[DarkHollow]

So the little one is getting big. She is 4 old months now. And she has been wonderful. What a true blessing to our lives!!

She has started doing something recently that is "weird" (read cute). And I would like to know anyone's take on this. I had to recently buy a bigger kennel for her. Almost immediately she started going into her new kennel and pulling all of her toys and chews and blankets out. It's almost like she is trying to save her toys from the new "evil cave". I really can't figure this out.

I am not complaining at all. Just want some others take on this. She kennels incredibly well. She has not gone to the bathroom once in the old or new kennel. Sleeps sound as a baby and we only hear a peep from her in the morning...It's my I can't hold it much longer alarm clock.

Thanks for your input.

Below: Loot saved from the evil cave!!!!

 

[moscowitz]

Dogs don't think of it as the evil cave. Many dogs feel safe and comfortable in it and would rather be in their kennel.

 

[T-Pines]

Just a thought, maybe the new bigger kennel smells funny? Wipe it down(all over) with whatever you were cleaning her little one with and then let it air out outside. Then rub her scent from her blankets and toys all over it, and rub your scent from your sweaty clothes all over it. Who knows what she is thinking. I have one female that pulls the boys fluffy pads out of their kennels, piles them up and then lays on them. Those females, I just laugh and put everything back where it belongs.

 

[chesaka]

I think she is telling you she doesn't want to share her new bedroom with that other stuff. Either that, or she is fetching all that stuff and bringing it to you.

 

[jd6400]

Heres my take....she is preparing you for years to come!!!!Why does a peake do what they do??? Jim

 

[ChessieMom]

My 8 mos old Chessie used to do that too, still does sometimes. It wasn't a big deal. As long as you aren't using the crate as punishmet and the pup goes in nicely and sleeps well in it, I'm sure he doesn't think the crate is evil. Dogs usually love their crates and feel secure in them. Maybe he just wants to play with his stuff. I think our pup drug his stuff out to be closer to us in the evening while still having his snuggly blanket. We have hardwood floors...it made sense.

 

[chuck187]

MY 4 year old CBR does the same thing. He can't stand to have anything in the crate with him.

 

[DarkHollow]

Just a thought, maybe the new bigger kennel smells funny? Wipe it down(all over) with whatever you were cleaning her little one with and then let it air out outside. Then rub her scent from her blankets and toys all over it, and rub your scent from your sweaty clothes all over it. Who knows what she is thinking. I have one female that pulls the boys fluffy pads out of their kennels, piles them up and then lays on them. Those females, I just laugh and put everything back where it belongs.

This was my first instinct lol Since she has moved in with us she has always had the same kennel and familiar smell of that kennel!! Now some new plastic smelling "entity" has taken its place. lol

 

[DarkHollow]

My 8 mos old Chessie used to do that too, still does sometimes. It wasn't a big deal. As long as you aren't using the crate as punishmet and the pup goes in nicely and sleeps well in it, I'm sure he doesn't think the crate is evil.

We definitely do not use the crate as punishment! My instinct is telling me this one might be winner winner chicken dinner "Heres my take....she is preparing you for years to come!!!!Why does a peake do what they do??? Jim"

lol Whatever the reason...it is pretty cute! And it doesn't bother me at all. Just had me scratching my head. Thanks to everyone's replies and shared experience on this

Below: Another toy saved today!!!

 

[Scott R.]

Why does a peake do what they do??? Jim

Ain't it the truth! I'm pretty much convinced there's a Chessie union out there and they're all card carrying members.

 

[jd6400]

We definitely do not use the crate as punishment! My instinct is telling me this one might be winner winner chicken dinner "Heres my take....she is preparing you for years to come!!!!Why does a peake do what they do??? Jim"

lol Whatever the reason...it is pretty cute! And it doesn't bother me at all. Just had me scratching my head. Thanks to everyone's replies and shared experience on this

Below: Another toy saved today!!!

View attachment 14933

Be carefull scratching too hard you got many years ahead of you doing it HAAAAAA......good luck and enjoy the ride. Jim

 

[waterdog711]

It might have nothing to do with the kennel. It might just be an extension of her attempting to obtain your approval for picking things up and bringing them to you.

 

[Ed Bahr]

My chessie would do the same thing and he is almost 8 months now.......he still has to have something in his mouth almost immediately......I think it is the instinct to retrieve and have something in mouth.......mine will start searching for something to grab as soon as I open the crate after a good night sleep.....

 

[freezeland]

What kind of "toys" are you leaving in the kennel? The only thing I keep in my dog's crate is the dog. Nylabons or other safe chew toys are ok. Squeaky toy's and the like should not be left with a pup in the crate. Personnaly I dont let my dogs have any squeaky toy's no matter what.

 

[Pat Puwal]

Each pup has a different personality and a clean, empty kennel seems to be the way your pup prefers it! That's part of the fun with them - always something new!

 

[CodyC]

My little man (now 6 months old) does the same thing. He absolutely loves his kennel though. He wants to be the only one in it so if you put a blanket or a bone in there to keep him occupied he can't stand it. He treats it has his space and he doesn't want anything in it but him.

 

[DarkHollow]

My chessie would do the same thing and he is almost 8 months now.......he still has to have something in his mouth almost immediately......I think it is the instinct to retrieve and have something in mouth.......mine will start searching for something to grab as soon as I open the crate after a good night sleep.....

She has started to do this as well. At first, she was racing to get outside. She is now grabbing something and standing at the door with a toy or chew in her mouth!

P.s. Grabbed some elk antlers today...she loves it.

 

[DarkHollow]

What kind of "toys" are you leaving in the kennel? The only thing I keep in my dog's crate is the dog. Nylabons or other safe chew toys are ok. Squeaky toy's and the like should not be left with a pup in the crate. Personnaly I dont let my dogs have any squeaky toy's no matter what.

We've been pretty good at leaving only a blanket, a couple of our t-shirts and hard chews inside. I knew not too, but at first I was throwing everything in there. I just wanted her to be happy and comfortable. Only the hard stuff now.