(Part 2) Best dog doors, gates & ramps according to redditors
We found 675 Reddit comments discussing the best dog doors, gates & ramps. We ranked the 145 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the products ranked 21-40. You can also go back to the previous section.
What and adorable cutie!!! Congratulations! Such an adorable name too!
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As a new bunny parent take a look at the little guide on care I assembled below https://drive.google.com/open?id=1Z_IvDuy5Fr-VOKwBVBSmZih0m1ATCIquIMhYyFl4aIw - it is a it long but quite thorough. I really tried to include all the info a new bunny parent might want into this guide...
Babies have diets that differ somewhat from adults - my guide has a section on baby bunny diet. :)
Some things to do and not to do:
To build a bond with him: just be patient it takes time to build trust as prey animals they are very very timid and you just need to allow more time. Do the things below and I promise you will see progress.
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Try not to keep the bunny in a cage.. you need a bigger space. Bunnies are smart and like toys and space to explore. You need a LARGE space for your bunny! An XXL dog crate might work, but best to use an xpen. My guide linked below has advice and examples of how to set up their enclose.
This is true during the night also and when you are sleeping. Rabbits are crepuscular - meaning most active at night and early mornings as prey animals, so they are quite active often when humans sleep...
I totally understand the idea of having the bun in a more secure space when you are asleep but given the crepuscular schedule I mentioned above try to expand that space from just a cage. You can get an xpen or some NIC grids and attach them to the cage edges with some zipties such that the hutch door always leads to a larger but still more secure space for her.
Kind of like in here or this picture or this or this.
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You will need an exotic pets vet (not just a cat and dog vet) which you should locate in advance. Bunny illnesses are nearly always emergencies.
Also your bunny may have reached puberty or will have reached it by about 4 to 5 months! He will become hormonal teenager and that will make it harder to bond with him. He may have urges to pee to mark his territory and to hump... all this will be fixed by getting him neutered. Please the section on this in my guide.
This rabbit can't be left in the wild, so good on you for rescuing it! Someone dumped it for sure.
If you're going to keep the rabbit, it can be housed in an x-pen. A rabbit this size can't be kept in a cage or hutch; that's too small and it might become aggressive.
x-pen:
https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Foldable-Metal-Exercise-Fence/dp/B0758CTVVR/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?keywords=x-pen&qid=1564975010&s=gateway&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUE4U1FUMkhLREpMRVAmZW5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTAzNDk2MTgxQkVTVFlHUUhCNFBSJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTA0ODg5NTUyN05CQklSNUVaVko2JndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==
Rabbits must have hay at all times. You'll have to provide it with a constant, endless supply of high quality timothy hay. This is their main diet. The links I'm sending you are examples of course - you can source your hay from anywhere, it just has to be good stuff. This rabbit looks like it's old enough that it doesn't need alfalfa hay.
https://www.amazon.com/Small-Pet-Select-Cutting-Timothy/dp/B00WEJA7QC/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?keywords=small%2Bpet%2Bselect%2Btimothy%2Bhay&qid=1564975102&s=gateway&sr=8-2-spons&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUFIQUtTUTlNTVJJVUwmZW5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTAwMDM3MzYyQTRONFVWUjNZTVBZJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTAzNzU1NDIxQVJJUDgwVkZFMUJFJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ&th=1
It can drink water from a bowl. I got my rabbit just a regular, big heavy crock like for dogs.
Rabbits need a litter box. Not the triangle kind though. You put the hay in the litter box, and the rabbit will naturally pee and poop there. I use this for their litter because it's cheap:
https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/tractor-supply-pine-pellet-stall-bedding-40-lb
Rabbit care is highly specialized! They are not easy maintenance pets but I happen to love 'em to bits, they have such funny little personalities.
It does get better and you get better at managing it.
I found two reactive boys. One is still afraid of people but he will now warm up to them if they ignore him and he can "sneak" up and sniff them. He is safe and very sweet, though he'll still bark at first. The other also has neurological issues and will never be safe with anyone outside of his small core group of friends.
They've taught me so much about dogs. The first lesson was to go slow. I didn't realize I was pushing them beyond their comfort zone. I thought because they made one step they were ready for the second. Everything had to be done at their own speed, their own timeline.
I know where every quiet park is within 20 minutes of my house.
