Thanks for the advice! I have some great ideas

[jacquelinemarie82]

Thanks everyone for your thoughts, support, and advice in reference to my dog. I appreciate it. I have some good ideas to start incorporating this week. I felt I should probably close this thread as I sense drama starting and really was looking for just support and advice. I know animals are close to people's hearts...definitely mine included so that is why I posted here as I am no expert and was looking for some ideas. Thanks again! Have a great week!

[romanlili]

wow. That, well I'm not sure what to say to that.

Although, you may have to find a different method of training besides the cage. He probably has some form of puppy PSTD. I don't think I would ever put him in that cage again. But that is just me.

You are lucky you didn't have neighbors calling animal control or something. That could have been an even worse situation.

[jacquelinemarie82]

True on the neighbors. The whole barking fit lasted maybe a 2 or 3 minutes at most. It's hard to tell a length of time as it seemed to last forever.

The cage.....he has been in and out of it several times since the Saturday scenario. We don't have a fenced backyard. He goes to work with me several days a week....I walk him once or twice during the day. He has to go in the cage as I can't allow him to freely roam in my car. He will not pee in his cage but I couldn't say that he wouldn't pee in the car or chew on something.

The cage he was in during this episode was NOT the cage he was in when FIL came by. He was in the large one before and this time he was in our small travel size one.

He doesn't completely tear things up but he is not allowed to roam the house freely at night or when we aren't home. He's a curious dog and will pull laundry all over the house or chew on something....usually his toys but not always. He's never had a big problem with the cage. On occasion he will bark but I just tell him to stop and he does. Mostly he will bark if he sees our cats are out and he isn't.

[pumkinsmommy]

That is one of the worst things I have ever heard. It nearly gave me an anxiety attack. I think your husband was being a jerk because the situation was overwhelming to him and because it was his fault. The dog reacted that way because your fils voice reminded him of the awful situation that had happened. I also would NEVER trust your dh to make arrangements for him. If you are gone at work for more than about 6 hours it is prob. best to put his crate in a laundry room or bathroom where the door of it can be left open. You can put gates at the door opening so he can see out rather than having to close the door which has a bad impact on a dog. Hopefully soon he(and you) will be over the scariness of this.

[angelarose]

Wow, I kind of wish I hadn't read that... So strange... I'm confused. The whole situation wasn't exactly an accident. Dog crates skeeve me out for the most part. I mean for puppy training or very short periods of time (30 min. Or less), I understand but as a daily ritual of their entire life. I know lots of people who put their dogs in crates while they are at work and stuff, or when they have company, or at night. I can't imagine how I would feel if I were confined like that. I have turned down lots of trips because my dogs couldn't go. They are like my kids, except easier. I am in no way trying to chastise you, just offer a different perspective on living with a dog.

[mrspnut82]

Oh that poor thing. I'm sure you feel horrible and I would be furious at dh too. I was going to suggest getting a new cage but looks like that isn't an issue. Don't have any advice, just show him lots of loves and slowly introduce fil back. ss that happened

[aerobebe1421]

I definitely think his freak out episode is from being traumatized by being left in the kennel for 30 hrs. Think about...if you were left in a tiny space, with no food or water, no interaction, no potty breaks, you'd be pretty irritated, too. Your FIL was the one he saw at the end of his 'ordeal' so he most likely held resentment towards him. When he saw FIL, he freaked because it triggered being stuck in the kennel.

If he is still having freak out episodes in regards to that specific kennel, I'd do one of two things: Get an entirely brand new kennel (different color and design) or scrub that kennel out, get a new blanket/pillow, and maybe even put it away for a few days or a week. Then just take it out and leave it out with the door open so he can decide when he wants to check it out. You can even treat him for just going near it. Eventually he'll lose the stigma towards the kennel. Also, eventually, not right away, let some time pass, whenever FIL comes over, you should have him give the dog treats. No pets until the dog is comfortable. Just have him treat him. You can use a high-reward treat, such as chicken or cheese.

For what it's worth, our dog (92 lb. American bulldog) was a mess when we adopted her at 7 mos. She'll be 3 yrs. old in December and she still does not get run of the house when we're not home. She's in her kennel/wire crate. She's gated into our small hallway at night.

Good luck! Poor little guy. I'm sure he'll be just fine; just give him time!

[aerobebe1421]

Originally Posted by angelarose Wow, I kind of wish I hadn't read that... So strange... I'm confused. The whole situation wasn't exactly an accident. Dog crates skeeve me out for the most part. I mean for puppy training or very short periods of time (30 min. Or less), I understand but as a daily ritual of their entire life. I know lots of people who put their dogs in crates while they are at work and stuff, or when they have company, or at night. I can't imagine how I would feel if I were confined like that. I have turned down lots of trips because my dogs couldn't go. They are like my kids, except easier. I am in no way trying to chastise you, just offer a different perspective on living with a dog.

Crate training is actually really good for a lot of dogs' mental health. It offers a secure place that they can go to and feel comfortable in. It's not meant as a form of punishment.

My dh and I just say 'kennel up' and our dog happily goes. She's often napping inside of her crate. She has food, water, and toys available inside of it. It's not a bad place for her.

Granted, I do not believe in crating a dog when you are home, unless it is at night and that is what works best for the dog and the family.

[adriannemae]

It was a crappy situation but imo babying the dog is just setting your self up for disaster.

[angelarose]

I am familiar with crate training, as I crate trained my first dog, she liked her crate, but after she learned the rules of the house I got rid of it, it took up too much space and as I never closed the door it was easily replaced with a dog bed under the bed. I don't like the idea of caging animals, at all. Especially if you have an animal as a companion. Dogs are capable of learning social rules and cohabitating with humans without cages being a constant. I honestly can't do something to an animal that I wouldn't want done to me. Being in a cage for extended periods of time is not humane in my opinion. This may offend many people, but it is my belief.