Do Crate Covers Really Make A Difference?

Mercy Medical · 07-06-2010

So do crate covers really make a difference in making your dog feel more comfortable in their crate and help them be less anxious while they are inside it during the day?

I was using an old comforter to cover the crate when we first got our dog early last week and he did a good job of leaving it alone the first few days, however, towards the end of the week he decided to tear it up while he was in the crate and we were at work. I have yet to put anything back on the crate for fear that he'll tear that up as well.

Should I invest in a crate cover? Is it worth it? Does it make a difference? I'm just worrisome I'll spend money on something only to have him tear it up again or I'll just continue to encourage the behavior by having something there for him to chew on (mind you, he also has a fleece blanket and a pillow in the crate with him that he has yet to chew...although he likes to tug at both when he's out of the crate and we're home sometimes).

shandwill · 07-06-2010

I've never tried using a cover before, but my dog seems to be perfectly content in his crate and enjoys being able to see everything going on around him. Does your dog seem uncomfortable in the crate? If he seems to be destructive, be sure he has something to do in his crate. Kongs or other toys that can be stuffed with treats or food are great and keep the dog busy while you're away. I also fed my dog in his crate initially and he learned that the crate was his retreat, almost like a cave. He now even goes and lays in it anytime he wants to relax.
I'm sure he'll settle in soon. Best of luck!

Mercy Medical · 07-06-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by shandwill

I've never tried using a cover before, but my dog seems to be perfectly content in his crate and enjoys being able to see everything going on around him. Does your dog seem uncomfortable in the crate? If he seems to be destructive, be sure he has something to do in his crate. Kongs or other toys that can be stuffed with treats or food are great and keep the dog busy while you're away. I also fed my dog in his crate initially and he learned that the crate was his retreat, almost like a cave. He now even goes and lays in it anytime he wants to relax.
I'm sure he'll settle in soon. Best of luck!

Yea, we have a Kong that we fill with treats and put in there, but upon initial putting him and the Kong in the crate, he couldn't care less about the Kong because he does not want to be in the crate. We've been feeding him in the crate as well. He's fine when he can go in on his own for food or something. He even lets me pet him while he's eating/drinking in the crate...he seems a bit cautious about it, but he lets me do it. The moment he realizes he is going IN the crate and the door is getting closed, he tries his best to do the "haha, you can't catch me!" dance to avoid going in it.

CorkyMax · 07-06-2010

After rereading your previous posts--If that poor dog is still crated all day--Letting it out for what can only be a short time at lunch time is not enough! In reality it is crated all day. Then even though it is loose during the night--It is still sleep time in or out of the crate and not much going on for the dog here either! Putting a cover over the crate --to my way of thinking --should only be at night when it is time to sleep! Put yourself in the poor dog's situation--How does it feel to you? Is this any kind of life?

Mercy Medical · 07-06-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by Corky/Max

After rereading your previous posts--If that poor dog is still crated all day--Letting it out for what can only be a short time at lunch time is not enough! In reality it is crated all day. Then even though it is loose during the night--It is still sleep time in or out of the crate and not much going on for the dog here either! Putting a cover over the crate --to my way of thinking --should only be at night when it is time to sleep! Put yourself in the poor dog's situation--How does it feel to you? Is this any kind of life?

While I appreciate the advice that you have given me prior, I suppose I don't quite understand why this post is really necessary. Yes, the dog is crated for 4 to 5 hours at a time. My girlfriend goes home for an hour lunch and takes him out for a walk and plays with him until she has to go back to work. I don't really understand what you would want us to do otherwise. A lot of people in this world have full time jobs and crate their dog for 4 hours at a time without any issues. Even if we were to get a dog walker to do the lunch time thing for us, he would still be crated for 4 hours a day. I do not intend to keep him crated while at work for the entirety of his life. I would hope that once I can trust him in the apartment by himself, I will do just that, but until that point I feel as though I am doing the absolute best that we can do so I don't really understand the necessity of your criticism.

cigwyllt · 07-06-2010

Is your dog crated for four hours in total every day or is it fours in the morning with a visit from your partner and four hours in the afternoon?

Mercy Medical · 07-06-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by cigwyllt

Is your dog crated for four hours in total every day or is it fours in the morning with a visit from your partner and four hours in the afternoon?

It's four and four and then I make sure to take him out for a long walk and some play at a elementary school down the road after I get home from work.

