Construction on the dog house

cooperdog · #1 08-18-2006, 10:08 AM

About a year ago my bf and I bought a place. It has a small house and a big yard, perfect for all of us. Cooper was crate trained from the day I brought him home, and because of anxiety issues, he had to stay in there when I was gone at work, etc. even as he got older.

Well, now that we have our place, my bf made him this delux dog house so he can have a kennel outside, it's great. It has a window, a dog door, foam insulation on the walls for when it's cold out and a light in it, and it's even got his name next to the door! Well.....from the get-go Cooper has decided to do a little construction himself! He's decided that he didn't like the light, after replacing the bulb 20 times in a month we decided enough is enough! And now he's doing a little work on the walls.

Yesterday when I was cleaning out his kennel there was a bunch of foam from the dog house all over the place. So I looked inside and Cooper seems to have decided that he didn't like the silver walls and is scraping all the coating off!

Does anyone else have a dog that likes to do a little re-decorating?

bjjc23 · #2 08-18-2006, 10:29 AM

From what i've heard of boxers is that they are "indoor" type dogs and just want to be with their humans all the time. He probably doesn't like the dog house. Guess he figures he'll take it apart bit by bit!

harlie'smom · #3 08-18-2006, 11:22 AM

Sounds like major seperation anxiety or he's really bored. Do you leave any toys in there with him to keep him occupied? Sounds like he could really hurt himself, especially with those light bulbs.

Kirby Kirb · #4 08-18-2006, 11:34 AM

I would have to agree with the other member here. Although his house seems very nice, and convienient for you, I don't think he likes it. Boxers are not a outdoor breed, and hate to be alone! I think he is trying to tell you that he is not to thrilled!! I would maybe go back to the crate. I could not imagine leaving Kirby outside, I get worried when he is out there for more then 5 min, I am always checkin on him, and we have a fenced yard!! But thats just me! I love my dog more then life itself, I guess this is what having kids is like!! I am in trouble when that times comes! haha!!

Checkers · #5 08-18-2006, 03:23 PM

Im sure Lily would love a kennel like that! She just has a plastic one for outside, not nearly as fancy. She doesnt ruin it, but loves to do some blanket rearranging just to suit her

She's only in it while im out of course, but a good kong or raw bone keeps her busy while im gone

cooperdog · #6 08-18-2006, 05:02 PM

Before anyone jumps to any more conclusions, let me give you some more information on this. First of all, Cooper has never been exposed directly to the light bulbs. There is a glass casing around it and he has just knocked the lights out. No broken bulbs, not dangerous, and the bulbs aren't even in there anymore. The light is gone.

Second, Cooper sleeps next to the wood stove in the living room and when my bf leaves in the morning, Cooper sleeps with me under the covers. Cooper is spoiled and a great dog. And he is very happy, (especially since he no longer lives in an apartment with no yard for him.)

For anyone to say that I leave my dog outside all day and don't spend time with him, etc., couldn't be more off base. Cooper spends time in his kennel when I am at work. The rest of the time, he is with me every chance I get. I actually think it was a great idea to let him be outside in a shaded area rather than being stuck in a small crate all day long. He has plenty of toys and many times, he's just sleeping when I come home from work, with a toy at his side. A far cry from an abused dog!

The change from the crate was because we thought it would be a better idea to let him have some room to run around during the day and play, and to not be all cooped up. During the winter cold months, he is in his crate because it is too cold to be outside. I AM NOT ABUSING MY DOG. For Shakira's Ma to suggest that I 'just didn't want him inside anymore.' is ridiculous, and couldn't be more hurtful and wrong. Give me some idea on how to help the situation, don't tell me that I am a terrible person for creating a better life for my baby.

SILLY6PAK · #7 08-18-2006, 06:40 PM

Sometimes a bigger place and new to boot will start flare ups of anxiety. I have a dog house not quite as nice for Rex. He also never sleeps out there and does love it but he also was chewing the insulation. I sprayed the walls heavy with Bitterapple. That wouls not help with scratching. I think try something for anxiety. We like Melatonin which is a natural sleep aid.

CaseyGirl · #8 08-18-2006, 09:10 PM

I know what you mean. I recently had a throw away futon...so I took the foam layer and used it to make all my dogs some new crate beds. I also made Casey a king size dog bed for the living room. Well....Casey shredded her crate bed in about umm 3 seconds. The only thing I can keep in her crate is a blanket or comforter (something she can rearrange if she needs to) Shamrock wanted nothing to do with it. He actually figured out a way to get under it. At least Pebbles seems to like hers. Oh, and the king size futon dog bed....well someone (and I'm not naming any names) pee-peed all over it! I guess they have their own ideas on comfort and decor. Best laid plans. You'll figure something out for your little interior designer!

Jpep · #9 08-18-2006, 09:40 PM

Well I agree the dog house sounds awesome, but there does seem to be a bit of sep. anxiety, with a little work (probably less than it took to build doghouse) you can work on it but you'll need help from somewhere, I'd suggest reading some books first, if it doesn't help a trainer or behaviorist can help, in the end your dog will a better dog for it. I only wish my girl had something like that I would never leave her outside during the night but it sounds awesome for during the day, it just seems that maybe the approach you had to introducing your dog to it was a little off, not your fault, he was used to being inside all the time and even though you're giving him a better area in your mind (and mine as well) dogs can take a lot of time and practice to adjust to it and it takes more than time, actually time can be your enemy, It won't get better leaving him out there, but with some training your dog will stop the redecorating. and will be able to just relax and enjoy his new place. Goodluck

daisykaye · #10 08-19-2006, 08:46 PM

We also have a outdoor kennel for our dogs. It is a converted shed that is 12' X 12'. It has heating and air conditioning. A dog door that they can go in or out. We have a large fenced in yard where they can run and play. There is toys to play with and beds and a rug to lie on. It gets cleaned every week. We call it the doggie palace. They just love it.

We live in a rural area that is 80 miles from any shopping centers or doctors. There is no way I could leave my dogs inside in their crates for the time it would take to get there and back. We love our dogs and try to give them what we think is best. 95% of the time our dogs are with us in the house. But it is a relief to know that when we have to leave for the day our dogs still have a safe place to go.

My suggestion would be maybe to line it with something that would be a little stronger like 1/4 or 1/2 inch pile wood or even sheet metal. The foam is probably just to much fun to destroy. Do what you think is best for your dog.