I take my dogs to the vet's office every few weeks to be weighed so they are comfortable there.
I had to learn how to manage my expectations. They were never going to be cured. One boy is safe with people but still looks to bolt out of every open door. The other boy will never get that far. I had to accept that I wasn't going to end up with two normal dogs.
I learned that to keep them safe from the world I had to keep the world safe from them. I moved to a house from a condo. I put up a 6' privacy fence. I don't walk them around the neighborhood. I made the yard as escape proof as possible. I have at least a gate and a door between them and outside. If one fails there is an emergency backup.
Everyone who enters my house is given the rules. They are not allowed to go look at the dogs. They know that every door they walk through needs to be closed behind them. They know what to do to protect themselves if there is failure and they are charged by my crazy boy. I used to be embarrassed that he was that way, I didn't want anyone to think less of him. Then I realized he didn't care what anyone thought of him, neither should I.
X-pens are your friend. They allow me to confine my dogs or separate spaces.
https://www.amazon.com/BestPet-Playpen-Exercise-24-Inch-30-Inch/dp/B0036WQFQM
I've learned to think out creative solutions. To think ahead, to not over train.
Since I've turned my house into a safe, no stress zone for my boys they are happy and relaxed. We hardly have to deal with reactions. I never forget it's lurking there, but it doesn't rule my life.
I bought them on amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0083ZWZ2K/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
OP delivers! https://www.amazon.com/You-Me-Animal-Playpen-Medium/dp/B013U2FIM4
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MU2F556/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
It's the only one that I've found on Amazon that has removable sections, a door, and is tall enough to prevent my buns from hopping over it. I got the 40" because my buns are cever and seem to be able top hop up on things that are 32".
Toys:
Jalousie 12 Pack Dog Squeaky Toys... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CSG684C?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
UEETEK Squeaky Dog Toys for Small... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06ZZJBH52?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Marshall Ferret Sport Balls Asst, 2-Pack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000ENGOP8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_c8tyDbBXQWQ6M
Marshall Ferret Fun-N-Games Blanket https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001OE5H54?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Kaytee FerreTrail Flex-E... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002ASBEK?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Marshall Ferret Bed Bug Play Center https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000MIU5HI?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Marshall Ferret Krackle Sack,... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002ARPSI?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Marshall Ferret Octo-Play https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000EFV9YM?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Marshall Pet Turtle Tunnel https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004VVY49M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_BLdeGqpB9Nl5j
KONG - Plush, Low Stuffing Squeak... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000IVGBFY?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
EocuSun Kids Ball Pit Large Pop... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KUHQZG0?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Click N' Play Pack of 200... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PYLU3GG?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share x3
D.Y. TOY Weazel Ball - The Weasel Rolls with Ball https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000PKFJKG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_7.tyDb0YSNMVT
Bonka Bird Toys 1745 Chandelier... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B015RSD7JA?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
ZippyPaws Burrow Squeaky Hide and... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007X7FJAO?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
ZippyPaws - Zippy Burrow Interactive Squeaky Hide and Seek Plush Dog Toy - Unicorns in Rainbow https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07N8GCB7V/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_pjuyDbWY6CFSW
JW Pet Good Cuz Rubber Dog Toy (2... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0113J85JO?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
3Pack Molar Clean Teeth Rubber Toy, Bagvhandbagro Clean Teeth Rubber Pacifier Chew Toy, Bell Chewing Playing Training Toys, for Pet Puppy Dog Cat (Color Random) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XJNGWMK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_okuyDbTBM8HB2
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Squeaking-Dog-Toy-Hamburger-or-Hot-Dog-Assorted/54273866
https://www.chewy.com/zippypaws-zippy-burrow-crayon-box/dp/206190?utm_source=google-product&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=hg&utm_content=ZippyPaws&utm_term=&gclid=Cj0KCQjwwIPrBRCJARIsAFlVT8_JjfKpnKxdVtL4DtsY7-ld2qS-_7r6PVUG1k0afX9p0jvSthjMAbkaAknVEALw_wcB
just disclaimer some of these toys should only be played with under your supervision so use your best judgement. Check any rubber or stuffed/fabric toys daily for wear and if you see it starting to come apart throw it away as any loose pieces can be swallowed and cause a blockage. My ferrets aren’t chewers they just like to have toys to stash so I’m not as worried but everyone’s ferrets are different so be careful. Also you could make a dig box with rice (never instant) or dried pasta which is a lot of fun for them. They love tunnels, they love to dig, and they love to steal and stash small objects so the toys meet that criteria they’ll be happy lol
Rubbing chin means she likes you. :)
Please get her fixed! It is very important for her health and behaviors.
