Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Ok I went out yesterday and bought Sophie a 10x10 foot dog kennel for outside.. we've had it less than a day... she has been in it for less than an hour and already she has a huge hole dug almost out of it. I have a doghouse and everything out there... I thought she might like to be outside for a while and get some air but I'm not even back in the house for 2 minutes and she's digging away.. is there any way I can stop this digging? I want her to be able to be outside, but I don't want my yard all tore up, or her escaping. Anything at all I can do?? Thanks -Kasey

Dogs want to be with their owners. It's nice you want her to get some fresh air and be safe at the same time. She apparently doesn't appreciate the gesture as you would hope. My two dogs are diggers as well and when left outside unattended I'd have craters all over my yard. It's just fun for a dog to do that. If I were you, I'd get some paving stones and set the kennel over the pavers to eliminate the digging problem. I'd then slowly work on introducing my dog to being outside without me. I'd have chew toys out there with the dog as well as I'd go out often and be in the kennel with my dog to show it's not such a bad place to be. I also think much over an hour in a kennel just isn't any fun for a dog no matter how nice it is out. Bring them in and use it as a treat.
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Chelle and the rest of the crew including, but not limited to Kita and Taiko (the shiba inu wrestle maniacs), Adi (reserved and dignified tabby cat), and all 28 reptiles