Skip to content

Switching crates

Basenji Talk
  • Hey everyone, I would like to get some input from all of you. We are switching Trixies crate to a bigger one and I wanted to get some ideas on how to make this transition easier on her. Change really seems to freak her out but the current one she is using is getting small and she is in it during the day while we are at work. (Don't quite trust her yet with no supervision) We do have a bigger crate and I want to switch her into it but I don't want to totally stress her out. Any input would be appreciated.

  • I don't know if this will help if you already have the bigger crate, but our wire crates came with dividers. You can then gradually give them more space.

  • No I am the dummy that bought her from a pet store (would'nt trade her for the world) but we received the crate from the pet store. We have a bigger crate because we have a bigger dog that never uses it so I wanted to switch her. I guess we will just have to give it a try and see how she does. Don't get me wrong she can still move around in her smaller one but I just wanted to give her more room. If it stresses her out to much I will just put her back in the smaller one.

  • Just put things that have familiar smells to her in the crate. Try using the crate when you're home without closing the door at first. Give her some treats in there or maybe even a nice rawhide in there. Put cool toys in there a comfy bed. I would even try putting one of your t-shirts in there so she can feel at ease with the new crate.

    If she's shown anxiety over change before do this gradually over a period of like a month or so depending on how she progresses.

  • Thanks, that is a good idea. She has a comfy bed and lots of blankets. Althogh as I have said before when she gets out of the crate everything has to come out with her. I will try setting everything up in the big crate and leave the door open. Thanks!!

Suggested Topics

  • When to stop crate training

    Basenji Talk
    4
    0 Votes
    4 Posts
    3k Views
    DebraDownSouthD
    It depends. I've never had to crate another breed forever, but my one basenji would get destructive if left alone.. the 2nd one would pee on my bed. So crating it was. However, I'm home so they were rarely crated. My current basenji is fine loose as long as she's alone. So like they said, do it slow, confine to an area that is safe and see how it works out. But if you need to keep crating, most dogs sleep far more than people.. up to 17 hrs a day. Just exercise before and lots after so they aren't bored.
  • Peeing in crate

    Basenji Talk
    8
    0 Votes
    8 Posts
    3k Views
    A
    No, Pat - she had them separated for at least 2.5 weeks (maybe longer). I don't take him out immediately when I see he has peed, because often he is sleeping - I put him in his crate and don't watch him, but go about my business or leave the house for a short time, then when I return, he has peed. Or, he does it when one of us comes down to let him out in the morning or in the middle of the night. I think I was wrong with what I said before about it being a longer time after feeding that he pees (or maybe it is just sometimes) - tonight, I fed him in his crate with no bedding, so I could observe what happened. Sure enough, 3 minutes after eating, he pees. I did remove him, mop it up, put in clean bedding, then put him back in, where he curled up and went to sleep. Should I consider feeding him out of his crate for now? ANY suggestions are really welcome. His sister is doing great with housebreaking. They are both incredibly easy to train on everything else - 5 minutes with a clicker today and they run and jump in their beds at the command "place." I don't notice any of the littermate codependence stuff - being very vigilant. We can separate them with no problem - walk them separately, train them separately (and together). They like to be with us as much or more as with each other. This housebreaking thing is my biggest anxiety right now. Keep any suggestions/advice coming… Please. Thanks in advance.
  • Escaping from crate!

    Basenji Talk
    11
    0 Votes
    11 Posts
    5k Views
    N
    The only thing I have found that will hold Corin is a Kennel-Aire Commander crate, because it has 1 inch squares on all 6 sides. The new Kennel-Aires have larger sqaures on the bottom, and he has figured out how to slide the tray out and get out the bottom of the crate.
  • Crating Question

    Basenji Talk
    13
    0 Votes
    13 Posts
    4k Views
    T
    it's such a blessing on the weekends!
  • Crating Question

    Basenji Talk
    9
    0 Votes
    9 Posts
    3k Views
    rnastoR
    The only reasons I would not crate little bs with big bs is (1) I don't want any fighting so you would have to play that one by ear (2) If the little one potties in the crate accidentally the big b has to suffer too. But I only have 1 so thats all I could think of
  • Oh, I forgot to crate you up?

    Basenji Talk
    27
    0 Votes
    27 Posts
    15k Views
    B
    Thank you JoeyQ for getting this thread back on topic :) Not that puppy mill/responsible breeding isn't a good thread… :p and there might be one on this very forum. Nice to see so many Basenjis that go against (somewhat) the stereo-types. I feel lucky because Jenny was a 7 month old shelter dog - stray - and really must have had a good upbringing because she has always been very handle-able (one of my friends picked her up and stacked her show dog style the first time he met her) and really only fussed (like the dickens!) in the crate the first night or two. I would remind those who are having difficulty crating: your emotions are a factor in how your dog reacts and adapts. The stress of hearing their cries, and worse, often puts an owner on edge enough to subtly (and often not so subtly to most dogs) encourage the behavior. Earplugs help.:o