Kennel Training Tips

[rrmom]

oh, so if I put the pad between the crate and the plastic thingie then that will be okay?  or if it had an electric cord thing he would probably eat the cord. I even put a quilt over the crate and he pulled it through the bars and ate that, bit by bit.  He doesn't eat any other beds so I don't understand it.  he has lots of toys in his crate for him to chew but for some reason he destroys the comfy part.

[RhodieRidge]

When I say "crate" I am referring to both the actual metal encagement, along with any pastic or rubber insertable "pan" that comes along with it.   I dont think you could actually FIT a pad between the metal exterior of the crate and the plastic pan inside. Though I guess it depends on your crate whether thre pan is able to be lifted up inside the crate or not. If they can, then yes it could go under the pan.

[rrmom]

Sorry Andrea, you must think me completely dense.  I tried to picture it in my head and that's what I came up with  I do apologise.

[RhodieRidge]

Lol..

No, I just wanted to clarify before you went out and purchased a heater only to realize your plan wouldnt work. Just lookin out for the wallets out there!

[Keeper]

Kathy, there are discs that can be heated in the Microwave and placed under the crate pan.  This will generally last 6 to 8 hours of warmth.  I put them under the pillows of the older girls in the winter. 

If you turn the pan upside down there would be a small space under it where you could place either of the models I suggested.  And  I don't think your boy could reach either from under pan.   

I too have a female who will totally destroy anything in her kennel run.  I go through so much of the Sherpa fleece that I have started purchasing it by the bolt at the fabric store.  Not sure what she slept on before she came to me...but she was already 5+ months old. 

In the house she never touches any of the 10 dog beds and doesn't chew any covers on human beds either.   

Sandra

[SMRT]

Sorry I haven't replied until now about what I'm doing -- there are obviously a lot of ways to do this, including heating up various items, normal heating pads, and other heating elements.  Here's what I do, but everyone has a unique situation:

I am also an avid gardener, so in February/March every year I am starting seeds in trays/flats in my garage.  Most seeds actually germinate in 70 degree soil, so they make seed warming pads to put underneath them.  I don't have a normal "human" heating pad, and any old electric blankets would be torn up (as mentioned), so I use the seed warming pads!  So, I put a double layer of aluminum foil beneath the pad, put the pad on, then set the crate (with tray) on top.  The foil is just to reflect the heat upwards and not down into the wood flooring (no carpet) that the crate sits on.  There may have been a slight warping of the plastic tray, but nothing major, and it is mine, so I don't really care. 

I normally place 1 to 3 towels/blankets on top of the tray for Bombay to lay on, and when combined with the crate covering, creates a nice warm den for him.  Every time I open the front door, I'm very jealous and want to crawl in there and sleep too.  I think that's about it -- I leave it on 24/7 since it doesn't consume major amounts of electricity.  The pad itself is about 1 foot by 2 feet - give or take.  I put it under one corner of the crate, so Bombay can decide whether he wants to be warm or not.

Hope it helps!