Boston Terrier Literally Eats Through Crate!

We just adopted a BT from my parents. He was causing problems there. When left alone (my parents worked all day) he'd tip over his crate, chew though the wire crate and escape creating havoc. My dad rigged the crate where he can't get the bottom tray out anymore. When they'd get home he was just a nut case, hyper.

We took him in since I am home all day and he can run all day in the house. This has taken care of the hyperness, he is calm now all day and a treat to be around. BUT...
yesterday we were gone for only an HOUR. When we returned, he had literally broken one of the welds on the inside of his metal crate and was trying to get out. I can't even pull the welds apart, but somehow he did!
i am going to buy him a Kong toy to try and keep him busy when we have to leave, but does anyone have other suggestions? Sometimes we will be gone an hour or two at a time to run errands and i'm afraid he's going to hurt himself on the wires he is breaking and bending back.
Jagger is 14 months old, and other than the problems crating, a very good dog.
Thanks in advance!

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Boston Terrier Literally Eats Through Crate!

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Dec 23, 2008
 Eating through the crate
by: Anonymous

I had a foster Boston who every time I crated would do the same thing. She was about 8 years old and one time it was so severe that she broke 2 teeth. I switched from a wire crate to the plastic crate for safety issues. There is not anything they can chew on. I found it helpful to cover the crate with a sheet or blanket depending on the temp. of the house. Kongs are good if they are treat motivated. Somehow you need to show him the crate is not a bad thing. i would always put treats in the back of the crate just to get her used to going in and out when I was home instead of just putting her in there when I had to leave. This would help her to realize it is not a place where she would just get locked up. I also put clothes of mine in there that smelled like me to help her stay calm.
You can also try the plug ins made for dogs. I have not used them but they leave a fragrance that is supposed to be soothing for them.
Dec 09, 2008
 CRATE BTS
by: BARBARA

sounds like your boston has some anxiety issues of separation going on so you let him run the house when you are out or put some music or a tv on when you crate him. this may help a little. put him in a room like the bathroom while you run errands

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