Quote:
Originally Posted by hmartelly  To be honest, I didn't want to crate train. I use to leave him in the kitchen with a baby gate up during the day, however when I'd get back home, there would be blood all over it. I think i was trying to bite his way out of it =/
To stop him from hurting himself, I bought a kennel. It apperently was a little too big for him, so he would HOP AROUND IN IT from the kitchen, and I'd come home to find his kennel with him in it BY THE FRONT DOOR. NOT an easy task considering the distance. During these "episodes" he would keep nicking his back on the top of the crate. He had a deep gash, which just healed up. But that spot is bald as he was continually licking it. I had to keep him bandaged up with a shirt on for a while, just to prevent him from licking off that thick layer of his epidermis. The hair is growing back slowly, will that spot be full like it was again? Or will he have a bald spot on his back FOREVER? =/
People were telling me the kennel was to big, which was why he was peeing/pooping and hopping around. So I stuffed it with items to limit his movements and weigh down the kennel. He can only sit/turn and lay down in it now. NEEDLESS to say, I've now found out it is due to the extensive amount of time he is spending in his kennel that is causing him to go in the bathroom in it. smh.
I've decided to put the baby gate back up in the kitchen, with puppy pads down and the kennel with the door open in the kitchen. -UNTIL i get him an x-pen. Any suggestions on stopping him from biting the baby gate and bleeding on it?
Also, no, he sleeps in our bed with us. He is so affectionate and loves to cuddle. The only time we were putting him in the kennel was when we left for work. The rest of the time, he is free to roam the apartment.
I just want to get to the point where I don't need the baby gate or x-pen and he can just behave and only go on the pads while we are way or something. |
I think I mentioned in an earlier reply I sent to you that terriers are smart and very good problem solvers....and wanted to write again after reading about your dog "hopping" in his crate to get to the front door (because he wants to go with you wherever you're going) to say CONGRATULATIONS!!! YOU HAVE A SMART DOG!!.............................I think if I were you I would try getting up a little earlier and taking him for a walk for about 20-30 minutes before you have to start getting ready for work and in addition, you might play with him a little if your aren't already. Also, take him for a 20-30 minute walk sometime in the evening when you get home. Yorkies are small but HIGH energy dogs and need walks to help them to be able to settle down in the home and be content. In addition, as I mentioned in an earlier post, find some safe toys that will keep him busy trying to solve the problems of "how am I going to get this treat out of this kong" instead of him trying to solve the problem of how he's going to get out of the gated area to get to the front door. You need to pair a "negative" thing, like your "leaving" with a positive thing "treats". So when you leave for the day, in addition to laying down a kong or two, lay down a couple of treats right before you go out the door. Lastely, go get some "bitter apple" spray and spray that stuff all over that gate. Don't worry if it drips on the floor some...it won't hurt anything. It really worked with my dog when she was a pup and wanted to bite on some of my furniture......Daisy and I wish you luck!!