When to allow Rosie out of the crate

Discussion in 'Labrador Behavior' started by ssolan, Feb 13, 2014.

  1. ssolan

    ssolan Registered Users

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    Hi everyone
    I am after some advice? Rosie is nearly nine months old and up until recently has happily gone into her crate at night and when we go out through the day. Over the last week I have let her stay in the kitchen with a kong while I pop out. The longest she has been left is an hour. She has not misbehaved at all and when I come home is asleep in her bed. She is still happy to sleep in her crate overnight. She is overall a very calm girl and only chews her own toys. Do you think she is ready to sleep out of the crate yet or am I jumping the gun? Just wondering what other people have done re freedom from crates?
    Thanks Sharon :)
     
  2. lynnelogan

    lynnelogan Registered Users

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    Re: When to allow Rosie out of the crate

    i took my dog out of the crate at 4 month, the most damage i have had is bursting cushions and his beds,.....i think they are all different, i have been lucky i have never had to move any thing x
     
  3. kateincornwall

    kateincornwall Registered Users

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    Re: When to allow Rosie out of the crate

    Why not try leaving the crate door open and see what happens ?
    My two arent destrutctive so never ever had to use a crate even when Sam was a puppy but can appreciate their uses for the chewers ;)
     
  4. pippa@labforumHQ

    pippa@labforumHQ Administrator

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    Re: When to allow Rosie out of the crate

    It sounds as though she might be ready. Every dog is different. My older lab was decrated before her first birthday with no problems. Where as Rachael was 18 months old.

    If you decide to go for it, it's worth getting up really early for the first few days, to ensure she isn't tempted to wee on the floor. Good luck :)
     
  5. ssolan

    ssolan Registered Users

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    Re: When to allow Rosie out of the crate

    Many thanks for the replies. I have popped her in the crate with door open in the utility room. No food sources available and no bins to knock over!! Will see how she does and will allow her the kitchen as well if she behaves over next few nights. Have set early alarm ;)watch this space!!
     
  6. Karen

    Karen Registered Users

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    Re: When to allow Rosie out of the crate

    Just to say - we slowly started using the crate less and less over several months, and by the time Pops was just over a year old we realized we were only using it for her to chew bones in on rainy days!
     
  7. ssolan

    ssolan Registered Users

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    Re: When to allow Rosie out of the crate

    Thanks for the tips. She has earned a gold star as nothing was chewed or destroyed last night! Will just gradually phase the crate out. Interesting how they are all so different!
     

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