Skip to content
Basenji Forums
  1. Home
  2. Basenji Training
  3. Charlie depressed in crate?

Charlie depressed in crate?

Basenji Training
  • PujiP

    Hello all,

    We're in the process of crate training our 7-month-old pup. He has been eating his meals in the crate since we got him (at 3 months) and learned early on to go into his "house" on command. But we didn't start real crate training (closing the door) till a few weeks ago. We are now keeping him in there for about an hour a day, with us in the same room. We give him his favourite treats once he's in: a kong with peanut butter and his bully stick. He'll quickly lick out all the peanut butter and will sniff his bully stick, but he won't chew it - even though it's his favourite chew of all time and he only gets it in the crate now. He'll just sit there or lie there and look at us. He doesn't whine or try to get out - he'll paw weakly at the gate here and there, but that's it. When we open the door, he runs right out with tear stains on his sweet little face. So… we get the feeling that he's not freaked out by the crate, but that he doesn't like it either. Is this normal? Will he learn to like it with time?

    Our goal is for Charlie to stay willingly and peacefully in his crate for an hour or two at a time when dog-fearing guests come, or when we're vacuuming, etc. Any suggestions to make the crate a happier place for him?

    0
  • DukeD

    Well of course every dog is different. For us - we never put Duke in his crate just because for training purposes. We put him in his crate with treat because we had to leave the house. Now a days, I find Duke and Daisy in their respective crates because they're resting. I find this interesting, because they used to run and stay on our beds when someone was home. In the very least if the bedroom doors were closed off and they couldn't access the beds, they would snooze on the sofa together. Now - I see them in their inidividual crates. Granted, no treats are involved with their choice. The thing that has changed is . . . I bought some very nice comfy cozy crate beds and blankets - so this may be the motivator they go in the crates voluntarily. Stay consistent - keep the treats coming when they must go into the crate. You never know when they'll surprise you …

    Jill

    0
  • PujiP

    Thanks, Jill. Your post made me and DH reconsider our crate training goals. Also, we started to think that perhaps Charlie might be so unhappy in his crate because we were right there in the room with him - but he couldn't join us. So… here's what we did. We got him a larger wire crate to replace his plastic crate. He can fully stretch out if he wants to - it's roomier and airier for him. We put his old doggie bed in there and made it as cushy and comfy as we could. And we decided to crate him when we have to go out - and when we're at home only if necessary (repair man, etc.). We were having issues with Charlie busting through the baby gate that closed off his puppy-proof room, so crating when we leave feels like a step in the right direction.

    So far, it looks like he's not sure what to make of the new situation :rolleyes: He's had the new crate for 3 nights now. He didn't sleep in it the first night, but chose a pillow on the ground instead. But he did sleep in there the next two nights. He's been left alone in the crate twice now, but still goes in when we ask him to. His last nap was on that little pillow though... oh well... I think he's wary of the crate, but we just need to stick to the plan and he'll get used to it... hopefully :o

    0
  • BarklessdogB

    In our experience they are like babies & cribs, let them cry and start with very short intervals, make it positive and act or do something else to ignore them. Also make the crate really comfy or put in a a nice blanket.

    They grow to love their crates. We leave them uncrated when we go out and when we return we often find them asleep in their crates. They feel safe & cozy in them.

    0

Suggested Topics

  • AnaA

    Crate training

    Basenji Training
    5
    0 Votes
    5 Posts
    4k Views
    AnaA
    He does only poop in his crate, no urine usually. I am trying to gradually get him to like his crate, but I do think it might be a lost cause. But yesterday I left for about three hours and left him in the kitchen. When I got back, I opened the door and looked down to see not only my cat waiting for me but my dog as well… He found a way to get out of the kitchen and have the run on my apartment. I now know why basenjis are called escape artists. I was happy to find that although he had an accident in the living room, he didn't destroy anything. But I won't count on one time to trust him alone. I am going to stick with the kitchen and try to make sure he can't get out.
  • AnnA

    Crate Guilt

    Basenji Training
    23
    0 Votes
    23 Posts
    8k Views
    nobarkusN
    @Ann: Hi Dan. Thanks for your feedback. Noel will be 5 in November. (I don't know how she spent her first 4 years.) Our fence is 6' so other dogs can't get in…it's her reaction to them that could cause problems. I'm sort of a hyper worrier since Noel has a weak front leg. It was badly broken in December and, when there's squirrel/dog activity around the yard or in the alley behind us, she forgets about her leg and goes into a full run and jump mode. It's great to see her fly over our 2' stone ledge and run the periphery of yard like a guard dog or chase a squirrel back to its tree, but if left outside alone all day there's the potential that she'll overdo it and tire out her leg to the point of pain. I know I'm sounding over-protective...The vet recommends plenty of exercise but in small doses to avoid the fatigue thing. (I'll be posting some queries soon in relation to this!) OK Ann, now I see your dilemma here. This is a tuff one keeping a Basenji still or low activity especially when you're not there. The only other thing you could do is set up a kennel run or large dog pen to reduce the area. see this picture. http://www.seefido.com/html/dog_kennel_runs_pen_fence_.htm
  • Katrina02K

    Crate

    Basenji Training
    4
    0 Votes
    4 Posts
    2k Views
    RedVelvetLynxR
    I have the same story as nobarkus - we moved our first puppy's crate around a few times. Even from a full backyard view to a shared front bay window view (had to make room for B #2), she's always been pretty good. I think as long as the pup understands crate = happy place, you'll be fine with wherever. I used & still use treats. And to my much appreciated surprise, my little crate hater boy has become the model crated B of the 2 - he was soooooo vocal during his first month, but now he just lounges - and now my female is the whiner. :p
  • wrx227wrcW

    Crate Tray

    Basenji Training
    5
    0 Votes
    5 Posts
    3k Views
    wrx227wrcW
    I did, Pat. They are both Midwest and they wanted like $35 for each plus 20 shipping last I checked!! Foster&Smith seems like the cheapest. About $57 for one 36" and one 42" with shipping. Right now I've got George in a crappy old metal one (that has a rusted tray) and Pig is in one with a blanket. I decided I better get new ones just because I don't like him in the rusty one or Pig without a tray. I went to another pet store today and they wanted $40 and $37. Crazy! Thanks for the ideas guys…
  • KebasmomK

    Crate suggestions

    Basenji Training
    4
    0 Votes
    4 Posts
    3k Views
    VanessaV
    @tanza: Do you use a wire crate? I have always used General Cage Crates.. and they have lasted for many, many years… I have ones that are 16 yrs old that are just in great condition. http://www.generalcage.com/Shopping/default.asp?cookie%5Ftest=1 We use wire crates too. The tray in the bottom locks so they can't push it out and its hard to destroy :D
  • Ninabeana26N

    Crate peeing!

    Basenji Training
    11
    0 Votes
    11 Posts
    3k Views
    hdolbowH
    mia only gets water when were there to watch her and take her out about 10-15 minutes later.. whenever shes taken out of the crate she goes straight outside.. and before we put her in we take her out again, whether thats 15 or 20 minutes or an hour. i've quickly learned that water goes RIGHT through them. so taking the water out of the cage should work! she has an occasional accident but not everyday.