Anyone else have a dog that shreds their chain link kennel? - Page 1

Ugh, I realize that sounds awful but, that is precisely what she is doing.  My 9 month old female apparently gets bored while I'm away at work and is literally pulling apart her chain link kennel.  Now, I realize the welded wire kennels are by far the better way to go but, until the time that I can afford to replace these, how do you stop it?  I have to literally do a thorough inspection of the kennel every afternoon, checking for any spots she's decided to pull.  I've bought high tensile wire (the thinner guage) to "wrap" the entire bottom section all the way around the kennel.  I had to go over this again yesterday as I noticed she found a weak spot.  Now, I find, she's standing on her hind legs and yanking at the links in the middle of the panels!!!  She also gets up on her dog house, and chews the shade top. 

I have numerous toys that I'm constantly buying and putting in her kennel.  Some, I hook with big D rings to the kennel just to give her something to "tug" in the event that that's what she wants to do but, she shreds those rope style toys and tugs in no time.  I'll go home and there will be string all over the kennel.

Does anyone have any ideas whatsoever?  I'm at my wits end with this.  So far, my 4 month old female in the next kennel hasn't caught on to this.  Yikes!

I have no choice, she has to be kenneled while I'm at work. 

Please send any and all ideas my way.

I know it's only a matter of time before I have to lay down the $600 for the welded wire kennel.  They look better anyway.  However, I want to be able to switch out both kennels when I do this. 

Thank you in advance.

I had a dog that was doing the same thing. I bought some 2" x 4" welded horse

wire that comes in 15 foot length. I cut it into 5 foot length and attached it to the

chain link and that ended my problems. It cost $55 for a 4' by 15' so if you just go

about 5' high it is not too expensive. One piece will make 3 panels.

I once (briefly) owned a male GSD that had separation anxiety when I left for work each day.  My neighbors complained that he would howl mournfully like a wolf for hours.  When he wasn't howling he spent his time trying to escape the chain link kennel that I've used for years, with a few other dogs.

I also will replace the old chain link model once my husband and I build our new home next year with a proper, permanent kennel facility.  In the meanwhile... here's some things that I did that helped:

The dog was encouraged by the "give" in the chain link.  He pulled it, it moved, so he felt like he was getting something done.  He started attacking the bottom first.  I went to Home Depot and got some flat rods that are normally used at the end of a roll of chain link, designed to slide through the links and then attach to the vertical pole.  I bought a bunch of those and slid it horizontally through the bottom links and used fencing clamps to fix them in place.  Only a couple of bucks a piece.  Now when he pulled at the bottom, it didn't move. 

Then he turned his attention to the chain link on the door of the kennel and did the same thing, reinforcing with the flat bar on all sides. 

So, with your girl you may want to try a similar design.  The materials are cheap, but sturdy.  It could last long enough for you to get your finances together for the welded kennel.

For toys, the rope thingies don't last with my current male either.  He loves to shred those things.  What toys have you tried?  Kongs?  Balls?  Rawhide chews?

Yvette

I have one like that, my old Fero grandaughter. Most chain link (or cyclone) wire that is used in knock-up kennels that can be purchased is a light gauge wire. No match for the Una, whose motto is "I will be free!" Five (5) minutes alone and there is a massive hole in the fence. She has taught her method to one of her sons, who recently displayed his talents while I had a bitch in heat.

My suggestion is to use the heavier gauges that are available from a commercial fence supply firm, and do not rely on the aluminium tyes that are used for this wire. For the bottom of the fence, you should use 1/8" wire rope (aircraft cable) that can be wound around the lower rail and woven through the lower part of the fence. This cable is then secured at the ends with wire rope clamps. This is actually easier than the twisting of the aluminium tyes, as they must be wound several times to make them strong.

The best fencing is  what is referred to as a "horse panel". These are available from a good farm supply store, and are made with 1/4" diameter wire arranged so the openings are 2" x 4". Excellent for puppies as well, as they have a harder time climbing it.

Bob-O 

Hudson,

That sounds like a do-able idea.  I'll have to look into that for the time being...

Yvette, I've tried the Kongs, the tires, balls, anything "solid" rubber that would not be easily destructable but, she seems to ignore these and wants something she can literally chew or sink her teeth into.  Rawhide chews, I will not do.  I had a close call with one with a dog I had years ago.

She does seem to like big beef knuckle bones...I might have to stock up on these. 

Trailrider, I would not feel comfortable leaving a muzzle of any kind on my dogs for the 9 hrs that I'm away. 

Thank you all for your ideas.

This is a little out there..but, what the he-l...it might work.

I'm lucky not having destructive chewers, but I realized one day if one of my guys started any bad behavior, all I'd have to do is rub an orange peel on any object he had his eye on.  He hates oranges and won't even attempt to lick a plate with cheesecake crumbs (his favorite) if an orange slice has also been on the plate.  Of course, this has been tested.

Might be worth a try to find some taste she detests (bitter apple, pepper, etc), rub it in her mouth, and then rub it on the fence. It's a slight chance, I know...but, if you can break the habit, it just might work. (Remember not to let her see the product being applied to the fence.) Don't forget to have safe, tasty chewables around to take her frustration out on.

Bob-O,

Yes, I'm thinking of going by the tractor supply store this afternoon and checking into those panels.  I believe for now, those might be the way to go. 

Thank you all.  I knew I could count on this board for help.  Would I just attach the panels to the chain link with wire ties or, do you have a better idea?  I guess she wouldn't be able to get them undone that easy.

As for toys, I'm all for any ideas.   I know she wants and needs to be kept busy even in the kennel.  She is a "busy" dog.  I love that about her.  I guess I need to find things to keep her mind busy...other than the black bear and fox that are currently teasing her in our woods!!  (Perhaps she's taking her frustration on these wild animal pests out on her kennel)!!