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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?

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  • 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

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  • 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

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  • 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

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  • 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.

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  • 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...

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  • 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

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    Also, what if she decides to go see what she can chew on while she waits for you to wake up and let her outside to pee. Oh, there are so many reasons I can think of not to let her free at night, and my Jenny is a pretty good basenji when compared to the descriptions of "typical". Lola is obviously comfortable with the crate, and trying to figure out how to manipulate you ("shaped your behavior" in clicker training lingo) into not crating or leaving her. @Quercus: I think she is just going thru an adjustment period. The most important part is to never let her out of her crate, or pay attention to her when she is screaming in her crate. It is a good sign that she is fussing when you leave, it means that she is bonding with you, and doesn't want you to leave. Keep in mind that it probably wasn't her choice to leave her last family…and she may have some separation anxiety because she is wondering where they went. But no matter how heart wrenching that is, you have to be firm on the rules of no attention when fussing, and not baby her. She will get used to your routine soon. Tell your co workers that all that noise is normal :) I feel your pain! Hang in there! IF you break down and let her out while fussing, you will be reinforcing the fussing behavior. Also you will be strengthening the behavior, thus making it more difficult to extinguish or change. AND if you wait longer and longer (and while the fussing escalates) before breaking down and giving in, you WILL increase the intensity of the fussing. Be strong, breathe deep, use earplugs if necessary, and RELAX. It helps to be cool and aloof about the situation.
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