Crate question

mysweetkaos · 10-01-2011, 09:54 AM

We have a 9yr old GSD and a 6 mo GSD/Mastiff x puppy. We rescued this puppy (Tank) and have integrated him slowly into our lives for the sake of Kaos (9yr). When we take them outside they are free roaming together with supervision. In the house the Tank (puppy) is crated, leashed, or in a gated area. They have done very well although Kaos is quick to offer correction if Tank starts acting too rambuncious around the kids especially. We have started letting them both free roam a bit more through the house while we are home. Seems to be going good. When they are just with my husband there is no problem, Kaos seems more "on guard" when I am around, but we are quick to tell him enough and he backs off. So now for the question, while they are roaming Kaos has wanting to get in Tanks crate....should we let him? I worry that he is doing he just to be "bossy" which he has a tendency to be. We always close their crates while they are roaming because this keeps Tank from dragging toys out and upsetting Kaos. Any advice would be welcome...I'm just not sure if he is being "dominant" or for what other reason he would want to get in Tanks crate.

Emoore · 10-01-2011, 10:10 AM

Just a word about some of the way you're thinking-- you keep saying that Kayos is "bossy" and "dominant" like that's a bad thing. Kayos is a 9 year old dog, Tank is a puppy. Kayos is supposed to be bossy and dominant. Dogs don't see this as a bad thing. They're not supposed to be equal.

However, you are dominant to both of them. If you don't want Tank dragging toys out of his crate, close the crate door. If you don't want Kayos getting into the crate, close the door.

I do think you're kind of overthinking this, though.

mysweetkaos · 10-01-2011, 10:34 AM

Overthinking....yes I would agree my husband uses that word with me a lot

I do appreciate Kaos' bossiness as he has helped train this puppy faster and better than we could've. I wasn't sure if they should be allowed in each others crates, but you're right. They each have their own crate, where they keep their "stash" so I guess just shutting the door and not worrying about it would be easiest. Thank you and my husband will be happy someone else shut down my crazy train of thoughts

10-01-2011, 09:54 AM	#1 (permalink)
mysweetkaos Elite Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: St Louis, MO Posts: 1,246	Crate question We have a 9yr old GSD and a 6 mo GSD/Mastiff x puppy. We rescued this puppy (Tank) and have integrated him slowly into our lives for the sake of Kaos (9yr). When we take them outside they are free roaming together with supervision. In the house the Tank (puppy) is crated, leashed, or in a gated area. They have done very well although Kaos is quick to offer correction if Tank starts acting too rambuncious around the kids especially. We have started letting them both free roam a bit more through the house while we are home. Seems to be going good. When they are just with my husband there is no problem, Kaos seems more "on guard" when I am around, but we are quick to tell him enough and he backs off. So now for the question, while they are roaming Kaos has wanting to get in Tanks crate....should we let him? I worry that he is doing he just to be "bossy" which he has a tendency to be. We always close their crates while they are roaming because this keeps Tank from dragging toys out and upsetting Kaos. Any advice would be welcome...I'm just not sure if he is being "dominant" or for what other reason he would want to get in Tanks crate.

10-01-2011, 10:10 AM	#2 (permalink)
Emoore Crowned Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: North DFW, TX Posts: 9,215	Just a word about some of the way you're thinking-- you keep saying that Kayos is "bossy" and "dominant" like that's a bad thing. Kayos is a 9 year old dog, Tank is a puppy. Kayos is supposed to be bossy and dominant. Dogs don't see this as a bad thing. They're not supposed to be equal. However, you are dominant to both of them. If you don't want Tank dragging toys out of his crate, close the crate door. If you don't want Kayos getting into the crate, close the door. I do think you're kind of overthinking this, though. __________________ Rocky vom Backyard- 10 years young Kopper vom Felssclucht Bach - 17 months At the Bridge: Cash van der Animal Shelter 2006-2010

10-01-2011, 10:34 AM	#3 (permalink)
mysweetkaos Elite Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: St Louis, MO Posts: 1,246	Overthinking....yes I would agree my husband uses that word with me a lot I do appreciate Kaos' bossiness as he has helped train this puppy faster and better than we could've. I wasn't sure if they should be allowed in each others crates, but you're right. They each have their own crate, where they keep their "stash" so I guess just shutting the door and not worrying about it would be easiest. Thank you and my husband will be happy someone else shut down my crazy train of thoughts

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