transition from bathroom to dog kennel - Dimi not happy

[napagirl]

We started out keeping Dimi in our main bathroom since it is tiled and has a door. With two small dogs, we need to keep Dimi somewhere safe while we're at work. This worked okay at first, but we needed to reclaim the bathroom back for practical reasons. We got an extra large wire dog crate, and set her up in there. She is in our office, which is open to main living areas (we have a single story house with very open floor plan). Asap, we plan on putting a second story in the dog crate with a ramp. I thought Dimi would be happier here since she can see/ hear us, even though it is a smaller area than the bathroom of course. We let her run around outside everyday for awhile after work, and then let her roam the living room until bedtime, when she then gets a 30min cuddle session with me on my bed. She loves it and often falls asleep.
The problems start with going back to crate. She easily lets me pick her up, but when i stand up to take her back, she fights me to get away, to the point i am afraid she will fall and get hurt. Then, after being back in the crate, she periodically thumps, which is so noisy, it can awaken us at night. Is it just a matter of time for her to adjust or is there any suggestions to help with this situation?

 

[Imbrium]

re: the struggling when you try to take her back to the cage, you could try ushering her into a carrier (like you'd take her to the vet in) and then carrying her back to the cage that way so that you don't have to worry about her trying to wriggle/jump free of your arms.

with the thumping, it may just take her some time to adjust. rabbits often dislike change and she's used to the scenery of the bathroom, not the scenery of the office. something changed, so she's protesting

 

[ldoerr]

Just a thought, but what if you put the crate in the bathroom for a little while. That would help her adjust slowely to the crate. When she is used to it you could then move the crate somewhere else.

 

[Watermelons]

She may adjust, she may not. Either way it may take a bit. Shes used to having the entire bathroom to herself, and is now confined to a smaller area. Regardless of free time, shes probably just upset, annoyed, etc.

 

[napagirl]

Thank you all for the responses.

I am looking at other structures here on this site for expanding Dimi's space in the office. The bathroom (as a whole room) is not possible, as that is the only bathroom in the house besides our master, and we have kids. I am willing to convert the office, which is bigger anyway.

As for putting the crate into the bathroom, believe it or not, it won't fit! We thought of that as a transition, but it's too big. Hubby thinks the problem is that I have supremely babied her, and spoil her. I do not buy that for a minute, and will continue to do so !! I hope she can hang in for awhile, as this month is crazy, but I want to add onto her environment utilizing many ideas here.

Separate thread coming on Pet Sitter!

 

[Blue eyes]

I don't think it's a good idea to force a rabbit back in it's cage. I like to "encourage" them to go in -- in other words, I make them think that they are choosing to go back in. I've done this most often by using that time to feed them their pellets. They get so excited about their pellets that they happily hop in.
With more stubborn buns, I've walked around clapping (which annoys them) until they hop in their cage to get away. Bunnies like to think they are in control, so I try to work with that.
Have you also looked at making a NIC cage. They can be considerably larger, especially with multiple levels. Maybe she'd like that more.

 

[napagirl]

Blue eyes,

Great idea.. yes rabbits like to be in charge, and OMG are they soo SMART!
YES, I am thinking NIC- or habitat made of whole office. It just takes some time, and we are crazy-schedule booked this month because of unexpected circumstances until November, then some calm and time to plan/build.

 

[Watermelons]

Large dog crates make excellent bunny cages. But its the fact that you've upset the "princess" that you're having the issues. "Ive just had the entire run of this whole room and you expect me to sit in THAT thing?" You cannot upset the royalty and expect it to go smoothly. Youre doing everything right dont fret. But bribes do work wonders sometimes.... Just dont let her get used to them...

 

[napagirl]

Watermelons,

So far, no bribes re: crate (ie food, etc). I put her in gently, she stays but gives me the needy face. Later, we hear, Thump, thump, thump. At first I thought she was scared, but I have figured out that she knows that "thumps" bring Mom. I know what she wants, she wants to be with us, like most pets do. It just isn't safe at times.

OT- she is such a lover.. Lightly nips (have trained that down from a hard nip!) my inner arm, then buries her head in my arm crook. I kiss her all over her back while scratching her. She grinds her teeth and zones out. If I stop, she lightly nips me again and dives head into my arms! Reminds me of my late golden retriever who would softly pull my hand away from other activity if I stopped petting him to get more!!!