Skip to content
Basenji Forums
  1. Home
  2. Basenji Training
  3. Wrestling in the crate

Wrestling in the crate

Basenji Training
  • PujiP

    Our boy Charlie (now 16 months old) has been getting to know his baby sister Lexi (now 4 months old) for the past month and a half. In general, all is going well. Though he can get grumpy and short with her, he can also be very gentle and 'motherly' with her, too. The past week, I've noticed that they sometimes take their wrestling sessions into her crate… picture Lexi on her back, wriggling and pounding her little paws into big brother Charlie... Charlie snarling and bearing down. I'm not concerned when they're doing this on the rug or out in the yard, but I wonder if her crate should be her safe zone, where she can go to get away from Charlie if she wants. Should I intervene, or just let them sort it out?

    0
  • S

    I would also be interested in the info the forum has to share…
    I don't crate, but this issue has come up in rescue, so I need to learn...

    Sharron Hurlbut

    BRAT, basenji rescue

    Evergreen basenji club

    Seattle Purebred Dog Rescue

    0
  • tanzaT

    @Puji:

    Our boy Charlie (now 16 months old) has been getting to know his baby sister Lexi (now 4 months old) for the past month and a half. In general, all is going well. Though he can get grumpy and short with her, he can also be very gentle and 'motherly' with her, too. The past week, I've noticed that they sometimes take their wrestling sessions into her crate… picture Lexi on her back, wriggling and pounding her little paws into big brother Charlie... Charlie snarling and bearing down. I'm not concerned when they're doing this on the rug or out in the yard, but I wonder if her crate should be her safe zone, where she can go to get away from Charlie if she wants. Should I intervene, or just let them sort it out?

    Her crate should for sure (IMO) be her safe place…

    Pat Fragassi

    Tanza Basenjis

    www.tanzabasenjis.net

    0
  • QuercusQ

    As a general rule, I don't crate dogs together. There are some instances where it can be a saving grace (Jazzysmom?). And sometimes if we are going somewhere with all the dogs in the van I will double up for a short ride.

    I am too worried that a serious fight might erupt with no one there to intervene.

    In this case, it sounds like you are there, and the play is just happening in the crate? Unless it looks like Lexi wants to be getting away, I wouldn't worry about it…usually it is the adult dog that wants to get away. But it never hurts to keep the crate off limits until it is time to go in...kinda builds the mystery and suspense of the good stuff that happens in the crate. If you think that Charlie is being too rough, and she needs a break, then I would definitely intervene.

    Andrea Walters

    Quercus Basenjis

    NW Ohio

    0
  • JazzysMomJ

    @Quercus:

    As a general rule, I don't crate dogs together. There are some instances where it can be a saving grace (Jazzysmom?).

    Yes, in the large wire crate togetherness saved our sanity. HOWEVER, when I tried putting them together in the smaller plastic crates, Jazzy was NOT happy and there was much bickering so I stopped.

    0
  • PujiP

    @Quercus:

    In this case, it sounds like you are there, and the play is just happening in the crate? Unless it looks like Lexi wants to be getting away, I wouldn't worry about it…

    Yes, I'm around when they're out of their crates, and sometimes they take their play sessions into either his or her crate. They do each have their own crates, but sometimes Lexi wanders into his and vice versa throughout the day. I make sure they sleep and eat in their own crates though - Charlie can be too grumpy when he's tired or hungry, and I think a conflict would be very possible if they were to be in the same small space for eating/sleeping.

    It's hard to tell if Lexi wants to get away from Charlie when they're wrestling in her crate. It looks like usual play, except she can't escape him. I suppose she'd scream or something if she were distressed…

    I like the idea of keeping their crates closed while they're out and about in the house - building the mystery and special status of the crate, as you say. But that prevents them from seeking refuge in their own 'bedrooms'... not that they've done that so far, though...

    0
  • ComicDom1C

    Our dogs do wander in and out of each other crates. They will even lay down in the others crates. Having said that, I am of the opinion that each dogs individual crate should be their own safe place. I know our Boston uses hers as a place to retreat when she does not wish to be bothered by the Basenji or just senses she needs to be out of the way.

