have a 25 lb lab/boxer mix 8 months old, like to chew furniture. Is it too late to crate train her, only when I am at work, or away from home
63888
I don't think it's too late to start training any dog, as they can learn at any age. Younger dogs will need to be let outside more often for potty breaks. Some people hire pet sitters to drop in for potty breaks if/when they are unable to come home for a lunch break to let their dogs out, or ask friends/neighbors for occasional help.
63889
In my opinion no, it's never too late. The crate is a great tool to help keep the dog confined when you are not at home, and also give them a little reassurance if when you are not home if they are a bit insecure. You always want to keep the crate a positive place, and make sure she has some toys or bones in there to chew on (something that she won't get into trouble with). And don't start with all day, but an hour or two, and make sure you let her out for potty breaks. She's a bit older so she shouldn't need as many breaks as a younger dog might, but it would be good to start with every 2 hours or so in the beginning. My border collie is 10 months old and she was in a crate for the first few months of her life, so much so that she started to not like it and I had trouble getting her in. Now we have gone back and made it a positive experience for her, and she's happy to sit in there while I'm not home for a few hours with a bone to chew on.
63890
Nope, I got my dog when she was 6 months and she was ok on her own until the dreaded chewing of cords etc. So I started crating her, she learned to crate surf so you may need to put a mat or something under the crate (I use a bath mat that has a a rubber no slip backside) it put an end to finding her in the crate in the middle of the room, LOL. THey also say for every month the dog is they can go an hour of holding it. But I wouldn't like to wait 12 hours every day to go pee so I am sure even though my dog can hold it she wouldn't like to either, but if you have no choice it comes down to what makes a safe environment for your pet and your house when you are not home. Good luck! Nope, I got my dog when she was 6 months and she was ok on her own until the dreaded chewing of cords etc. So I started crating her, she learned to crate surf so you may need to put a mat or something under the crate (I use a bath mat that has a a rubber no slip backside) it put an end to finding her in the crate in the middle of the room, LOL. THey also say for every month the dog is they can go an hour of holding it. But I wouldn't like to wait 12 hours every day to go pee so I am sure even though my dog can hold it she wouldn't like to either, but if you have no choice it comes down to... » Read More Nope, I got my dog when she was 6 months and she was ok on her own until the dreaded chewing of cords etc. So I started crating her, she learned to crate surf so you may need to put a mat or something under the crate (I use a bath mat that has a a rubber no slip backside) it put an end to finding her in the crate in the middle of the room, LOL. THey also say for every month the dog is they can go an hour of holding it. But I wouldn't like to wait 12 hours every day to go pee so I am sure even though my dog can hold it she wouldn't like to either, but if you have no choice it comes down to what makes a safe environment for your pet and your house when you are not home. Good luck! « Show Less
431967
Well, it's tough but I was lucky that my older dog showed the puppy what to do and I reinforced it when the younger one goofed by taken her and sitting her on it right after her mistake and scolding her (no nose rubbing please). Also rewarding her w/treat when she went on pad so now she never makes a mistake and come right to me to let me know it's treat time! LOL yes, the vet says she needs to lose some weight but she's happy and so am I no more rug mishaps. Good luck!!
178225
We have a Boxer and Chesapeake. The Boxer roots sometimes but not intense. I will say that this is the first bed he hasn't chewed. Maybe he finally figured out if he does it will be the last. The original cover, the zipper broke (not because of dogs) and the seller replaced the cover promptly.
950416
We love it, but you have to be there to correct the behavior. Any training is hands-on anyway, but this helps them to understand there is a consequence. We have a very active Lab that is almost 2 yrs old. He likes to tear our wooden fence apart. That's a major no-no. He WILL get a correction when he does that and he is learning fast. Hope this helps.
1547945
For spraying the wire use Grannick's Bitter Apple, if you want to spray while he chews you can try also spraying him with Stop training spray but you need to have perfect timing...which won't work while you are away. You should try giving him something safe to chew on and make sure he is not in the crate too long. Make sure he feels being in the crate is a safe place...spraying him in the crate if he does not understand why could backfire and make it worse for him.
1215234
Probably you've tried something like this - I'd try supplying something that tastes better in the cage like flavored rawhide chews or if your dog can tolerate one, a ham bone. If the bed is still intact in the morning, then he may need something to chew or do. Kong toys filled with kibble can be in a cage with a pad. It might be that he is a very bright dog and very bored. Probably the best thing to try (but hardest to do on a regular basis) is to thoroughly wear him out with games or running before he goes into the cage so that cage time is spent sleeping, not chewing.
