Anyone want a crate wrecker???? (lab, poop, train, rescue)

[mimosa]

Had no luck with a cage type, she absolutely hated being put in it and would poop and pee herself. Got rid of it and now that she's trusworthy, she gets the upstairs and is very well behaved while alone. I bought a carry crate, plastic, for storms or when scared and she goes in it all the time but is scratching it to death. We actually have to put it up high to stop her. It seemed to be brand new when I bought it, but she's attacking the inside like someone hid food in the sides. Ever seen this behaviour befdore??? She is not left in it, the door isnt even attached, but leaves it alone when I am not home and attacks it only when we are here. Like a mad women.

[miu]

What if you throw a blanket over the crate to cover up the mesh windows? And drape it over the doorway too. Maybe she is trying to dig herself a cave to hide in. It sounds like she is a burrower. My choc. lab likes to burrow. He loves his crate but also enjoys hiding underneath our bed. Once, outside he dug underneath a parked car and made himself a hideout. We didn't let him keep it though. And he's the one that was abused as a puppy.

But do you also have a blanket inside the crate for her to sleep on? Sometimes the dogs sort of "scratch" around the comforters on the bed to make them into a more comfortable formation for them to sleep in.

[Katie1]

New or used I hope you bleached it good!! As for the rest not sure...but if she is now trustworthy then I would not bother with it. Put it away for your next pup!

[Viralmd]

As I said in one of your other threads: you can't just put a dog in a crate and close the door. She needs to be TRAINED to like the crate. It's a PROCESS, as explained here: Crate Training | The Humane Society of the United States (http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/our_pets_for_life_program/dog_behavior_tip_sheets/crate_training.html - broken link)

You can try to train her, but it take time and work.

[Woof Woof Woof!]

Is she scratching to escape or is she making a nest?

As Miu pointed out, this could be borrowing behavior.

[Honeycrisp]

Would try feeding her in it, she may come to like it if she associates pleasant things with it. Otherwise would just get a baby gate and gate her in your kitchen when you leave, put some toys and her dog bed in there and leave the radio or tv on.

[mimosa]

It's a plastic carry all crate. No door, she is free to come and go. I put a small bath rug on the floor and she digs that up, then scratches at the sides like a frantic nut. then stops , comes out, and goes back later. It was brand new when I bought it but she acts like food is hidden in the walls. She is not PUT in it at any time, she goes in there herself. Just bought it hoping she would want a safe place when there are storms and fireworks.

[Honeycrisp]

She may be OK w/ storms and fireworks, you could also get a small bottle of Rescue Remedy at the Healthfood Store and put a couple drops in her water or on a biscuit, it's all natural and not harmful. Also, wouldnt reassure her if she seems nervous during a storm or fireworks, would just go about your business as usual b/c in their minds, reassurance might make her think she has a reason to be nervous. Just a thought -

Another thought and this may be totally off-base - do you think another small dog (well-adjusted) would help her - ? I had a nervous small dog and got one slightly older who was relaxed and very easy going - while they like each other for the most part, they're not huge buddies (mine wasnt as nervous as yours though and prob. w/h come out of her shell w/ or w/o her). Yours may become friendlier if she has a little competition. Does yours like other small dogs - ? Some do better in pairs. Again, it may not work at all - and of course, 2 dogs is twice the work, energy, time and expense.

[Gessa]

I had never heard of crating until I came to the US (originally from England) and I dont do it myself.

However, check out: Leerburg's Dog Training DVDs and Free Dog Training ebooks