Skip to content
Basenji Forums
  1. Home
  2. Basenji Talk
  3. Crate and Bitter Apple?

Crate and Bitter Apple?

Basenji Talk
  • A

    I'm back, looking for more advice…

    My 16-week-old puppies are adapting to their crates, but still go through freak-out episodes occasionally, where they bite their crates (wire mesh types).

    I noticed today when I was looking at their permanent teeth that are coming in along the front that some of their baby teeth seem chipped or broken (the longer canines and ones on the bottom). Not badly, but just a little uneven. Could this be from their crate antics? I am tempted to rub some Bitter Apple on the wires so that they will stop biting the crates. I keep thinking of Oakley's mom writing that he chipped several teeth before he made friends with his crate. However, the Bitter Apple seems like it would be upsetting to them on their crates if it is something that they can smell.

    Any input is welcome. I should say that I recorded them today when I left the house for 20 minutes. By 2.5 minutes they were quiet, with only little episodes of whining now and then. They started up again when they heard me opening our front gate. Tomorrow I am going to see what happens when I take one on a walk, leaving the other here (which I end up doing when I have the time for sequential walks, as walking them together is still a nightmare at times).

    0
  • Chealsie508C

    That's a tough one…as I can tell you remember...unfortunately in my case he chipped one of his long adult canines lengthwise and it accumulates plaque so much easier! I have to be extra diligent in brushing but am greatful he didn't lose it completely! As always with everything Oakley- I worry about it often...
    Back on topic: do you notice any pattern to the times when they do freak out? Can you tell it happens more often when they aren't worn out fully? Do you notice one initiates and the other follows? My advice is to watch for patterns, feed in crates, make the crate part of daily training routine and build ways for them to associate crate with calm...all easier said than done (clearly..lol) some may say toys but I could have left bologna in the crate and 7 hours later it would be there... Adult teeth will hopefully be stronger..although I don't have proof of that, and I don't think the bitter apple would deter the behavior because it's not a determination to chew but rather acting out and panicking thus engaging the behavior.
    Good luck

    "I know I've found the breed for me because he totally turns my life upside down and I love it!"

    0
  • tanzaT

    Baby teeth can be rough and seemingly ragged…. most likely not from the crate wires, IMO.

    Pat Fragassi

    Tanza Basenjis

    www.tanzabasenjis.net

    0
  • D

    Would travel style crates-the plastic ones be a better choice?

    Jennifer

    0
  • N

    I swear by Kennel Aire crates. The 1 inch squares would make it harder to get his mouth in there to chew on the wires.

    0
  • Chealsie508C

    I tried travel crates as well, once I came home to blood everywhere in the kennel, even the roof, he cut his lip and paw…in the end they ended up taking an hour to clean...I think he got freaked out he couldn't see out on top of the anxiety....just my experience

    "I know I've found the breed for me because he totally turns my life upside down and I love it!"

    0

Suggested Topics

  • A

    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.
  • N

    Crating Question

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

    Why I Use Crates

    Basenji Talk
    24
    0 Votes
    24 Posts
    14k Views
    agilebasenjiA
    Interestingly enough, there has recently been a discussion about crates on the CleanRun list. CR is working on obtaining some high end crates to sell. Everything CR sells is tested by the CR staff. I am not sure how they are going to crash test these crates, but I am anxious to see them. I have a feeling they may be the solid metal (Al?) crates I've seen that are VERY expensive, but we'll seel I have used Kennel Aire crates in my van for years. Why Kennel Aire? http://www.newworldbasenjis.net/kennelaire.htm I also like that the KA crates have one inch squares. That makes it harder to suck things into the crate. @tanza: The problem being the Basenji that chews through the seat belt harness in 30seconds or less. So hence the muzzle Yep, I happen to know for a fact that one of the most expensive things on a 73 VW bug is the seatbelt! For those having problems with getting your dog in a crate, I believe Susan Garrett's Crate Games talks about that. I think it's at the end of the dvd.
  • S

    What size Crate?!?

    Basenji Talk
    18
    0 Votes
    18 Posts
    10k Views
    jonny b.J
    MY BAD. i was looking at the plastic , not the wire. there are no prices on them…
  • S

    Crate size

    Basenji Talk
    16
    0 Votes
    16 Posts
    17k Views
    rnastoR
    Indy has a "Large" size wire crate from walmart. We decked it out with a king size comforter, two fleece blankets, and a life size "puppy" stuffed animal. Then we throw in a deer antler and two of his favorite stuffed toys and tell him to have at it. So far no problems. The other cool thing about this crate is that dh made him a "deck" ontop. We put the kennel next to the couch so he can climb up the top and onto the deck. He hangs out there and looks out the window all day long sometimes. When he was younger we put the divider in, but once he showed us that he knew pottying in his crate was not ok we just let him have all the room. So far so good.
  • ELERICKSON40E

    Switching crates

    Basenji Talk
    5
    0 Votes
    5 Posts
    2k Views
    ELERICKSON40E
    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!!