Question:
I just ran into my sister at the mall. If you all recall, she was looking for a dog. She got a rescue mutt a few weeks ago from the Mississauga Humane Society. They think it's a shepard/hound cross (sorry I don't have a pic).

Anyway. My sister said that she has been great so far. She is about a year old, spayed, and has some training. She is great with my disabled nephew.

The only problem they have is that she has separation anxiety. I made a few suggestions, some of which they tried, and nothing has worked so far (she isn't food motivated and doesn't like stuffed bones/kongs). She is usually good up to three hours, then after that, she chews up anything she can find. My sister is usually home, but once a week has to go to sick kids with my nephew for a check-up.

They don't have a crate, and can't afford the size they need for her ($120) right now since my nephew just had to have emergency surgery this week. They tried putting her in the laundry room while they are out, but she got over the 4 foot barrier they put in the door way (there is no door there).

The only thing they have found to work is to muzzle her while out, but I freaked when I heard that, since it's dangerous!!

What they really need is a crate. I was wondering if anyone here had one in their garage/basement that they aren't using that they could sell for a fraction of the cost of a new one. She is about the size of a large lab, so a large or extra large crate is what they need.

THey need one soon since they live in a rental unit, and if the landlord finds any more damage, they may be evicted!!

Thanks!

Answer:
Please ask the local Spca for some help here, sorry he chewing up the home.
Check the local thrift stores also, look on internet to maybe make one? Wish I could send you one...

Answer:
You can also check and see if they can rent one from Stephensons Rent all. Check the message boards in pet stores also

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Could you explain why you feel muzzling is dangerous??? Or is it related to the type of muzzle they are using?

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Muzzles are find when needed as long as there is supervision, but being left alone with a muzzle on and no one there to supervise, it can be dangerous. The dog can get stuck on things and panic trying to get out and end up hurting itself.

Answer:
what jesse's mommy said. I don't think it's safe to leave the dog muzzled for 3+ hours while they are not home.

I will keep any eye out and hopefully something will show up. Maybe I could buy one and she could pay me back? I don't really have the $$$ either for that right now though...

Answer:
Unfortunately though, there's a larger issue here that bears addressing and that's the point of the pup having SA. A crate is all well and good when a dog has had time to check it out and realize it's not a dungeon cell, but just placing a dog in a crate with no time to become accustomed, well, that's trouble and a half. Not only can they stress themselves out, but they can also injure themselves in ways I can't even describe. Case in point, Simon had to be kept quiet after coming home from each of his 4 heartworm treatments, got a crate, socialized him to the idea, he did well after his first three treatments until the 4th. I put him in, he was fine, I came home an hour later to find a LOT of blood and a very exhausted and cut up Pointer waiting for me at the door. I'm sure you'll present the finer points of this to your sister, but in any case, obedience and confidence training are needed as well as help with the SA beyond crating. Tough situation for all of you and I hope you find a viable solution :/

Answer:
Oh...she is already crate trained, just didn't come with a crate! The foster had one, but he couldn't give it with her, since he uses it to train all his fosters.

Answer:
Maybe you mentioned it, but how big is she? Sometimes on nice days on Queen street east between parliament and sherbourne in front of those apartment complexes they sell used stuff, I've seen dog crates a couple of times, of course they would have to be washed a couple of times, but better than not. Or you can try calling the Menagerie pet store on parliament south of wellesley, often customers sell them used crates and cages and or they sometimes post it on their bulletin board.
I'll keep my eyes open.

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