Di115 Posted September 26 Share Posted September 26 Hi, I adopted my dog back in April 2024. She is 4 and at first I used a crate but being such a long dog it seemed too awkward for her to move and even stand up in it. I instead purchased 2 steel stair gates. The one yesterday she had somehow pulled one of the bars off squeezed through gap and then demolished some paperwork in my kitchen found when I walked through the front door & she’s looking like butter wouldn’t melt lol. This has never happened before & only till now alls been fine. I’m lost on what to do next. I’d made a sort of pen in the hall for her with the 2 gates cordoning off the rest of the house and closed the living room door. So she had plenty of room to manoeuvre around & light from the glass front door too. Any suggestions would be greatly received 🙏 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ramonaghan Posted September 26 Share Posted September 26 Could she be left loose but muzzled to prevent any more paperwork mishaps? You could close doors or gate off areas you don't want her in instead of the other way around. You don't want her hurting herself trying to get out of a crate or pen, and after six months I think she is telling you she's done with that. Quote Rachel with Doolin Doodle Dooooo, boss cat Tootie, and feline squatters Crumpet and Fezziwig. Missing gentlemen kitties Mud, Henry, and Richard and our gorgeous, gutsy girlhounds Sweep and Willa. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greysmom Posted September 26 Share Posted September 26 Separation Anxiety comes in many forms. Some dogs are fine being left alone, some get used to it, and some never really do. Is there a reason you haven't tried leaving her loose in the house (more destruction, improper elimination inside, etc)?? You can search through the forum here for threads about SA. Also, many people have found the training booklets "I'll Be Home Soon" by Patricia McConnell to be really helpful. Step-by-step instructions on how to help your dog become comfortable staying alone. Quote Chris - Mom to: Felicity (DeLand), and Andi (Braska Pandora) siggy by Chris Harper, on Flickr Angels: Libby (Everlast), Dorie (Dog Gone Holly), Dude (TNJ VooDoo), Copper (Kid's Copper), Cash (GSI Payncash), Toni (LPH Cry Baby), Whiskey (KT's Phys Ed), Atom, Lilly Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EllenEveBaz Posted September 26 Share Posted September 26 Quote You could close doors or gate off areas you don't want her in instead of the other way around. This is what I do, since I don't have open-concept. Kitchen/den and bedrooms can be closed off. Different dogs like to destroy different things, but several of mine have shown a preference for paper, like yours. Dogs have access at least to living/dining room, where they are allowed on the couches and can look out the window to the back yard. It sounds silly, but I kinda think having a window can make a big difference since they like to look out and see what's happening. I do have a HUGE crate which I use for new dogs before they graduate to partial access. But the problem with having a crate big enough for a big hound is how much space it takes up. At least mine can be folded up for storage after the new dog graduates. Tell us more about your girl! What does she like besides paperwork? Quote Ellen, with brindle Milo and the blonde ballerina, Gelsey remembering Eve, Baz, Scout, Romie, Nutmeg, and Jeter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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