Also, there was evidence that he had tried a few areas before he found the "weak spot." Thankfully I had taken his collar off or he probably would have hurt himself. There were no scratches or obviously injured areas. Part of me is mad, but the other part is proud. We used bungie cords to ensure he couldn't get out that way again. We also put a blanket over the crate. Yesterday when my husband got home Jake once again greeted him at the door. He had UNLATCHED the door - I guess he figured he'd take the easier route this time. Again, should I be mad or proud? LOL! Keep in mind that he is only crated for 4 hours at a time, that he is walked 4 miles a day and played with a TON, etc., etc. I don't know what else to do. When I give him free reign of the downstairs he destroys my sofa. UGH! He used to break through the gate in the family room, but finally he just accepted that he was stuck in it. Maybe if I keep crating him he'll learn to accept it? What do you think? Also, although he is reluctant about entering the crate, he doesn't try to snap or act aggressive in any way. What a sweetheart he is - it kill me to have to put him in there. Any advice?

 

[Bumblebee]

Our Jake also knew how to get out of his old crate (we gave him Tobee's when he out grew it and bought Tobee a new one). We ended up using on of those key chains that hooks to your belt loop to keep his crate shut. He knew how to open the latch. Once they get used to thier crates, they don't mind them. I still crate both my boys at night and during the day if the weather is too bad for them to be outside. When they are very tired they go in thier crates by them selves to sleep. It is thier private spot and they are comfortable in them.

 

[tcarlisle]

If my dog had problem solving skills that were that highly developed, I would be very happy.

I know they are a pain, but you may have better chances with the type that has to be assembled with the long metal rods to hold it together.

That may be a bad idea though, because it takes most people a lot of mental effort to assemble one of those (nothing to be ashamed of, if that is the case). If your dog happened to figure out how to disassemble it quicker than you figured out how to assemble it... well, you know where this is going. So maybe it is best not to find out? Kidding of course

Tom C

 

[jjones]

My maddie is the same way. She was able to get out of her crate once-then we had to get a lock with a key for a while. We have never used the crate as punishment, but my dog also hates it-i know they say dogs learn to feel comfortable in there, but mine never has. We have tried to leave her in the house, but she has chewed thing as well, she has also thrown up in the house if we leave her out, so i know she gets very nervous when we leave her out-so i know it is the best place for her

maddie never has a problem going in there in the morning before work, but if we ever have to place her in there at any other time then her normal routine, she snaps and fights us the whole way-which makes me feel even worse (not to mention mad)

You are doing the best thing for her-i have seen huge gates in catalogs that take up the length of a door-but i always thought maddie would knock them down if we tried to keep her in the kitchen