May 20, 2011
My dog has has SEVERE separation anxiety, and has begun chewing the wires off of his crate. Can you tell me whether your customers are having success with aluminum crates?
Full Question:
Mr. Frawley: I have read your website (very helpful!) and am considering an aluminum crate for my adopted dog of 4 weeks. Shaggy is a 6-yr old, male beagle mix shelter dog, and is very well behaved (he listens, does not need much discipline, heels nicely, barks like a normal dog). However, he does have SEVERE separation anxiety, and has begun chewing the wires off of his crate, to the point of near escape (and scrapes to his snout and forehead). He previously damaged my kitchen doors trying to escape when he was allowed free roam of the kitchen during my absences.I need a safe, secure crate while I undergo some behavioral training for Shaggy. Before I invest $600 in an aluminum crate, can you tell me whether your customers are having success with dogs who can chew their way out of the usual 12 gauge wire crates available at the pet stores? I realize nothing is perfect, but could use some data on how well your crates are holding up under such circumstances.
Thank you so much,
John
Cindy's Answer:
There are a couple of points here.
The metal crates are secure. Dogs are not going to chew their way out of them. But with this said, if a dog is really goofy they will still try and dig and scratch their way out. If they try long enough they can cut their feet up. This has nothing to do with the crate. It has to do with a dog that's crazy to get out.
With that said, what often works very well is a no-bark collar on these dogs. When they get all worked up they whine and growl or bark. Getting stimulation from a bark collar causes them to settle in the crate. I have literally recommended this on hundreds of dogs and it works.
So maybe you want to try a muzzle and a bark collar first. Use the wire basket muzzles we sell. Dogs seem to accept them more than other muzzles. You need to make sure the muzzle is secure.
DON’T USE A CLOTH MUZZLE they restrict breathing and cause the dog to go into a higher level of anxiety.
If you still feel you need an aluminum crate we have a wide variety, and your right they are expensive. But then you will never buy another crate for a dog again if you have one.
Kind Regards,
Ed
The metal crates are secure. Dogs are not going to chew their way out of them. But with this said, if a dog is really goofy they will still try and dig and scratch their way out. If they try long enough they can cut their feet up. This has nothing to do with the crate. It has to do with a dog that's crazy to get out.
With that said, what often works very well is a no-bark collar on these dogs. When they get all worked up they whine and growl or bark. Getting stimulation from a bark collar causes them to settle in the crate. I have literally recommended this on hundreds of dogs and it works.
So maybe you want to try a muzzle and a bark collar first. Use the wire basket muzzles we sell. Dogs seem to accept them more than other muzzles. You need to make sure the muzzle is secure.
DON’T USE A CLOTH MUZZLE they restrict breathing and cause the dog to go into a higher level of anxiety.
If you still feel you need an aluminum crate we have a wide variety, and your right they are expensive. But then you will never buy another crate for a dog again if you have one.
Kind Regards,
Ed
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