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Original poster

puppy and ?crate/cage

12 replies

frazzled74 · 24/02/2010 09:38

our 16 week old border collie pup is house trained and pretty obedient but wingout supervision is chewing anything and everything, when we are out ,she is shut in kitchen and i thought it was pretty dog proof but she is still chewing, lino, corner of cupboard etc.She is left for a max of 2 hrs each day. I am wondering whether a crate is the answer as apart from not wanting my kitchen destroyed,I dont want her to damage herself.Does anyone have experience with crates? are they good or cruel?
I had anticipated chewing and she is left loads of treats and toys .If crate is a good idea, what size do i need?

OP posts:
Bella32 · 24/02/2010 10:33

Crates are not cruel - if introduced correctly and used just for short periods when you can't be there, they are an absolute godsend and can help prevent pup chewing or eating something which could have disastrous consequences for his health.

Dogs Trust Factsheet

You need to buy the size that will fit an adult collie - they need room to stand up and turn around.

Some of the crate websites have size guides.

With a breed like a collie, mental stimulation is extremely important - they are not really house pets as such, but working dogs - so make sure she has plenty to keep her mind occupied. A stuffed kong is a good start.

HTH

Kathsunn · 24/02/2010 11:08

Our dog was crate trained when we bought him at 5 months old. He loves his crate(3 years old now). He sleeps in it, and goes there when the boys are bothering him a bit too much. We've never put him in there for long periods -- just to calm him down when he was a puppy and at night to sleep. Sometimes we leave him in it when we go out for short periods to keep him out of mischief, which sounds like what you are proposing. I would give it a try!

wildfig · 24/02/2010 11:20

Another vote for crates - they're only cruel if you're leaving the dog in there for long periods of time (more than a couple of hours during the day), or using it as a punishment. If you make it cosy, introduce it slowly as a 'safe place', and maybe give them a treat they only get when in the crate, like a Kong, then you'll probably find they pop in there of their own accord and fall asleep quite happily. My puppy's a mad chewer, and there's no way I could leave him to free range while I'm out, but as soon as he sees the Kong, he can't get in there fast enough. Much safer to leave him where he can't hurt himself or eat something he shouldn't.

Original poster
frazzled74 · 24/02/2010 11:20

yes it would be 2 hours at the max ,most days just 20 minutes or so whilst i do school run or nip to bank.I have enrolled her on a 10 week puppy taining course, then am hoping to take her to agility type sessions.thanks for replies and the fact sheet.

OP posts:
maggotts · 24/02/2010 22:27

My labrador puppy LOVED his crate. Only in it at night as rather open plan house and house training all a bit scary uncontained. But left door open in day and he would often go back in of his own accord for a snooze. Got rid of it when he was 6 months old (it was hellishly big) and I swear he missed it for weeks.

Go for it. Make it comfy and leave a few toys. She'll be fine.

Oh - one more thing. Got a toy called "Kong" or similar which stuffed with biscuits or cheese requires hours of chewing to empty. Superb. Dog now sleeps next to clothes horse and has never eaten a single item of clothing. (Nibbled a hole in DD1 pants and that was it!)

Original poster
frazzled74 · 25/02/2010 09:28

ive got a kong, but she not very interested in it, may have to find something more interesting to stuff in it.

OP posts:
Bella32 · 25/02/2010 10:32

If you stuff them with rica and gravy or tuna, then freeze them, your dog spends hours getting it out.

Bella32 · 25/02/2010 10:32

rice

dreamingofsun · 25/02/2010 10:54

another vote for crates. our dog used to take herself there when tierd or stressed

Original poster
frazzled74 · 25/02/2010 10:58

thanks for the kong tip, will try it

OP posts:
Blondeshavemorefun · 26/02/2010 23:40

crates are a godsend

woofa goes there when needs time out from kids

kids KNOW that, that is the dogs bed/place and NOT allowed to go in it

thehillsarealive · 28/02/2010 08:28

my GSD is crate trained and he loves it, it is HIS place where nobody bothers him. He is only shut in when i am doing the school run and if i have to go out for a little longer.

It is getting to the stage now where i can leave the door open and he will stay in there.

Your puppy is probably teething or bored - or a combination of both. I bought kongs, pyramids and just about to get some of those dog puzzles. Having an active dog is fab, but they need mental 'work' as well as exercise.

Crates are good - when used correctly. My dogs is HUGE, but then he is a big boy and getting bigger by the day!

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