Re: [PyrNet-L] Help with crating problem

[ken arndt <karndt@epix.net>]

We have "Belle" for two months and the problem has been going on since the
begging.
The dog would cry for awhile and then go to sleep. However, about 2 weeks ago
she
escaped through the top of the pen. Since then she has been neurotic. The
crate is in the bedroom where we sleep. At night, Belle sleeps next to the bed
with a small gate that
confines her. (I use the term confine loosely, when she has to go out she just
pulls the gate over.)  She also has developed a very close relationship with
my wife, when my life leaves the house the dog barks and wants to follow.  I
do not know if the aversion
to the cage is a direct result of being separated from my wife(who is home
with the dog all day).  The dog is the most easy going, friendly animal I have
ever been associated
with. I am concerned that the dog will either hurt herself or develop
aggressive tendencies.  If it is claustrophobia, we will take steps to correct
the situation.
I am interested to hear about any experiences with "separation anxiety" and
how that
may be corrected.  This forum is one of the few vehicles that affords me the
opportunity to gather unique insights into the breed.
Any and all suggestions would be appreciated
Ken

Charlotte & Jack Perry wrote:

> Ken,
> How long has this problem with the crate been going on? There are some
> Pyrs that are claustrophobic and always panic when confined in a crate.
> I have heard of giving dogs tranquilizers to get them over that type of
> fear.  Do you have a small room such as a laundry room or a bathroom
> where you can confine her and she might be more content?  What about a
> pen?  My husband once built a pen out of 2x4s with heavy wire staped to
> them.  The puppy stayed in the pen in the basement until she grew up
> enough to be trustworthy in the house.
>
> Good luck, let us know how it goes.
> Charlotte
> ken arndt wrote:
> >
> > Our 4 1/2  month old PRY hates her crate. she constantly barks and tries
> > to get out
> > (once successfully). She drools so much that she is soaking wet when we
> > let her out..
> > She is only crated 3 or 4 times a week at a maximum of 2 hours. I am
> > afraid she is going to injure herself.   My wife deems the whole
> > experience as cruel. I need any and all suggestions.  We must have a
> > content dog that will be confined (until she gets older).
> > Thanks
> > Ken