Take a look at the link below to help you interpret various bunny language:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ruK6AXVLhiM
Also, if she’s in a store bought cage, maybe consider enlarging her space to allow for binkies and other behaviors :) an Xpen is the minimum size a rabbit should live in, those back legs are long and need space!: this is an example
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0758FQTV7/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_Gnp0CbZH7G671
I love Kong brand. Kong has toys that are really tough to chew through, not to mention the original Kong you can stuff treats into is pretty much indestructible. My puppy had an abscessed tooth and she couldn't chew anything for a few weeks so Kongs saved our sanity, not to mention this licky mat. You can smear peanut butter on it, soft dog food, spray cheese etc. It was a lifesaver. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GJWCJST/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_j7WWDbZV9ASNZ
We got the Amazon basics crate and it works well. We also got an Amazon basics play pen that has worked wonders https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0758CTVVR/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_j3WWDbSB2W7AJ
I don't have a brand name, but make sure you get dog beds where the cover zips off for easy cleaning. I did not do that, and it has been interesting trying to potty train with a bed you can't easily clean.
I got a pack of bully sticks on Amazon recently that have been wonderful. Bully sticks are a lifesaver when you just need your pup to sit down and stop bugging you for 15 mins so you can fold a load of laundry. Bully sticks are very expressive so these were a good deal https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07M93Q3CP/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_B-WWDb43SZH8P
I also recommend a martingale collar. My puppy was terrified of going outside when we first got her so she would pull out of her collar and run away. If was stressful. Martingale collars tighten as the dog pulls so they can't pull out of them
I hesitate to recommend a camera, because after the second week of using it, it was really more trouble than it was worth. Yeah, you can check on your puppy while you're at work, but if he's crying or whining you can't do anything about it but feel upset.. If you're interested, we used Wyze cams. You can get them on Amazon, they are super cheap and easy to use. I just recommend using them for the first few weeks only, otherwise your work will suffer like mine did.
Edit: I almost forgot to mention Nature's Miracle, the patron saint of carpet and floors! It eliminates the enzymes in urine so your dog doesn't keep peeing in a particular place in your house because it smells like pee. Buy stock in this company. It is that important.
Good luck!
I recently upgraded to these storage cubes and love them!
I really like this one because it has a gate for getting in and out- great for getting in to play with your puppy, but not awkwardly stepping over while trying not to step on a puppy.
One thing my partner and I do for helping with the zommies when our puppy gets them is play what we call the Rufus game. We stand a distance apart from each other and take turns calling him over to us. He runs back and forth between the two of us getting pets and sometimes treats when he comes. It's a great way to use up excess energy fast & it keeps him from running where it's not safe. He just keeps a path back and forth between the two of us. We've also found it's really helpful for recall- coming when called is a game, not a chore.
Also, though- even if there are bigger dogs in the neighborhood, you should still take her out, just be a good protector. Always keep her on a 4-6ft nylon leash, walk on the other side of the street, take lots of high value treats, be prepared to scoop her up if she's in danger, maybe get a vest that says "in training" so that other people don't approach with their dogs. I don't know the full situation, but you definitely want to make sure she's well socialized to at least see big dogs and not be afraid. Also consider a 20+ft lead to use exclusively in large, open field areas. This gives her room to run and play, but keeps her safe because she's still on lead.
I highly recommend this play pen: Parkland Pet Portable Foldable... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01E7PHYTI?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf
Is huge for him and thus provides space so he doesn’t feel confined. I got it for my little guy and he has his bed, a stuff toy bigger than him (recommended to reduce separation anxiety) and his bowls of water and food, along with one of these: Four Paws Wee-Wee Dog Grass Patch... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005BV12XC?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf
For when I have to go to the office and can’t come home to take him to do his business outside. Potty training him and crate training him has been tough because previous owners did a very bad job, but he is starting to get the hang of it.
this is the exact playpen i used. the dimensions are perfect and each grid sits nicely on the metal bars of the detolf. i used a hammer to pull it apart into a 3-panel piece and a 1-panel piece
if you're not crafty like me and want a simpler lid than building a wood+wire mesh one, this is a super easy option!
