Crate/No Crate

[Emily]

Hi all,

I have a sweet new foster dog that came from Mexico, she’s very timid and exhausted and mostly sleeping. She didn’t come with a crate and I’m wondering if I should buy one. She has a dog bed she’s used to, and slept in fine next to my bed, just wondering if I should buy a crate to help continue her training. These training videos are great!! Thanks

Emily

Discussion

[Pamela Chandler]

Hi Emily. I am THRILLED that you like the videos! Please keep the questions coming. I think that a crate is a GREAT idea. It will be her safe space. Don’t force her in it. Put her food and water in there so she goes in and out during the day. Give her treats in the crate and her toys. See how she responds. The crate can be a VERY safe place for a timid dog. So if something startles or frightens her she can go to her crate and NO ONE touches her when she is in there. If she is responsive it can be VERY good for her. How old is she? How big is she?

[Emily]

Hi Pam!!

Sorry I didn’t know how to see replies on here. I’m not positive on Winnie (foster pup)’s age but I think 1-3 years? Medium sized, maybe 20-30lbs. She’s very malnourished and weak, so mainly she’s been sleeping in her new crate (which she LOVES, that was the right call!)

I actually have questions about her meeting our dog Gizmo (a 9 yr old pug mix that’s been attacked by larger dogs, twice in the last few months). Winnie has been around other dogs, and is aware that we have another dog in the house, but we’ve kept them separate so far. She has her space in my room, and we cornered off a section of the yard. I finished your foster certification course (endlessly grateful to you for that, so much helpful information I can’t thank you or praise you enough) and understand meeting in a neutral space. What I’m wondering is how long we should wait? She’s gaining a bit of strength and pep, and started growling today when Gizmo came up to the gate blocking my room, so I moved him away but I don’t want her trying to guard me, or my room, or the house in general. She just today had enough strength to begin to practice controlled sitting, so we’re moving slow. Thoughts?

Emily 🙂