Dear Cathy, Our four-year-old Havapoo has been kenneled for most nights since a pup. She was great until about a year ago when she suddenly resisted getting into the kennel. It got better for a while, then worse again.
Once in, she claws at the kennel door and whines. We tried a different kennel, but it did not help. She has developed a fear of bees and flies since having a bad encounter with a bee's nest, so maybe she fears confinement as she can't escape the presence of a fly or something.
We want her to sleep in a kennel as our daughter and other dog sitters don't want her sleeping on their beds with them. We are at a loss. — Mike, Corvallis, Oregon Dear Mike, Since behavior changes can be related to health problems, please ensure she gets a clean bill of health from the vet before addressing the behavior.
People are also reading...
Given her history with bees and her recent fear of confinement, you may be right about her needing an escape route or feeling that her kennel is too confining. I recommend trying a much larger kennel and paying attention to its location to see if something in the environment is scaring her. Cover the kennel on the top and three sides with a blanket if it is not covered.
If it is covered, remove the cover. Keep trying different things to see how she responds. Next consider giving her over-the-counter anxiety supplements to help her relax.
Canine pheromones (via spray, collar, or plug-in) and anxiety clothing can help reduce any anxiousness. Re.
