Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:How big is the crate relative to her size? Sometimes when a crate is too large they feel like their crate can be divided between bed space and potty space in a way they wouldn't in tighter quarters. (Obviously the crate should be comfortable and they should be able to stand up and turn around but a Maltese in a crate that could fit a Bernese might do this.)
This was my concern, but she's very tall for her weight, so I did have to go up a size. It's bigger, but not huge (for example, it would be too small for a Bernese). She's about 40 lbs. She had a physical this summer and is in good health and is up to date on vaccines.
To those who think it's terrible to crate, believe me, if I could trust her I would keep her out. She gets into the weirdest things. The other night she raided my jewelry bowl on top of my dresser while I was sleeping. She will also take random things off shelves and chew them (all while we are sleeping). She has 3 million toys, bones and other things.
Both the vet and the trainer recommend crating. I want to keep her alive! I'm hoping this is just young behavior, but I want to nip it, as my other dogs are not like this (I have 3 - not all are crated!)
I called the trainer and have an appointment next week. I do agree she needs more exercise; off-leash is where she gets her energy out (dog park). I wish I could take her every day if one was closer to me. But she is walked daily; but even after a walk, or if she has to go into the crate even just a run to the store, she goes. Sometimes it's just #1, sometimes it's #2, sometimes it's both
Thanks though for helping me think this out!