I ♥ the crate!!! BUT...we have a teeny little problem...

Meiko is fricken HOUDINI!!

She figured out how to get out!!! Arggghhh

Things have been FANTASTIC since bringing the crate back. (Thanks to those of you who recommended it ) After our recent issues and trying several different things, we finally went out and bought a big brand new crate (we threw out her old one ages ago).

We essentially re-crate-trained her. She's been a happy, accident-free (KNOCK ON WOOD A BILLION TIMES)dog, and we've been happy owners.

But a few weeks ago I came home to find her crate CLOSED (one latch closed, one open) and her OUTSIDE of it. I figured DH didn't lock it properly.

But, yesterday, we came home (knowing we CAREFULLY MADE SURE to lock it everyday after that incident) and she was free again!

NOW what?! This is bad. She can get seriously hurt trying to squeeze out of there. We used an extra bungee cord type of thing to secure the lock this morning, but I'm SURE that as I type this is probably running free as she probably chewed right through it and got out again.

I can't shell out for a more expensive crate right now. What is a safe way to secure this crate?

Re: I ? the crate!!! BUT...we have a teeny little problem...

OMG at Meiko being Houdini

Maybe one of those bicycle locks?

Something like this:

Re: I ? the crate!!! BUT...we have a teeny little problem...

Try spraying the latch with that Grannick's Bitter Apple spray. It isn't harmful to them, they just don't like the taste/smell so they'll stay away from it. Now it's to the point where Kasey runs when we bring out ANY kind of spray bottle!!

Re: I ? the crate!!! BUT...we have a teeny little problem...

Misty did that too....I used a bungee cord at the top of the door to the crate.

Re: I ? the crate!!! BUT...we have a teeny little problem...

This is funny that you mention this. My Diamond did the same thing I got a crate from the shop I got her and I couldn't not believe how much I paid for it and how I got jipped. I used to take a string and tie it to the lock so she can't get it loose or push the crate against something solid like the garbage and she could not push the door open. (DH idea. And then I discover a great crate from walmart by petmate. It had 2 latches and it has a curve on the latch that makes it almost impossible to get out. The crate was about 30 something bucks and came with a divider. The cheapest I have seen and it works like a charm.

Re: I ? the crate!!! BUT...we have a teeny little problem...

Thanks for the tips ladies. The bungee cord is holding for now (surprisingly!), but I think a lock is in order.

Re: I ? the crate!!! BUT...we have a teeny little problem...

If the crate is small enough, just turn it around to have the door against the wall each time you leave, that's what i did because ours would get out magically....can't get out if you can't open the door!