About nicole damphouse Expertise I am not a veterinarian but I know a lot about dogs,hamsters,and a little bit about fishes.For dogs I know about feeding charts,sicknesses and illnesses,exercise,seizures and general dog care.For hamsters I know feeding charts,sicknesses and illnesses,exercise,when to clean the hutch,health care and different breeds.For fish I know from experience on feeding charts,and breeds.
Experience My experience is from my own pets and my parents who know alot about animals.
Question Hi,
Last week I adopted a doxie/terrier 2 year old male dog from the animal shelter in a neighboring town. He is gentle, friendly, and cuddly when I am with him. However, the first few days I let him have the run of the house when I left. He has damaged the miniblind in the living room, the two miniblinds in the kitchen, and one miniblind behind the dryer. I had considered replacing the miniblinds anyway at some point. He jumped on my kitchen counters to reach the miniblind that is over the kitchen sink. I don't know how he got up there unless he was just so panicked that he jumped that high. He is not much bigger than a standard doxie. Besides the blinds, he has broken two figurines and a vase that Mama gave me. I did not scold him for any of this because I was not home when any of this happened and I knew it would be useless to scold him. He would not know what I was talking about. He has not broken anything that cannot be replaced so far. This week I called the vet and asked her what suggestions that she had for me to deal with this behavior. She said that she had none because this was a behavior issue. She further said that I should put Doodles in a crate when I had to leave. This is what I have done and he seems to be getting used to the crate, but I think it's so cruel to put him the crate. On the other hand I realize that I can't let him run free in the house while I am gone. One of my questions is: is there anything that I could do to reassure him that I am not every going to abandon him. He was found abandoned and starved when the animal control officer found him walking along the highway. I just don't understand how anyone can abandon an animal! He and I love each other very much already although I have had him only a short time. Is there a way I can teach Doodles that I will always be there for him? Also how long should I leave him in the crate? He is two years old.
Answer Hi Jeannie!
First of all, let me assure you that crate training is not cruel. Quite the contrary. Dogs have a "denning instinct" and feel secure in a den. The dog considers the crate as a "den" and go there automatically when they are tired or just want to be alone.
Many dogs who are used to being crated (such as your dog who was caged when he was at the animal shelter) feel stressed out if they are left alone, and unconfined in a house. This can explain some of his destructive behavior.
At 2 years old, it is safe to crate your dog for up to 6 hours. be sure to take him for a walk just before crating and immediately upon your return home.
It deson't sound as though your dog has Separation Anxiety. It sounds as though your dog is fine with being crated, but you are assigning him the human emotion of feeling abandoned, since you do not sound comfortable with the concept of crate training.
If the dog is not crying or making a fuss when crated, then you making a fuss over leaving him can actually create problems. Inadvertently, you can condition him into making the very fuss you're fearing.
If your dog is crying or making a fuss when you crate him, here's what to do:
Plan to introduce your dog to the crate with several short sessions. The first time in his crate he may cry or try to dig out. Ignore any behavior like that. Do not let him out. Any attention you give will only teach him to continue such behavior. Instead, go about your regular business until he quiets down and accepts the situation. Then take him out for a while. After a short time, put him back in the crate for another brief training session.
Repeat these sessions several times. Your dog will learn that you will always let him out of his crate when you decide, not when he fusses. Ideally, these introductory sessions should be in the same room you plan to keep his crate in permanently -- be it the kitchen, utility room, living room, or bedroom. Dogs really don't like to be isolated from their family, so a corner of a frequently used room is a good place for a crate.
Many people leave a radio or TV on for their dog when they leave the house. The “white noise effect” does seem to have a soothing effect and thus may have some redeeming features. Think of it this way; any lilting/melodic sound (not “heavy metal”) or even just background gibberish is probably better than the sound of silence or a clock ticking on the mantelpiece. Most animals seem to prefer seeing images of other animals or nature programs.
Some of the best visual enrichment that a “home alone dog” can enjoy is the “real TV” experience of observing the world outside through a window with a panoramic view.
Keep in mind that “A tired dog is a good dog.” You could also say, a happy dog. Exercise generates serotonin in the brain and thus has a calming and mood-stabilizing effect on man and beast. A dog that has had a good run for 20 to 30 minutes before you crate him will be less anxious, more composed, and prepared for a little R & R in the form of a good nap.
When you leave your dog crated, make sure he has a couple of safe toys to chew on. Kongs make excellent crate toy, you can fill them with different treats (so they're always exciting) the dog has to really work to remove the treats. When you return home, take the crate toys away from the dog, so that they remain a special treat to look forward to.
If I can be of further help, feel free to write back!
I hope this helps and I wish you the best of luck!Please give that Doxie lots of kisses for me!Senidng wagging tails your way!
Nicole.D.