598739
We have a chewer also! The double latch is helpful. But, it does not take down as easily as I would like! Our Plott hound is such a chewer, iI did not put a blanket or pad in it. But, iI found a padded bathmat that he has not bothered. He may just be grateful to have a little padding! We also make sure he has a large rawhide bone in his crate.
1895551
We have a lab with separation anxiety that has escaped/destroyed several other kennels. He has not been able to escape this one. He has scratched the inside of the door with his nails, but that's the only damage he's been able to do in 3 weeks.
1327987
Maggie figured it out pretty quick too. I still will hide the treats in the toy when I leave but just ordered and received the kong toys where you hide the treats inside, or use peanut butter. I think that will keep her occupied a little bit longer. i don't know of any other toys but will keep looking. Please let me know if you find something too!
442886
I have a 25lb Cocker Spaniel, and I purchased the 36" crate. It's perfect for his size. Once I put a small bed in there, he is cozy. He can sit up, and stand, but not much more room to move around. As long as you dog likes cozy spaces, I guess this size wouldn't be too bad. Good Luck.
1021418
It should be fine. Our Lab puppies love them. It's about five inches long. Our Lab puppy is seven months old and it's still in good shape. They like the texture of it.
1547448
My 55 & 45 lb. Pit mixes are fine with them. The collar has holes almost the whole way around. You could cut the extra off as its just plastic. I saw them in UAE on pit bull puppies, certainly less than 30lbs. at a training session, so I believe they would be fine. My pit/hound mix responds to the vibration & the other is a little more stubborn, needing the static shock. I had back surgery & these collars allow me to control them both on & off the leash. It has also helped to stop unwanted behavior with only a couple of zaps.
1682324
It depends upon what you mean "work". Labs are natoriously childish until about age 5. It will not help with that. If your dog is anxious and/or nervous, then yes.
565954
I would think she'd definitely grow into it. I have a 11 pound, 5 month old small puppy who I got a small kong for; it took her awhile to stay interested in trying to get the treat out. Now she's figured out how to keep working at it until the treat breaks apart and she can get to it. It sure helps to keep her occupied for awhile and with the chewing phase.
715638
Me personally, I would go with the bigger crate. I have a lab puppy approx. 4 months old and there is more than enough room. We really love it. I hope this helps.
1380121
In my experience (YMMV) the only real solution to this problem is to let them bark it out. If you continue to respond to him each time he barks then you're essentially rewarding him. He'll need to learn that crate-time is quiet time. My dog took a little while, but now her crate is her own private space. When she goes in there, she knows that no one is allowed to mess with her. She can just go lounge and relax or whatever. She goes in on command, too. Associate the crate with good stuff, not with punishment. I've read to never use the crate for punishment. If it's looked at as a "jail cell" to him, then of course he won't want to be in it. Make it comfy and cozy and enjoyable for him and he'll begin to like it and even WANT to spend time in it. Just my experience though. I definitely wouldn't use a training aid like this for crate training.
1275168
We used this product with our Akita puppy from age 8 weeks to roughly 6 months old. She slept with it every night and often carried it around in the morning. Primarily she slept on or next to it but sometimes she would chew on it. It withstood puppy chewing and the Velcro closure was strong enough to keep her from opening it. However, she was never left alone with it. At night she slept in our room and we took it away from her during the day. So, it is sturdy enough for a puppy or gentle adult that is supervised with it. It is not designed as a toy but a soothing "companion" so used as such I highly recommend it. We used this product with our Akita puppy from age 8 weeks to roughly 6 months old. She slept with it every night and often carried it around in the morning. Primarily she slept on or next to it but sometimes she would chew on it. It withstood puppy chewing and the Velcro closure was strong enough to keep her from opening it. However, she was never left alone with it. At night she slept in our room and we took it away from her during the day. So, it is sturdy enough for a puppy or gentle adult that is supervised with it. It is not designed as a toy but a soothing "companion" so... » Read More We used this product with our Akita puppy from age 8 weeks to roughly 6 months old. She slept with it every night and often carried it around in the morning. Primarily she slept on or next to it but sometimes she would chew on it. It withstood puppy chewing and the Velcro closure was strong enough to keep her from opening it. However, she was never left alone with it. At night she slept in our room and we took it away from her during the day. So, it is sturdy enough for a puppy or gentle adult that is supervised with it. It is not designed as a toy but a soothing "companion" so used as such I highly recommend it. « Show Less