Patty was clearly not happy with the bed pad placement in the crate today and chose to rearrange it.
After a trial run with the bed pad for a short time in the crate this weekend, we have been leaving it in the crate during the day. Patty still does not like the crate, but we find that the pad is cutting down on the time it takes for her to eventually lay down. We sprinkle cheese in the crate and she prances right in, but watching her on the cam, and she gets upset pretty quick. We've observed her pawing intently and licking at the doors/ latches. To help secure the doors from her pawing at them, we did attach carabiners for added security from her pawing her way out. This is usually followed by panting, pacing, etc,... Good news though is that she eventually does lay down and usually just sleeps the rest of the day.
To try to create a calm space for her, these are some other things we have tried to make crate time better for her:
And for safety, we always remove her collar.
Despite her hating the crate, at least she forgives us by the time we come home and we are always greeted with a happy little wiggly butt pup. :)
We've only had Patty for a little over a week, and we have seen some improvement, so we are hopeful when she is settled in her new home and has several week/s months to settle in, this routine in her day will become easier for her.
To try to create a calm space for her, these are some other things we have tried to make crate time better for her:
- We leave a hard bone or two with some frozen wet food or peanut butter on it for her to gnaw.
- We keep the lights low.
- We found a YouTube channel we play that has soft classical music for dogs without ads.
And for safety, we always remove her collar.
Despite her hating the crate, at least she forgives us by the time we come home and we are always greeted with a happy little wiggly butt pup. :)
We've only had Patty for a little over a week, and we have seen some improvement, so we are hopeful when she is settled in her new home and has several week/s months to settle in, this routine in her day will become easier for her.