Crate Advice

[malibu'smom]

Wanted to see if anyone would be able to offer advice with our 6 month old boxer, Cotton.
Cotton is a wonderful puppy. We go to obedience class once a week, have an 8yr old older boxer sister that plays with him all the time, large backyard to run and goes on walks frequently. Our one issue has been that he hated the crate, I mean violently screaming, biting etc whenever we put him in there. However, we let him cry it out and one day, it seemed to go away. As his name suggests (did I mentioned he’s a white boxer), he's a very cuddly dog. If he's tired, he wants to be on your lap or snuggled up against Malibu (older boxer) who doesn't mind. He will crash on a dog bed if needed, but it has to be soft and warm.

Over the past week I've noticed that when we come home the crate is trashed and wet, all over. Not from pee, but obviously from a panicked pup who has slobbered to death. He’s even destroyed an “indestructible” Kong bed. Night time hasn’t been bad, but I will admit we let them sleep together. I tried him in his crate last night and he was ok, but started crying at 3am vs sleeping all through the night with her. I’m comfortable with them crated together while I’m at home, but not sure when I’m gone in case she gets testy (which she never has).

Question – realizing 6 months is the next fear stage and they can revert to old behaviors, does anyone have any suggestions? Is letting them sleep together making the separation anxiety worse, should I give up and let them stay in the same crate during the day? Thanks for your thoughts.

[JLinz]

Mine did the same thing...sometimes it was pee too...Its a bit of separation anxiety...I started giving him a kong full of goodies each day to occupy him for a bit and threw in some things to chew on and it got better. Your pup has to learn to be alone (i know mine is still learning).

Boxers love you so much and just hate to be without you it seems...I know where ever I am Baxter goes too...If i lay on the couch he will lay with me or lay on the opposite one...If i lay in bed he follows me there too...If i sit at the computer desk he will come lay right beside the chair...lol its cute, but can be frustrating if you need to leave and go do something for 5 or 10min with him not being by your side.

I think this is something that just comes with age and learning that eventhough you left, youre coming back....

[TwoDogs]

Get a copy of Don't Leave Me! Step-by-Step Help for Your Dog's Separation Anxiety by Nicole Wilde. It's available as an ebook here:
Phantom Publishing - Don't Leave Me!
Definitely worth the $10.

Most cases of true separation anxiety don't get better without some kind of intervention. The earlier the better.