Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Last October, we rescued a beagle, Molly, who was hit by a car and left for dead. Our neighbor found her and took her to a vet where she received good care, although she lost the use of her front right leg as a result of the accident and it soon will have to be amputated. She is well mannered and is a wonderful addition to our family. She is generally quiet, sweet and adorable to all. She was housebroken when we adopted her and rarely barked.

After many months she began a nasty habit of barking from her crate in the middle of the night. We consequently moved the crate into an interior room where it minimizes the noise level but she continues to do it every night. She also pees in the create 3-4 times per week.

We are gone during the day and she is in her crate at night so she is out of her crate only 1 1/2 hours in the morning and about 5 hours at night on weekdays. She does not like going into her crate even if we tempt her with treats. Her barking is beginning to takes its toll on our family and we are hoping to find a solution.

Any ideas?

Molly's Dad

>>Last October, we rescued a beagle, Molly, who was hit by a car and left for dead. Our neighbor found her and took her to a vet where she received good care, although she lost the use of her front right leg as a result of the accident and it soon will have to be amputated. She is well mannered and is a wonderful addition to our family. She is generally quiet, sweet and adorable to all. She was housebroken when we adopted her and rarely barked.
>>
>>After many months she began a nasty habit of barking from her crate in the middle of the night. We consequently moved the crate into an interior room where it minimizes the noise level but she continues to do it every night. She also pees in the create 3-4 times per week.
>>
>>We are gone during the day and she is in her crate at night so she is out of her crate only 1 1/2 hours in the morning and about 5 hours at night on weekdays. She does not like going into her crate even if we tempt her with treats. Her barking is beginning to takes its toll on our family and we are hoping to find a solution.
>>
>>Any ideas?
>>
>>Molly's Dad

This crate confinement time is excessive. It's made worse by her being in an isolated area at night, too. Beagles were actually bred to be noisy so the hunters can hear them at a distance.

Illness including urinary tract infection could be contributing to the crate accidents, as could distress from being crated too much. A crate as a place to snooze during the many (14 is typical) hours out of the 24 that a dog sleeps is one thing, but a crate as the place she spends most of her time just doesn't work, either mentally, emotionally, or physically for a dog. Her situation is quite likely also complicated by pain and disability in that leg. She needs to be able to move around in order to keep her muscles, bones and joints up to the task of life on 3 legs.

You might be able to arrange a different confinement area for her within your home that would work great. She will need potty opportunities at reasonable intervals. If someone can't get home often enough, you might have to consider a doggy door. Don't leave her out too much, or at night, though, because neighbors will have good reason to complain. Beagles are noisy. Sweet, but noisy!
-----
Kathy Diamond Davis, author, "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others," 2nd edition, and the free Canine Behavior Series at www.veterinaryforum.com

Hi!

Thank you for adopting this poor baby.

I agree with what Kathy says, but I have a question. You mentioned she was housebroke when you got her. Being that she was housebroke, have you ever tried leaving her out instead of crating her? Maybe she doesn't need to be crated at all.

Good luck with her and please keep us posted.
-----
Melody/PHFasDog
Email me at PHFasDog
My furkids: Kira, Lyta, Jadzia

Dear Kathy and Melody,

I read your response(s) with interest and changed Molly’s routine the same day. At first we created an area in our kitchen for her to sleep and it was great the first night. The second night however, she whimpered and barked until I gave in and let her have the run of the house. The minute she had the run of the house, she was fine and a good night sleep was had by all. We inspected the house the next morning fully expecting the worst and to our surprise and relief everything was fine.

Based on the success of the night we let Molly have the run of the house during the day as well, and her temperament settled down as I believe that she grew to hate the crate. We were very happy that with the exception of one accident, Molly was a perfect angel.

Now however, I think that Molly is bored during the day as she is beginning to get into trouble. She is peeing in the house every day and chewing up things. Today we were forced to put her in her crate while we are at work.

I would love to give her a doggy door, but we have an indoor cat, plus if she had the ability to go out anytime, I am worried that she would be potentially upsetting our neighbors if she was overly noisy.

And more ideas?

Thanks,

Molly’s Dad

>>Dear Kathy and Melody,
>>
>>I read your response(s) with interest and changed Molly’s routine the same day. At first we created an area in our kitchen for her to sleep and it was great the first night. The second night however, she whimpered and barked until I gave in and let her have the run of the house. The minute she had the run of the house, she was fine and a good night sleep was had by all. We inspected the house the next morning fully expecting the worst and to our surprise and relief everything was fine.
>>
>>Based on the success of the night we let Molly have the run of the house during the day as well, and her temperament settled down as I believe that she grew to hate the crate. We were very happy that with the exception of one accident, Molly was a perfect angel.
>>
>>Now however, I think that Molly is bored during the day as she is beginning to get into trouble. She is peeing in the house every day and chewing up things. Today we were forced to put her in her crate while we are at work.
>>
>>I would love to give her a doggy door, but we have an indoor cat, plus if she had the ability to go out anytime, I am worried that she would be potentially upsetting our neighbors if she was overly noisy.
>>
>>And more ideas?
>>
>>Thanks,
>>
>>Molly’s Dad

Perhaps someone to come in partway through the day and give her a potty break. Not the run of the entire house--most dogs need the freedom to come gradually, not too quickly. Instead use a confinement area that's easily cleaned and is free of stuff for her to get into trouble. Leave her with special toys that will help keep her busy, such as a Kong with treats inside. And she might need a check to see if there's a urinary tract infection or hormonal incontinence.
-----
Kathy Diamond Davis, author, "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others," 2nd edition, and the free Canine Behavior Series at www.veterinaryforum.com