Like I said, the crating all day thing isn't going to be forever. I don't like having to crate him, but I don't trust him enough not to chew everything up in my living room (although he has yet to chew anything that wasn't his own stuff).

cigwyllt · 07-06-2010

That's eight hours a day - it is a loooooong time to crate a settled adult dog. For a youngster like yours it must be mind numbingly boring. I do understand your frustration and when people ask me about keeping a dog in a household where there is no one at home all day I always want to find a positive angle and a way to make it work but crating for 8 hours with a short break is not good.

CorkyMax · 07-06-2010

QUOTE: While I appreciate the advice that you have given me prior, I suppose I don't quite understand why this post is really necessary. Yes, the dog is crated for 4 to 5 hours at a time. My girlfriend goes home for an hour lunch and takes him out for a walk and plays with him until she has to go back to work. I don't really understand what you would want us to do otherwise. A lot of people in this world have full time jobs and crate their dog for 4 hours at a time without any issues. Even if we were to get a dog walker to do the lunch time thing for us, he would still be crated for 4 hours a day. I do not intend to keep him crated while at work for the entirety of his life. I would hope that once I can trust him in the apartment by himself, I will do just that, but until that point I feel as though I am doing the absolute best that we can do so I don't really understand the necessity of your criticism. UNQUOTE)
I wanted to say something about this in my other post but 'bit my tongue.' When you say 4-5 hrs at a time does this include the after lunch period also or is it more like 8 or more hrs altogether? I personally hate crates (cages) unless they are used the right way and I'll bet the percentages are not very good on this. As to the people who have full time jobs and crate their dogs--It is usually more than 4 hrs at a time and does not make it right just because many (too many) do it. The dog is a living, feeling being!!!! I never have crated my dogs but I feel a little guilty while I was working full time that I did not interact with them enough. My Corky had to be put down 3 weeks ago and I miss him terribly and wish I could have had more 'happy' times with him. He was treated like my kid but wish I had played with him more! At least I don't have to feel guilty for caging him.

I am glad to hear that this is not going to be a permanent thing but right now I can't help but feel sorry for your dog.

Mercy Medical · 07-06-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by cigwyllt

That's eight hours a day - it is a loooooong time to crate a settled adult dog. For a youngster like yours it must be mind numbingly boring. I do understand your frustration and when people ask me about keeping a dog in a household where there is no one at home all day I always want to find a positive angle and a way to make it work but crating for 8 hours with a short break is not good.

So what do you suggest? I can't very well quit my job or cut my hours to spend more time at home with him, nor can I afford to take him to doggy day care 5 days a week.

We put a Kong in the crate with him and I also plan on buying more toys that are interactive to help with the boredom issue.

I mean, I suppose the thing is, I don't really understand. Well, I do, but I don't. I understand that sitting confined in a small space for 8 hours a day would be quite boring. Totally get that, however, we live in a world where most adults are required to be at a job for 8 hours a day. So what do you do? I quickly Google doggy daycares in our area just to see and one of them provides pet sitting, but it's only for 2 30 minute visits and 1 15 minute visit, which considering what I'm reading here, wouldn't really seem to satisfy either.

I mean, if you're going to criticize me, the very least you could do is offer help and/or suggestions. I suppose I just don't understand the MAJOR issue when the majority of this country that has dogs probably does exactly what I do. Yes, I'm sure some of them have issues with their pets, but I'm sure they could be attributed to other issues. I understand making the ideal home for your dog, however, I feel as though some need to be realistic in their needs and wants.

Mercy Medical · 07-06-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by Corky/Max

QUOTE: While I appreciate the advice that you have given me prior, I suppose I don't quite understand why this post is really necessary. Yes, the dog is crated for 4 to 5 hours at a time. My girlfriend goes home for an hour lunch and takes him out for a walk and plays with him until she has to go back to work. I don't really understand what you would want us to do otherwise. A lot of people in this world have full time jobs and crate their dog for 4 hours at a time without any issues. Even if we were to get a dog walker to do the lunch time thing for us, he would still be crated for 4 hours a day. I do not intend to keep him crated while at work for the entirety of his life. I would hope that once I can trust him in the apartment by himself, I will do just that, but until that point I feel as though I am doing the absolute best that we can do so I don't really understand the necessity of your criticism. UNQUOTE)
I wanted to say something about this in my other post but 'bit my tongue.' When you say 4-5 hrs at a time does this include the after lunch period also or is it more like 8 or more hrs altogether? I personally hate crates (cages) unless they are used the right way and I'll bet the percentages are not very good on this. As to the people who have full time jobs and crate their dogs--It is usually more than 4 hrs at a time and does not make it right just because many (too many) do it. The dog is a living, feeling being!!!! I never have crated my dogs but I feel a little guilty while I was working full time that I did not interact with them enough. My Corky had to be put down 3 weeks ago and I miss him terribly and wish I could have had more 'happy' times with him. He was treated like my kid but wish I had played with him more! At least I don't have to feel guilty for caging him.

