How did he do that???

[glowworm3980]

Some how my 13 month old male Wotan has found a way to get himself out of the kennel that we leave him in when we goto work. I don't know how he does it. My wife came home one day and he was standing on the steps. He has never been left out alone before with fear of him tearing the house apart. But suprisingly he didn't tear anything up. Do you all have an idea of how he's doing this. The door is closed securly and all the bolts are tighten down. So I have no clue. We're coming up in two months to move back to the states from Germany and I don't want him breaking out on the plane. Thanks!!!

[lilabet]

What kind of crate is it? I am assuming it is a plastic one like a Vari-Kennel since it will be used on a plane?

[glowworm3980]

Yep, it's a Veri-Kennel. That's the only kind that we have over here. Is that not a good one to use? But, is there and escape button in there that I don't know about, LoL??

[tla0126]

I suppose the only thing you can do is get in the kennel yourself and have your wife lock you in it and see if you can get out. Hahaha. Just kidding. Wow, what a problem. Do you happen to have a video camera? Maybe set it up and see how the little sneak does it? My Samson has gotten out of his kennel, but it is all wire, I don't know how your Houdini is doing it! Good luck!

[jlhnokc]

I would set up a video camera, then you'll know...You may need to put some thing strong wrapped around the crate...

[Leige]

Yea I had the same problem one time. Put my Zeke in his crate and came home 3 hrs later and there he was laying on the landing.I said now how in the heck did you get out...So after evaluating the crate itself I came to conclusions that I did not slide the lever type dead bolt latch into the loop hole locations missing both of them completely. It was very easy to overlook this. Fortunately he was a good boy and did not destroy nothing. I double check every time I crate him now...

[cerulean]

For the airlines, I have heard this recommendation:
to get a few pieces of nylon cable tie (for electrical cables, sometimes called nytie or ziptie.... available at hardware stores) and zip it through the kennel and wire grate. (you might have to drill a small hole in the kennel).
They do make a very heavy duty one, about a quarter-inch wide. We use it for securing anchors in stormy weather, I think it could withstand the dog's chewing.
As an added bonus, no one could let the dog out without you knowing, because the only way to get the cable off is to cut it with wire cutters. Tough stuff.

[lengel]

Originally Posted by cerulean

As an added bonus, no one could let the dog out without you knowing, because the only way to get the cable off is to cut it with wire cutters. Tough stuff.

The airlines might not allow that though. There are so many rules these days about being able to remove a dog for kenneling if the flight is delayed or if there is a layover, etc.

It sounds like it's a slide bolt. Really smart, puzzle solving dogs figure this one out from inside the crate. The idea of the zip tie is really good but I think it needs to be something that people can undo. Our professional kennel uses slide bolts with a mechanism on the end that you have to flip up before the bolt can slide back. It's a two-handed procedure. I would suggest that you think like a dog. Maybe some kind of wire twist tie on the slide bolt that requires opposable thumb action before the bolt can slide back? You might want to call the airlines. They have probably seen it all.

[CleasMommy]

My 95 pound rottie escaped from her wire kennel once, I was SHOCKED! But what I later discovered it that I didn't completely secure the bottom latch on the door and she was able to squeeze out the bottom part of the door with the top still attached! So now I always make sure they are both securely latched, she definetly could have gotten stuck and that wouldn't have been good!

[glowworm3980]

I will try to set up the video camera some time this week and see how he does it. If I get it on tape I will post it to let you all see how he works his magic. I'll have to check with the airlines to see what the rules are on the zip ties.

[poohbearsmom]

There are companies that make custom aluminum crates. If you aren't travelling for a while, you might check into these companies. As well, sometimes you can get a "deal" on them (they're quite expensive, but worth it if your dog has a crowbar in his pocket) if someone's ordered one and not followed through with buying it.

These dog crates are very sturdy, and will contain even the most imaginative beastie.

Here's a link to one manufacturer: Single Dog Crates

[glowworm3980]

Wow those crates are expensive They do look sturdy though. I will have to save up on that one. I plan on trying to video tape him on Friday when I'm home and see how he does it. Maybe that will give me a cheaper alternative. Thanks a lot though!!

[poohbearsmom]

Originally Posted by glowworm3980

Wow those crates are expensive They do look sturdy though. I will have to save up on that one. I plan on trying to video tape him on Friday when I'm home and see how he does it. Maybe that will give me a cheaper alternative. Thanks a lot though!!

Well, you can compare the cost of one of those crates to the cost of a real expensive vet bill, new household furnishings, or a new dog if he kills himself trying to escape from the crate he has. Yes, they're expensive, but safe containment is a must. We usually go through varikennels and wire crates on a regular basis, or at least parts of them (doors, cracked plastic, crate pans, etc...). I'm seriously thinking about one of the double dog crates for the vehicle. Much safer if there's a crash.

At least make sure he's collarless while in his crate now, so he doesn't choke himself.

[glowworm3980]

That's true. It would be cheaper and less of a worry with these crates than worring if he's going to hurt himself.

[Nishasmom]

Did you get the video? I am so interested in knowing how he got out!