It looks like it would be big enough, if that bottom run is included. She would need to cover up the wire flooring, as that can be quite damaging to bunny feet.
But, if she's keeping it indoors, a large expen would be far more cost and space efficient. You can get pretty decent ones for $50-$100 online. They're easier to clean, move, assemble, and get the bun in/out of. Plus, she would save well over $100 which could be put towards toys and treats :)
I use this one for my two buns, but anything similar would work quite well. This particular brand has several colors and panel sizes available, at a variety of costs. My pen is a bit massive.
http://www.amazon.com/IRIS-Plastic-Exercise-Containment-Panels/dp/B0083ZWZ2K/ref=sr_1_2?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1376487326&sr=1-2&keywords=iris+exercise+pen
It's not the brand that I have, but looks identical: Amazon link.
Yes! We have always had doggie doors to our fenced backyard. First we had the kind that fits alongside a sliding glass door (within door frame), but then one of our older males started having trouble getting through so we checked out what else was available.
Amazon super large doggie door
You have to be willing to cut thru the wall but we have not looked back. Actually we first got the slightly smaller size but then ended up getting this one. We have had no problems re heat loss/AC loss, other critters coming in. Our 2 cats go in and out as well. (People can too--but we live in a place where that hasn't been an issue!) Plus there is the heavy plastic insert you can slide in for "security" if you need it to be closed. Well worth the money and effort!
They sell them at my local Petco. It was between this and the hammock shaped like an ape!
Here's the item on Amazon.
Here or I think I've seen it in Home Depot/Lowes. Wall kit sold separately.
As long as do you the right prep work to make sure it fits, you don't have any obstacles you'll be fine. Depending on where it is, the level of waterproofing will also come into play. My wife and I did this one as soon as we moved in and are extremely pleased.
With that said, there are alternatives. The lowest LOE project would probably be the sliding door insert. We used to have one before we moved and that we also enjoyed that. Another user also posted something about a glass door cutout that you can get as well but that sounds like it would involve the highest skill and risk.
Good luck
Found the exact one! Link
You should not use harnesses, they are not safe for guinea pigs. Their backs are very fragile so the force used to pull could be harmful and they could get tangled.
I suggest getting a small enclosure like this (or similar) and having them out of their cage but not just roaming free in the room. This way you don't have to worry about them running under any furniture or behind the couch etc. and they are easier to gather when it's time to go home. I have several of these type of wire pens, and I connect them to make one big area for my guinea pigs to explore. Be warned, these are sometimes not tall enough to prevent jumping, so stay in the room with them while they explore. As for them coming to you- you could train them with positive reinforcement (food) to come when called, but most guinea pigs are wary even if they know you very well.
I love this playpen! Unsure if you can get it in the Netherlands. It is the only playpen my syrian can't climb out of! I liked it so much that I bought another and connect the two fences together to make a huge playpen that I can sit in with my ham :)
I live in Calgary so cold winters are definitely a thing. We have this dog door. I'm pretty sure I paid more than $108 for it, but whatever. It's pretty good for cold weather (dual flap with magnets that keep it from blowing open in windy weather). It also comes with a plastic slide in door so you can close it even more, but also means your dogs can't get in or out. It's not as bad as my old door that used to lift open when it was windy outside. I think with any dog door, you have to accept that there is going to be a little cold air coming in.
As for dirt and grass, we definitely have more dirt, but again, that's part of having a dog door. The perk of them being able to go outside whenever they want is worth it. We only have carpet on our stairs, and it's a dark brown, so perhaps my opinion would be different if the door opened to lighter carpet or something.
We drove with our three cats from CT to AZ about three years ago.
We got a Pet Ego Tube - http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0007OASY2/ref=oh_details_o04_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
And a Play Pen - http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002ABKBQA/ref=oh_details_o05_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
In the middle of each day's drive we stopped and set up a disposable litter box in the pen and let them have some fresh air.
We also gave them wet food, which they had a bit of. We had one kitty that was sick at the time, so she stayed in a carrier upfront with us, and the two boys hung out in the tube even though there would have been a lot of space even with all three cats in the tube.
