getting out of a crate

Question
I need your help!!! Four months ago I adopted an 8 month old female rottweiller. The previous owners didn't say much, what I do know is that she was allowed to roam their basement with a pit bull since they got her at 5 weeks. She's a fantastic dog when shes around my family and whoever visits. The problem is this she is a habitual garbage eater. She will eat her bowl of food and still go through the garbage if no one is there to stop her. So we began to crate her while we were at school and work. The first crate we had she got out of it 8 days out of the 10 we attempted to keep her in it. She somehow would squeeze her way far enough that the top part of the crate would raise and she would get through. Then a friend of ours suggested we use her crate that over time she crated dog de Bordeaux and several pits with no problem. Well day one the latch was somehow opened. Day two on she was squeezing through the bottom corner. We then put 2 master locks on the top and bottom of the door. That was great for 2 weeks and then today she has gotten OUT again. Both locks and latch are still intact. And of course we walk into the garbage tipped over and garbage all over the house. I live in a rather large apt, so when she gets out she treats it like a playground. We love her and are willing to listen to any advice you can give me to keep her happy and crated for the short 5 hours were out of the house on weekdays.

Answer
Dear Lisa,

Thanks for writing. Sounds like you have a Houdini on your hands.

Have you had her checked by your vet? An outrageous appetite can be a sign of medical problems.

Each time she gets into the garbage, she learns to do it more and more. Move the trash to another area - outside of the house would be best.

How much exercise does she get?

What brand of food do you feed her?

Does she relax in the crate when you are home?

Do you think she is anxious?

Give her something else to do when she is crated. Have you got a Kong toy? If so, stuff a Kong or two with food and treats - you might even freeze them to make her food-puzzle a bit more difficult. Goggle Kong Recipes Dog - you'll get lots of ideas.

Good Luck. Thanks for writing.

Alan J Turner

http://howsbentley.com