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Beagles/Beagle and crate training

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Expert: - 11/18/2008


Question
I recently rescued a beagle. He is about 14 months old. Even though the foster parent told me that he didn't like the crate, but would eventually become accustomed to it. First night, no problem, he fussed but was fine during the night. But the next day, when I put him into the crate to go out for a few hours, the dog was beside himself. I felt badly, but I had to leave. When I consulted the vet, he suggested a smaller room than the living room (and of course, music; I had left the tv on) because the dog probably feels insecure: separation anxiety. I will try the smaller room-that makes sense. I like the suggestion of the open door with treats and I have been doing that. Does anyone else have some suggestions? After all, no matter how much any of us love our dogs and do not want to stress them out, there must be methods beyond medication. I hope for help.

Answer
HI, I agree with the vet, try a small room. I personally don't crate my dogs but there are people who swear by it. My feeling is you have a "teenaged" dog, he's a beagle (which means he's a pack dog and hates being alone) and his history is somewhat unknown so who knows what the previous owner did right or wrong with him. He needs to be trained as if he was a brand new puppy learning the ropes. Dog proof the room you choose (and please dont pick a bathroom with the door closed, this will put him over the edge)Leave the radio on for him, and provide him with  either a stuffed "Kong" or nylabones or rawhide and ONLY give him those types of things when you are leaving him so he thinks it is special. I will attach a site with info on proper crating if you choose to go that route again,

Good luck!

http://www.inch.com/~dogs/cratetraining.html

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Have4Paws

Expertise

I am happy to answer BEAGLE BREED SPECIFIC behavioral questions. Please DO NOT ask CRATE TRAINING OR MEDICAL questions! I am not a vet nor an expert in the use of crates.

Experience

I currently have one beagle, a male age 5, an 12 month old Pit Bull, and a 8 year old min. poodle. I have had to let go of three of my dogs, 2 beagles and 1 whippet/rat terrier mix in the past 5 years, most recently my whippet mix. The two beagles lived to 15 and the whippet mix to 13.5, it has been hard to say goodbye to them. I have done rescue work on and off for years as well as fund-raising for the local animal shelter. I worked for a dog magazine in the past (Southern California Dog Magazine). Being a psychotherapist has encouraged me to do in depth studying of animal behavior as well. I have worked with many people to help curb undesirable behaviors in their dogs (or them!) or to form good behaviors. My life is devoted to and surrounded by my dogs........The picture you see here is Zeppelin but we also call him the "miracle dog". He was hit by a car April 2010 while out with the dog walker and had very serious injuries... 4 surgeries and $17,000 later my boy is whole again and back to loving life. He is so special to me and he weathered a lot of pain and trauma yet is still the sweet boy he always was! I also work to stop Breed Specific Legislation and help to get pit bulls adopted.

Organizations
HSUS, PETA, SPCA DONT SHOP...ADOPT!!

Publications
Dog Fancy

Education/Credentials
I am a Marriage and Family Therapist licensed in the state of CA and am also credentialed as a Certified Addiction Treatment Specialist

Awards and Honors
Honored by the Agoura Animal Shelter for my volunteer work.

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