Help with an escape artist!!

[R&Gsmom]

Duncan has always been an escape artist from his crate. It seemd like no matter how I tied up the door he would manage to SOMEHOW squeeze that fat head of his out!

Before this didn't bother me as much because he was respectful and didn't do anything too bad when he got out. BUT lately he breaks out at night and will open the cabinet that the trash is kept in to spread it all over the kitchen, then go break into the diaper genie for dessert. Trust me cleaning up that mess at 6:00 am is not FUN!!!

His crate is one of the metal wire ones that fold up. I'd rather not move it to the basement or seclude him somewhere since I want his haven to be somewhere that he can access during the day just to lie down and whatnot.

Any suggestions besides going out and buying a Varikennel?
Thanks!

[Judi W]

Get a bunch of snap hooks and put them all around the door (two on each side) and in strategic places at the hinges. It was a mistake to "not mind" him letting himself out so now you'll need to use better fastening.

[sophie's-mom]

Those black ZIP TIES also work really well. That's what I have on my dog's wire crates.

You can get them at the hardware store in the electrical department........50 of them for about $3.00

You won't be able to fold the crate down without taking them all off but he won't be able to get out and you can't even SEE them!

[samanthac]

Originally Posted by Judi W

Get a bunch of snap hooks and put them all around the door (two on each side) and in strategic places at the hinges. It was a mistake to "not mind" him letting himself out so now you'll need to use better fastening.

In the beginning snap hooks and a drop pin crate were the only things that could keep Athena in...she even figured out how to undue the door latches from the inside of the crate. The snap hooks worked very well. Put two each across the top of each side, front and back, two along the all four sides top and bottom and two to secure the door. I also put two along the bottom front...the "floor" and the bottom of the front panel...at one point she figured out how to slide her crate pan out, tip the crate and pop the bottom off the crate. We used to call her Houdini...any wonder.

That should hold her!

[GatorCH]

Just had to add what a good chuckle I got out of this (finally)! Yes, those clips work wonders and saved what little sanity I have left.

[RottiMomCT]

Holly - I have a TON of snap hooks here - I'll bring 'em with me on Saturday ...try those and if they don't work I don't know what will! Kept Kenya in her crate when she wanted out!

I put TWELVE hooks all around the door to keep the door closed, put three across the top at each end to keep her from folding the ends down to get out...crafty girl she was when she wanted out of the crate...

As for the cabinet the trash is in - put a lock on that as well, and keep the diaper genie out of his reach!

[Colbydog]

I had the same problem with the same type of crate. I put a padlock at the top, and one at the bottom. Colby still tried to push his way out, causing his nose to get scraped up. Finaly I put soft blankets, and a pillow in there, and he must have just wanted to be more comfortable because he hasn't had a problem since. When I go to him now, he is just chilling in there, happy as could be.

[R&Gsmom]

I wish that was my problem! But he has a really soft squishy bed in there as well as toys, a water bottle, ect.

I'm thinking of trying some carabiners (the little clippy things for rock climbing - I don't know if I spelled that correct!) On the sides and top and bottom.

Thanks!

[Judi W]

Use snap hooks instead. Carabiners are handy but not for this purpose. The opening is too big and will allow too much movement. A snap hook will be just big enough to meet the two edges without allowing the opening to be pushed a couple of inches like a carabiner.

[HarleyOwner]

Ahh yes..escape artists.

I would come home, harley would be sitting at the door waiting for me with his usual pile of poop somewhere. talk about frustrating. Not to mention the long gashes he had on his side from squeezing out of the cage.

2 snap rings later..one from his leash and one from an old leash right next to the locking pins and he cant get out anymore..and the worst part about it..is that the first time when he got the gash..the locking pin snaped back into where it should be..talk about a real head scratcher..i am like the cage is locked up tight how did he get out..

the second time the lower one was sprung and the upper one was latched tight..and i knew how he got out and why he was scraped up..

[R&Gsmom]

Thanks everyone! I was dreading having to spend another $100 or so on a Varikennel!!!

He already put a very nice tear in my travel crate side. I had gone to a large rescue event that was in a field. Well got everything set up and decided to take the baby down to the information table to get some bug spray. I put Duncan in the crate which he always loved and had no problem with (one of those lightweight ones that they use at shows all canvas and screen sides) and went to the table. Next thing I know I hear people yelling that there was a rottweiler loose!! I look around and here comes Duncan trotting up to me all happy as hell that he had found me! I get back to the crate and there is a LARGE slash in the side.

Sometimes you just have to laugh!
Thanks again!

[Judi W]

The nylon crates should only be used with dogs that are comfortably crate trained. Take it to a tent shop and get it repaired and put it away saving it for a dog that understands crating manners.

[samanthac]

I have to admit those nylon crates scare me with big dogs...even crate trained ones.

[Judi W]

I have them and use them, but have dogs that are comfortably crate trained. They've been in crates at shows and classes all their lives and are totally comfortable. The only thing I've found is that if it is really windy, your crate could leave home while you are in the ring - at those locations, I take a wire.

[samanthac]

I have seen one rolling across the ground at a show...the dog in it decided to take chase of anther dog. It was amusing but scary at the same time.

I guess I am not actually scared of the crates themselevs , but rather of people who SAY their dogs are crate trained, but are not really reliably so.

I guess I am too much of a cynic these days.