I am glad to hear that this is not going to be a permanent thing but right now I can't help but feel sorry for your dog.

He gets crated for 4-5 hours at a time, twice a day...so before lunch and then after lunch and then he's done with the crate for the day. I understand the feeling of feeling guilty because I feel it too, however, I do not have any other options for the situation so I am doing the best I can with what I have. If my dog begins to have issues due to this, then I will obviously address them at that time, but my life does not afford the ability to spend the entire day with my dog.

I understand the dog is a living, breathing thing...however, I feel as though crating him during the day while we're at work while he's still new to our home is the most REALISTIC option I have. If you take issue with that, well, then you take issue with it and I can't do much about that.

cigwyllt · 07-06-2010

I'm sorry you feel criticised. That was not my intention.

When I worked in an office "chained to my desk" it was work - sure there were boring times but I had to be alert, mentally active, constantly interacting with people by telephone and at the end of the day I was exhausted. I don't think you can compare that sort of life with the life of a dog who is confined throughout the working day. I think a better comparison would be to see your dog's day as akin to someone travelling on a coach in an aisle seat for 8 hours a day with a toilet break at midday. No companionship, no interaction, maybe a snack on the bus but otherwise nothing to break the boredom.

That is what life is like for a dog that is crated all day every day.

Have you got family nearby who could care for him for part of the day? Or a neighbour? Just an informal arrangement for a couple of days a week would help.

If someone in your position asked me whether a dog would fit with their lifestyle I would suggest an older dog, perhaps a more sedentary breed - a breed that likes to have its exercise in short intense bursts - not a youngster with emotional and physical needs that can't be met in the short time you have available for him during the day.

Mercy Medical · 07-06-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by cigwyllt

I'm sorry you feel criticised. That was not my intention.

When I worked in an office "chained to my desk" it was work - sure there were boring times but I had to be alert, mentally active, constantly interacting with people by telephone and at the end of the day I was exhausted. I don't think you can compare that sort of life with the life of a dog who is confined throughout the working day. I think a better comparison would be to see your dog's day as akin to someone travelling on a coach in an aisle seat for 8 hours a day with a toilet break at midday. No companionship, no interaction, maybe a snack on the bus but otherwise nothing to break the boredom.

That is what life is like for a dog that is crated all day every day.

Have you got family nearby who could care for him for part of the day? Or a neighbour? Just an informal arrangement for a couple of days a week would help.

If someone in your position asked me whether a dog would fit with their lifestyle I would suggest an older dog, perhaps a more sedentary breed - a breed that likes to have its exercise in short intense bursts - not a youngster with emotional and physical needs that can't be met in the short time you have available for him during the day.

And I recognize that as he tends to be more active during the afternoon after we get home from work. I've realized the mistake we may have made in getting a younger dog. I've realized that mistake for a lot of reasons, however, I made the decision and even though I was stressed beyond belief that first week and have wanted to give up on many occasions, I'm not being I've made a commitment and I'm doing the very best I can with what I have. I've contemplated possibly taking him to a dog daycare maybe twice a week, but that will need to be discussed on a financial level with my girlfriend before it happens. We do not have anyone available to us that could play with him during the day. Everyone we know also works.

CorkyMax · 07-06-2010

Quote: I mean, if you're going to criticize me, the very least you could do is offer help and/or suggestions. I suppose I just don't understand the MAJOR issue when the majority of this country that has dogs probably does exactly what I do. Yes, I'm sure some of them have issues with their pets, but I'm sure they could be attributed to other issues. I understand making the ideal home for your dog, however, I feel as though some need to be realistic in their needs and wants.