    Roo our Basenji actually seems to respect that and will usually leave her be. Of course her crate is smaller so it would be difficult for both of them to be in it at once.

    Jason

    Get your Basenji Fanconi DNA tested today!

    https://secure.offa.org/dnatesting/index.html

    0

Suggested Topics

  • E

    Crate training

    Basenji Training
    38
    0 Votes
    38 Posts
    8k Views
    elbrantE
    @sanjibasenji said in Crate training: I have much respect for that accumulated knowledge, but, not to sound rude, that does not make that person a certified or licensed trainer. I actually was offended by what you posted. You said you respect the knowledge, but disregard it because they aren't a "certified or licensed trainer"? These are well-intentioned breeders who volunteer to engage with others on the Forum in an attempt to educate and celebrate this amazing dog breed. They share their knowledge. You don't have to agree with them. Offer your opinion and move on. Please don't suggest that their opinion, experience, and education isn't valid because they aren't "certified" or "licensed". Your overall intent screams that you believe yourself to be better than the rest of us: "I'm a scientist with a PhD." Which puts the rest of us beneath you? In education and social stature? You couldn't know about anyone's socioeconomic status, educational achievements, or expertise on any subject. But you deemed to think it was appropriate to put us in our place. And that, was rude. Even the analogy you offered is an indication that you don't value anyone who doesn't have a degree. Frankly, if you are hearing conflicting opinions about the same piece of art, get a third opinion. The person with the degree may have just scraped by with a C+, while the person who devoted decades may have been under the tutelage of a Master Artist. And really, if you are planning to purchase such a prized piece of Art, shouldn't you educate yourself so you can make an intelligent decision instead of allowing others to tell you what to buy? As an aside: The original YouTube link remains, but we certainly do not need her entire catalog of videos. Sharing information is one thing, advertising for someone is another. I would hope that you understand that not everything you see online is true. Including claims to be an expert, certified, trained, Dr., etc., etc. Lots of people in the world are just selling a story.
  • E

    Crate training

    Basenji Training
    9
    0 Votes
    9 Posts
    4k Views
    ZandeZ
    Exactly as it should be ! Happiness well deserved :grinning_face:
  • dmeyD

    Crate size?

    Basenji Training
    12
    0 Votes
    12 Posts
    5k Views
    dmeyD
    I think I will buy a wire crate also. LIked that the plastic ones are more "den" like , but like you said I can just put a blanket at night… Thanks
  • DiegosMomD

    Pooping in crate!

    Basenji Training
    47
    0 Votes
    47 Posts
    22k Views
    wrx227wrcW
    Piggy only has problems pooping when she gets panicky too. For example if we leave her home in a crate and someone comes in the house but doesn't come down to see her or let her out she will do it. We can't put anything in her crate or she shreds it, we tried everything. For a while I was even buying fleece baby blankets at the dollar store and tossing them if she pooped. We gave up on that after a while. The mess was terrible, so I can relate to hours of cleanup… by the time you get her cleaned up and the crate. We did some desensitizing and left for short periods like I described before, and that helped a lot. My friend that has a B went to the vet about her anxiety, hers would cry incessantly, and they actually gave her meds, prozac I think, for it. I think she tried it, but didn't think it worked enough to do it. Sounded crazy to me. It hasn't happened in a while so we have been lucky. She has come to terms with her crate now and will once in a while go hang out in it by choice, so I know she doesn't hate it. Have you tried one of those snuggle buddy things? I wonder if you could find some way to protect it if Darwin had an accident. Best of luck and lots of patience!
  • B

    Water in crate?

    Basenji Training
    6
    0 Votes
    6 Posts
    3k Views
    B
    @etzbseder: Yeah, I guess I'm still just thinking about the heat. I know it gets really hot inside my room at my parents, and then Medjai does really need water. If you have good AC, or it's not that hot, they could be fine. Our house has great AC and is very comfortable. Thanks for the comments.
  • Ninabeana26N

    Crate peeing!

    Basenji Training
    11
    0 Votes
    11 Posts
    4k 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.