home alone

[CathyC.]

so, obi is an escape artist. while he likes his crate and will happily lie down in it when we are home, if I go out all bets are off. invariably he breaks out of his crate (even with added security of a bungee cord), pushes aside the baby gate at the top of the stairs and heads to the basement to pee. i rarely go out and go out even less often without him but sometimes he has to stay home. he has a lovely pen attached to our deck but he cant be left there when we arent home because he will bark and disturb the neighbours. poor pup, he just hates to be alone. yesterday we had to be out for a few hours so we moved his crate into the laundry room and closed the door. he still managed to get out of his crate but at least he didnt pee anywhere.

is there anything that will help obi be more comfortable when we are away?

in other news, obi did remarkably well visiting the hardware store, a jewelry store and costco. at lunch time. with food stations. he was well received by everyone and the only issue was people wanting to pet him despite his mobility harness.
https://flic.kr/p/ArZivm

 

[Jeannie]

Bungee cord is not secure. Add an extra snap to the door of the crate. Even a pad lock with the key still in it.

 

[Sound Bay Newfs]

You may want to try a different model crate. I got one from Pet Supplies Plus that has two closures on the front that goes through then turns down for a secure latch. Try leaving a radio or tv on when you are not home to make him feel so not alone.

 

[lmfoltyn]

yes, crate like what was stated above and I always leave the radio or tv on for sound in the house...it gets way too quiet without it and it seems to make them feel they are not alone. Good luck with the escape artist...gotta love these smart dogs...

 

[Brandie&Maggie]

Radio or TV. Also a frozen know you with treats if he can be safe with it. Try sensitizing him to your leaving. Go for one minute, then 2. Gradually increase as he's comfortable.

 

[R Taft]

Radio or TV. Also a frozen know you with treats if he can be safe with it. Try sensitizing him to your leaving. Go for one minute, then 2. Gradually increase as he's comfortable.

This is the way I would go, I give frozen brisket bones and or kongs. Briskets are not bone, but cartilage. And the desensitizing when you are home, but he has to stay in a differrent room, slowly increasing time alone and distance. We do that with all our dogs

 

[CathyC.]

thanks for the responses and encouragement. i have been working on leaving obi outside or in another room for increasingly long periods each day for the past few days. next time we go out i will also try leaving the tv or radio on. i dont normally have either on and it is very quiet when i am home but it might help him.