Dog Community

Need ideas to block a 72" wide opening

Posted : 11/15/2006 7:31:26 PM

We've had our dog 2 months (he is 8 years old). Riley is a 65# lab. He stayed really nice behind a barrier for 7 weeks, and now has found a way through the barrier when we are not home, and then he lounges (i.e. and sheds) on the couches all day. A yellow lab shouldn't be on navy couches, if you know what I mean.

We have tried to find something to make this opening something with a gate, however, anything I've found is only about 20" tall. He could basically just step over that without blinking an eyelash.

We can't do any type of french doors there, because the opening isn't square at the top, it is more of a hexagon at the top.

Right now, it looks like an ugly garbage heap, but I would like something that will a. work; and b: look nice.

Any ideas????

Thanks!
stacysmom

cakana

Posted : 11/15/2006 7:41:10 PM

I think you might find it easier to deter him from the couch, say by giving him a doggie bed in that area maybe. I can't think of any way to block an opening that large short of stacking things far and wide, and that doesn't sound like a great idea. I'm not very creative with stuff like this though, so maybe someone else will have better ideas.

Michelle

Posted : 11/15/2006 7:42:25 PM

I posted this picture on another thread, but I think it applies here too! We had a devil of a time keeping our shepherd mix confined when we first got her. I'd frequently come home to find her lying on the couch watching "Sesame Street!" We bought one of those play yards for kids (I think PetSmart sells them too) and stacked them two high, and linked them together at the mid-point with plastic wire tires, and anchored it to the wall with a hook and eye! This picture is the early, ugly version! Eventually we got it looking a little straighter and more sound, and fabricated a gate.

zsrg;lb ksr'pfjsoprej dfsg;va bjpskopa]

Posted : 11/15/2006 7:46:34 PM

This one has a extender that goes up but it dosnt help the width part
[linkhttp://www.petstreetmall.com/Pet-Gates/4092/491/details.html]http://www.petstreetmall.com/Pet-Gates/4092/491/details.html[/link]

And here is a extra wide one but it dosnt help the height problem
[linkhttp://www.petstreetmall.com/Extra-Wide-Swing-Dog-Gate/5898/2267/]http://www.petstreetmall.com/Extra-Wide-Swing-Dog-Gate/5898/2267/[/link]

Ooh almost there
[linkhttp://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=1121&cm_mmc=Shopping%20Portal-_-NexTag-_-Dogs-_-Tall%20Mesh%20Security%20Gate%20(32H)&ref=3665&subref=AA&GCID=C12188x007]http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=1121&cm_mmc=Shopping%20Portal-_-NexTag-_-Dogs-_-Tall%20Mesh%20Security%20Gate%20(32H)&ref=3665&subref=AA&GCID=C12188x007[/link]

I'll keep looking for you!

zsrg;lb ksr'pfjsoprej dfsg;va bjpskopa]

Posted : 11/15/2006 7:50:20 PM

Why not crate train the dog? It seems training is your best bet, not to mention if you ever go out of town and take the dog or leave him with family he'll know not to get on the couch. You could also get one of those sensory alarms that go off if he jumps up there

Shohin

Posted : 11/15/2006 8:00:06 PM

ORIGINAL: sheprano

Why not crate train the dog? It seems training is your best bet, not to mention if you ever go out of town and take the dog or leave him with family he'll know not to get on the couch. You could also get one of those sensory alarms that go off if he jumps up there

. . . . or a scat mat if the only problem is the couch.

brookcove

Posted : 11/15/2006 8:49:28 PM

A four by eight piece of PVC lattice will block the opening and not look horrible. It is light and pretty strong (though if he's determined he'll tear it down anyway). If you are crafty you can figure out a way to clip it in so it's easy to set up and take down.

Then consider getting him his OWN couch with the money you save on the gate. http://www.dog.com/itemdy00.asp?T1=101925+SM (prob too small but browse some of the other options!).

stacysmom

Posted : 11/15/2006 8:56:41 PM

We originally crated the dog, for about the first couple of weeks, he wasn't do bad in the crate, but not great either. He really was trying to chew his way out of the crate.

Our dog trainer suggested trying him uncrated. He was doing great, until he decided that the sofas are just much more comfortable than the floor, and mats we have provided for him.

We have no issues with anything else, he doesn't chew anything, eat cords, scratch, bark. He leisurely spends his days sleeping, as best as we can tell. We just don't want him on the couches in this room. I just don't want couches that smell/look like a dog lives on it.

I've been considering his own really soft, comfy bed, I'm just hesitant to spend the money if he isn't going to use it.

zsrg;lb ksr'pfjsoprej dfsg;va bjpskopa]

Posted : 11/15/2006 9:21:20 PM

ORIGINAL: stacysmom

We originally crated the dog, for about the first couple of weeks, he wasn't do bad in the crate, but not great either. He really was trying to chew his way out of the crate.

Our dog trainer suggested trying him uncrated. He was doing great, until he decided that the sofas are just much more comfortable than the floor, and mats we have provided for him.

We have no issues with anything else, he doesn't chew anything, eat cords, scratch, bark. He leisurely spends his days sleeping, as best as we can tell. We just don't want him on the couches in this room. I just don't want couches that smell/look like a dog lives on it.

I've been considering his own really soft, comfy bed, I'm just hesitant to spend the money if he isn't going to use it.

I just saw these great "pet blankets" at Costco. What differentiates them from regular blankets is that the have a heavy backing that makes it hard for the dog to push it off the couch or for it to fall off. That is a consideration as well!