HerdingStdPoodle

What can work really well is putting your crates [somewhere] creative and centrally located like a living room or bedroom, etc. Sometimes I have put two kennels underneath the dining room table or sometimes I've used them as end tables (most of my friends are dog people and understand). When I am crate training, I would put the dogs side-by-side or facing each other so that they could see each other---and then I would sit in a chair by them and read a book, etc. Slowly, I would increase the time that they would be in the crate, and after a bit, they would view it as a secure, rest time and they had each other to look at. Their crates would always be a nice, warm, safe den and never a punishment.

Just a few ideas....
HerdingStdPoodle

kukukachoo

I so wish I had a spot in our "living" areas. I would not mind their presence at all, I just don't have a spot- especially for two and for the size Dude would require. :( My only table is a round 4-seater so no room under there, our three bedrooms are small and at capacity, my kitchen is just a galley kitchen and that only leaves the den which is the only open floor space for the kids to play and the crates would consume it. I hate that, because it means if they do end up needing crated in the garage while we are gone (which, is never longer than several of hours mind you) it is probably always going to seem like a punishment.

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MollyMuiMa

I can't offer you any suggestions,only my heartfelt sympathy! My son has a very sweet and gentle yellow lab that has cost him a fortune in the stuff he has destroyed! Also ER visits to the Vet! My G-Kids often have lost treasured toys to him!(It did teach them to pick up!)He's 9 yrs old and weighs 90lbs(not fat) get plenty of exercise and has a huge yard and another dog(a golden) to play with. My son gives him a lot of attention and he sleeps next to the bed but if something is left out on the table,couch,chairs,counters,floor,etc it won't be in one piece in the morning! I hope you find a solution!

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Indiana

My mom says they used to use mouse traps to stop skunks from getting in the hen house, but they set them and then gingerly put them upside down so the skunks would not be injured when the traps went off--the purpose was to startle them. If you are using them in the house, I would worry that your kids would get hurt inadvertently. But if you DID use them on your counters, I would suggest you put the mouse traps upside down and maybe with a cookie sheet on top so when they went off it would be a big rattly commotion and not an actual injury to a curious paw or nose. But, empty cans as suggested by lily cd re are probably the much safer route, with kids in the house.

kukukachoo

GREAT SUGGESTIONS! Scare tactics had never occurred to me. I like it.

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HerdingStdPoodle

Dens are perfect places, and boy, oh boy, do I understand about small spaces! Is there any corner or wall space available for two crates shoved against a wall and then toy storage boxes or a light television or something to be placed on top of the crates? Sometimes I've even covered the top of crates with a bright tablecloth, just so they blended with the decor more. Most often, I have to put the long sides against the wall, back-to-back, so that I have more space to walk!

Just More Thoughts,
HerdingStdPoodle

lily cd re

You can get modified mouse traps specifically for this purpose. They have a plastic flap like a fly swatter so that they can't get the mouse trap caught on their noses or toes, but it make a slappy sound that deters them. I have used them with Lily with good results. You have to be prepared to keep using them periodically though.

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Catherine
Lily AKC: CGC CD HIT CDX RN RA RE RAE NAJ; APDT: RL-1; CPE: CL1-R, CL1-H
Peeves AKC: CGC BN

katbrat

Lexi's crate is on my side of the bed between the bed and the wall. There is just enough space for me to walk and get to bed, that's the only place it will fit other than downstairs. I have the black off shaped Kong for heavy duty chewers. Natural Balance makes a "soft" food that comes in a roll that is sold at Petco. Petco sells sample sizes of this food. It is about as round as a quarter. I put these in the fridge to firm up and them slice thick slices off and put them in her Kong. It will keep her busy for a very long time. Good luck with coming up with something.

MaryLynn

What about those air cans that motion detect? I used to have one that I kept in the bread cupboard for a while when I had a devon rex because he would open it up and eat my vegetable flavor crackers and whole wheat bread (but not the white bread-he had impeccable taste).

I think a shot of air would make Gryphon think twice, but fortunately he has not discovered the joys of grabbing stuff off of surfaces yet.

Specman

Another suggestion for Kongs is to stuff them with canned food and freeze them. It takes much longer to get the food out.