I recently (11/29/02) adopted out a long term foster dog who was on a 30ft tie out and had free access to his roofed kennel area.

The family who adopted the dog is following instructions of keeping the dog on leash within the house teathered to them (I emphasize the first two weeks of this instruction for any new house dog)and use of a crate.

In follow up; the dog is doing great with the exception of crating during their gone to work time. At night; the dog is quiet and sleeps thru out the night..no problems. The wife works 1st shift and the hubby works 2nd shift. During the time the hubby left and the wife came home; the dog had destroyed his blanket, rocked and moved the crate the past two days (even with "weight on it" and tore up a throw rug and carpet within his teeth reach.

I have surmissed this to be a temporary adjustment problem and have suggested they take the blanket out during this gone to work time, give the dog a new chewy and/or stuffed kong to occupy his time and to move the crate to an area of less possible teeth reach destruction.

Is there anything else I could offer to them as advice?

How long is the dog in the crate? You have to make the crate a fun place for the dog (no stress). Put him in his crate for 5-10 minutes at a time about a dozen times a day. Give him some treats to get him in there. If he likes to play with a ball, send him into the crate, make him down and wait a few seconds and then toss his favorite ball and let him get it. After his is comfortable with this, start to increase his time in the crate. While you are eating dinner, put him in the crate, then as soon as you finish, take him out of the crate and for a walk or some OB training. Make going into and coming out of the crate a positive experience for the dog.
Hope this helps,
Brandon

Can they put the crate in a corner of a room with some kind of solid furniture (that can’t be chewed) on the other side so it is anchored and can’t be rocked? As for chewing the blanket inside, I am very sure it is separation anxiety, which usually happens within the first 20 minutes of being alone in the create. Try a large Kong full of peanut butter or some kind of treat that takes some time to get at and to finish off. My GSD shredded and destroyed all types of blankets, for some reason she didn’t bother with towels. She got very good in the crate once she decided it was a good thing. When she would see me reach for the cupboard where her treats were kept, she’d run like mad to her crate and seem quite content to see me go. The two main things I think are: lots of treats in the crate – to associate it with a good thing, and something to keep him busy for that first 20 minutes after they leave. I think these things will help with the rocking and chewing.

Originally; the adoptors stated the dog is crated at night with no problems. It's the day time "gone to work for 8 hours" or when they leave in the evening for a short while...

Now..the rest of their story surfaces after a 11PM frantic call to me last night.

The crate was moved to a bathroom area. The dog destroyed the metal crate and got out. When they came home; they found the dog bleeding from the mouth, nose scraped and laying quietly on "his" couch. Nothing in the house was touched. The following day (yesterday) after a day of hiking and play with the dog; the couple went out for a few hours and locked the dog in the bathroom. When they arrived home; they found they no longer had a bathroom door and the dog was once again a bloody mess but was laying quietly on "his" couch. Nothing in the house was touched.

Initially; my response was purchase another crate that is superior in construction. The adoptors feared the dog would cause further injury to himself. I kinda agreed..it was possible.

I also suggested an outdoor/garage kennel..but.. that didn't go over either with them..fearful of the dog getting out and lost or worse hit by a car. They stated over and over..they love this dog and want to make things work.

In my experiences over the years; I have run across a few dogs who could not tolerate the crate when left alone and those dogs behaved similar to this dog. When these few dogs were permitted to have the freedom of the house; their house manners were superior and proved trustworthy. I've advised them; but hesitently....well..give the dog the benefit of the doubt and give him the freedom of the house. But..be prepared..take everything away from window "look out" areas to give the dog view of the outside, pull back the curtains and pull up the shades. Been there..done that!

Any other thoughts?

Yes, for starters try and make multiple short tries at leaving the dog out. I have seen dogs that after they have "escaped" don't create any problems, but let out have to get their destruction in before going to calmly sitting on "their couch".