It is kind of late to offer help like this: I actually was going to wait until I retired before getting a dog but circumstances changed that. And reflecting back-I am glad I had my Corky (and still have my Max). I left Corky loose in the house while I was gone. I did have the living room as off limits--made a framework to fit the doorway (no door there) with 'chickenwire' stapled around it And, lol, I came home to toilet paper strung out the whole house one day 'cept the off limits living room)--so I removed the toilet paper holder. (But I own my house). I put in a chain-link fence around the back yard and a doggie door eventually and he and Max had that too. Lol, I ended up getting Max about 9-10 month later after getting Corky so Corky would not be alone while I was at work. And when I got Max at 8 wks old (Corky was then about a yr. old--Corky would not leave Max (8 wks. old) alone for any length of time--not hurt him-just wanted to play. That is the only time a crate was even in the house. I set it up so that only Max could escape and get in it where Corky couldn't get to him but he had free access out too when he wanted it as the door /gate was not ever closed.

It is a no win situation for the dog because I realize that if everybody waited until they retired --there would be a lot more homeless/euthenized dogs! But I wish people would find a better solution than crating! It should be carefully thought out ---the responsibilities that go with bringing a dog into your life before actually just going and getting one!

As to suggestions for after the fact: Can you try just leaving him in one room to start--clear things you think he would destroy--things you can't remove--spray with Bitter Apple. If he does well--gradually allow other rooms. Make sure he has enough toys to keep him occupied. Still come home at lunch time until he gets use to the 'plan.' Problem is he still needs potty breaks! And fresh water changes. I don't know if this would be good or bad--Call him up every so often and let him hear you talk to him. Timed recordings?
Does music calm him --Leave radio on softly. I'm sure if you think on it strongly --you will think of some ideas! Hope so! I love dogs!

You can see my dog photos on my profile page in my album and what they had access to (mostly outside pics) Even though my Corky is now gone--I enjoy going back to my album and seeing him still there.

cigwyllt · 07-06-2010

At the end of the day if you are committed to the dog and to giving him the life he deserves and needs then maybe you will have to make some lifestyle changes to make him more comfortable during the day. Perhaps get up earlier so he can have a long hard run before you go to work as well as afterwards. Take him to a training class and work hard on advanced obedience - work his mind as well as his body.

Maybe it was a "mistake" on your part to adopt him. It was certainly a mistake on the part of the shelter to let a high energy youngster go to a home where he would be constricted and left alone for most of the day. But if you love your dog you will be able to find ways to improve life for him while your work hours are so restricting.

bluemtn · 11-23-2010

We've been taking our 1 yr old pit bull to dog daycare once or twice a week since he was old enough to go (4 mnths). He's really lazy and sleeps most of the next day in his crate.

PersistantPuppy · 11-24-2010

Hello, I just thought I would chip in here with a suggestion or two. It sounds like your dog has too many negative associations with the crate. What happens at weekends? You could use this time to play and bond with him near and in his crate, so he has good associations with it. Plenty of fuss and treats coupled with praise does wonders. Can you move the crate into a different room where more things are going on in the family? What happens at night? Could he be in the crate in your room for a while?

I'm not suggesting that you crate your dog all day at weekends, just to get him ok with the crate, but....I really think spending more time with him all round would do him the world of good. I know your original post was about covering the crate, and I wouldn't suggest that for now. Dogs like to see whats going on, not feel shut away from everyone.

Oh - and just for general reference, if you can access YouTube at all, I recommend Kikopup's videos on dog training using a clicker. There is one on there about using crates.

Lynn · 01-28-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mercy Medical

And I recognize that as he tends to be more active during the afternoon after we get home from work. I've realized the mistake we may have made in getting a younger dog. I've realized that mistake for a lot of reasons, however, I made the decision and even though I was stressed beyond belief that first week and have wanted to give up on many occasions, I'm not being I've made a commitment and I'm doing the very best I can with what I have. I've contemplated possibly taking him to a dog daycare maybe twice a week, but that will need to be discussed on a financial level with my girlfriend before it happens. We do not have anyone available to us that could play with him during the day. Everyone we know also works.

I know this is late and you probably have solved your issue by now, but I just had to add my two cents.

You know, Mercy Medical, my dog is 8 years old now. I did exactly what you and girlfriend are doing. I let him out in the morning for potty, came home at lunch so he could relieve himself and eat, and put him back in the crate until I returned home. He has suffered no ill effects and he was completely house trained before he turned 1.

I also put a gate across the kitchen door so he could move around some, keeping his food separate from his paper for training.

The only thing I suggest is to be consistent with what you are doing and make sure he has plenty of play time when you get home after work.