Motel 6's nationwide accept pets. You will want to keep them in the bathroom or in the tube/playpen as if there's a tight area they can squirm into, they will.
They didn't eat or use the litter box much throughout the entire trip. They meowed for about 20 miles, but they quieted down each day.
Other than that we used calming spray before bringing them in the room at night.
We stopped by in Columbus, OH, St. Louis, Missouri, and Amarillo, TX. The fourth day we were in our apartment and it took about a week for the kitties to mellow out.
Because we were driving the car out anyway, we didn't look into airfare. With one kitty sick, we weren't into the idea of giving medication to calm her. I don't know the details about flying. If we move somewhere without a car, I'd look into it further. From what I remember, individual carriers with the names and destination. They are kept below seats in the luggage area that has some more environmental controls for air and temperature. You can't fully sedate, or they won't take the animal. They do some sort of responsive test, but I don't know/remember the details.
Best of luck with the move!
It's typically called an X-Pen and you can get them with or without a door latch on one panel. Looks like there is a very affordable option on Amazon Prime for less than $30 USD https://smile.amazon.com/BestPet-Metal-Wire-Playpen-Black/dp/B0036WQFQM/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1518828453&sr=8-12&keywords=x-pen
Here is part of our setup. It is somewhat messy right now as I haven't vaccuumed it in a week or so.
For the floor, we have some cheap tarps and rugs. The buns are pretty good about using their litterboxes but it is always better to be safe than sorry if there is an accident.
We got our pens on Amazon... And wow, looking right now they are on super sale for only $10! As of 12/12, 10:20 AM EST. Plus $15 shipping but still, that is a good deal. I think we spent about $50 per pen. Anyway, I recommend either the 24" or 36" pens because you would be surprised how high some buns can jump. If you have a an athletic bun, I would go with the higher pen.
Stanley (brown bunny) is allowed to free roam so his pen door is open. He still likes his pen a lot though and spends about 75% of his time in there despite the fact he has free reign. Bessie has a larger pen space because she doesn't get to free roam (yet) but still loves to run and binky. We also made her a 3-story cardboard castle which she LOVES. She climbs to the top and then slides down the ramp.
They each have a cheap cloth pet hut as well to sleep in if they want. Stanley loves his and sleeps in it all the time. Bessie doesn't really use hers. They do like to chew on them though so I recommed a cheap one that you don't care much about in case it gets destroyed.
Stanley has a rabbit hutch in his enclosure as well from when we lived in an apartment. He still had a small enclosure too but we wanted to give him something else to do and he loved sleeping on the upper floor so he could see us when we were in the living room. We got that hutch a year and a half ago and it has held up pretty well.
For their food and water bowls, we just got generic pet bowls. I recommend ones that will be hard to flip over in case you have a messy bunny (ie. heavy ceramic ones or non-flippable lipped ones). The water dispensers we got at Walmart for a few bucks and are 1/2 gallon (I think?). We change them every few days and the buns like having a ton of fresh water.
As for hay and food, I usually leave the hay bag on top of Stan's hutch for easy access and give them some hay throughout the day. It is open in the picture because I just gave them some; usually it is closed. We also have a stand with all bun-related things (food, treats, extra hay, toys, etc.) which is just an old bookstand. It is two stories so we can keep the food and treats out of reach of Stanley when he roams.
And we have the bun cam (as set up by my fiance) so we can see the bunnies when we aren't home.
When I vacuum, I just put them in the bathroom and shut the door so there isn't as much noise. They don't seem to mind it too much.
Sorry for the length... Tried to be as thorough as possible. Let me know if you have any questions!
Ah, yeah. I gave in and got something like this thing. I still use it stretched out sometimes to block off areas.
We used these bells while potty training:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B073XD4XSD
There a little less fun to play with than the jingle bells and you can connect the sound chime to a location closer to you if need be.
I know that there are fancy electronic bells that are run on batteries and come with multiple in a pack. If one is pushed then the other ones will
Make a sound. So you could have one by the door and have another on your second level that would make noise indicating that another one got pushed meaning your dog needs to go out.
This is just an example, but there are a lot if different ones out there. Mighty Paw Smart Bell 2.0, Dog Potty Communication Doorbell, Super-light Press Button Doorbell (1 Activator, White) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073XCY6Y6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_usz8AbC63EYTZ
How about a string/rope attached to a swinging bell? Or maybe even something like this!
