Destroying our house

[spoiledbabies3]

Originally Posted by Canadianrotti

The crate was put away with her when she was about 1 y/o, but again, every dog is different.

I agree with Michael here...every rottie is different when it comes to gaining their freedom. Samson weaned from crate at 18 mos, Sasha weaned at 13 mos, Moses--high separation anxiety--weaned at 4.5 years (he still occasionally chooses to stay in crate on days he is nervous) and Deja Vu...oh my, I'm not sure she will EVER be weaned from the crate! She is at 11 months and still counting...and for the record, we are no where close to letting her have freedom...She is MUCH too interested in all the things that SHE approves of and MOM doesn't! I have started working with her and we will continue after she turns 1 for short periods of time to see how she does...but holiday decorations are much too distracting for this to be a good time to try anything NEW!

Good luck...

[dogsbydoug]

Originally Posted by bubbles2006

Is there any particular crate I should be looking to buy and what size would you recommend - bearing in mind I dont want to buy one every month with the rate she is growing!!!

Most crates come with a divider panel that can be moved as the pup grows, as well as tips for helping the pup adjust to the crate...

[Canadianrotti]

BTW, I would be wary of a plastic crate. I would spend the extra few $$ and get a good metal folding crate instead. I have seen many distroyed plastic crates sitting at the curb to be taken away over the years, have yet to see a metal one!

[lucinda138]

In response to the orignal post by bubbles2006:
The chewing/scratching/destruction of walls and door frames sounds like separation anxiety. This "diagnosis" is one that gets thrown around way, way too much, but in the destruction of walls and door frame etc. is a red flag. If this is the case your dog really thinks you are never coming back and has the equivalent of a panic attack because she is LOST with out you. It's important to remember that Bubbles is NOT upset with you or trying to get revenge because you are leaving her. She simply can't help it. Some dogs, depending on how severe the case is cannot be crated. My rottie used his teeth to escape a padlocked metal crate even after sucessful crate training. He disregarded his own physical discomfort of breaking a tooth because of his psychological state: sheer terror and panic.

[bubbles2006]

Originally Posted by lucinda138

In response to the orignal post by bubbles2006:
The chewing/scratching/destruction of walls and door frames sounds like separation anxiety. This "diagnosis" is one that gets thrown around way, way too much, but in the destruction of walls and door frame etc. is a red flag. If this is the case your dog really thinks you are never coming back and has the equivalent of a panic attack because she is LOST with out you. It's important to remember that Bubbles is NOT upset with you or trying to get revenge because you are leaving her. She simply can't help it. Some dogs, depending on how severe the case is cannot be crated. My rottie used his teeth to escape a padlocked metal crate even after sucessful crate training. He disregarded his own physical discomfort of breaking a tooth because of his psychological state: sheer terror and panic.

Hello
Thank you for the info
I would love to have some References to help with bubbles
I look forward to hearing from you

[Tywaknya'sBABY]

Even if it is separation anxiety saying that she just can't help it is not going to change anything. Babying this diagnosis will only make it worse. She's still young and you have plenty of time to get her used to the idea. Plus your only gone for 4 HOURS! Come on now.

[AngelBunny]

Originally Posted by lucinda138

The chewing/scratching/destruction of walls and door frames sounds like separation anxiety.

Given the fact the OP's puppy is 6 mo old, SA most likely isn't the cause of Bubbles' destructiveness. It's more likely the high jinks of an underexercised, mentally not stimulated puppy who's thinking up things to do to relieve boredom.

[JaniceH]

In my experience as the dog matures they lose interest, but equally you should also train them not to touch things which you don't want them too, and ensure you don't leave stuff around which may be attractive to them.

Teazle earned her freedom when she was about 15 months. Firstly I left the crate door open and she had the free run of the kitchen, then the kitchen and the hallway and now she has total freedom aprt from one room. I also leave her a stuffed kong and buster cube to keep her occupied and then I think she just sleeps. She is three now.

I agree that you should partition the crate so that there is just enough room for to stand up, turn around and lie comfortably down.

[bubbles2006]

Hi Everyone
I thought I would just give you an update about Bubbles destroying our house
After all your help and advice we purchased a crate for her that night.
The crate has been great, she loves it and our house is still standing
She has been in and out of it happily and even sleeps in it at night.
Again thanks for your help & Keep this great forum going!!!

[trinkit]

I've seen some great advice here on crating your pup. We've been crating ours since we got her and she's accepted it. She sleeps in it at night, as we don't trust her enough to give her free reign of the house yet. We cover it at night with a sheet, so that she knows it's time for bed.

My question of when she will earn free reign has also been answered: each dog is different, so I'll do it in baby steps.

The crate I have is large enough for her to stand up in, turn around and lie down, but should it be large enough for her to s-t-r-e-t-c-h? My husband is considering getting another one and combining them for her to have more room. I'm opposed to that, thinking that if it's too large, she will also mess in it. What are the thoughts here?