That's a great idea! Dog exercise pens are usually a good choice. (Example Link). The ones sold for rabbits are usually too short.
Oh! I thought you meant poop guards in the cage!
The trim in the room is a different story entirely!
Yes- you are correct. The paint is extremely toxic.
We use a playpen to control where in the room they can access.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0758FQTV7/ref=sxbs_sxwds-deals_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1543088202&sr=1
I think that's big enough for nights and unsupervised time. We have something like this that Novy used as a run when he was little. We got a second one and connected them together and that's what he uses when we're gone during the day now. He still goes up to his cage (2ftx5ft?) at night. When we're there he has roam of a few rooms and occasionally the upstairs.
We use cable wrap like this to cover ground cords. He's chewed on them a few times but there's no damage. As long as they're against the wall they'll be fine. For my computer desk I screwed a postal mail tube underneath it and split if length wise to stick the power strip in so it's up out of the way; as a bonus it looks better too!
For the bookshelf, we use gating that looks like the stuff from the pen I linked to above for temporary 'keep bun out' areas like that (in my case the entertainment center).
[Edit: Updated the cable wrap link, used the wrong one initially!]
Is this what you have? crate
Pet Exercise Pen Tube Gate w/ Door - (8 Panel Playpen) Heavy Duty Folding Metal Out-Door Fence - 40" Playpen https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MU2F556/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_e3S6CbMWJ5Q3S
It looks like it might be this one
The metal exercise pens like this are good for partitioning a room or fully enclosing.
We had trouble with potty training, too! Finally got him a bell for the door and he learned it right away. We used his paw to ring it before he went out each time. He hasn't wet in the house since - a couple of weeks now. Pooping was harder, but we started closing the doors to the rooms where he would go and haven't seen an accident in several days.
Luckyiren [Upgraded Puppy Bells... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JNM8PYW?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Foldable playpen
this was the second one i bought. it is a little less sturdy but as a puppy it is totally fine. my little guy slept in there while traveling. or id keep him outside in it in the day and he’d play inside. i got a large
Ruff 'n Ruffus Portable Foldable... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072BMNKXW?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Lots of treats. My boys' favorites are raw nuts (walnuts in particular) and bits of fig bars. Climbing toys. You might also want to look into something like this:
https://www.amazon.com/Unleashed-Collapsible-resistant-Removable-Available/dp/B072BMNKXW/ref=pd_ybh_a_11?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=TKK5MZQRD3Z4TJ69YAHD
Which you can use to establish an outside play area.
> echo button
I've been using MightyPaw https://amzn.to/2BYaHNB but I like your idea too cause then we can track how many times the dog has gone out and send a reminder to ourselves if the dog hasn't been let out in X time on the rare occurrences she hasn't pressed the button.
I just wish I could hack the MightyPaw to also send button presses to Home Assistant since using an Echo button means I'll have to rely on a speaker for dog announcements whereas the MightyPaw comes with a receiver that emits a door bell sound.
Good luck with your lovely bunny! We got this 2 story hutch at Amazon and connected two play pens with s-hooks for our bunnies. It's really nice and not expensive - free shipping with prime too.
http://www.amazon.com/Advantek-Stilt-House-Rabbit-Hutch/dp/B0087BI9KW/
http://www.amazon.com/Kaytee-Pet-N-Playpen-Rabbit-Guinea-Ferret/dp/B000MD3OJO
We found a rug at a yard sale and my daughter and I made a bunny maze for them out of an Amazon box that a shipment of their food and litter came in:
http://whatsfun.com/how-to-make-a-pretty-bunny-maze/
Have fun decorating her new home!
> "I have a corner litter box that I put some soiled bedding in, but they keep pooping all over the cage."
It basically looks like a slice of pie, it's supposed to go in the corner.
Thanks for all your information, I really want to do right by these rabbits. I'm actually considering something more along a playpen style for all day housing, but I'm not sure if that mat (with bedding on top of it) will be enough to protect my carpet (and if the cage will be enough to stop the bedding from just falling through it). I also don't want them to jump out of it.
Do you have any recommendations for a) getting them to use the litterbox and b) getting them to use the water bottle? Also, they seem to like emptying the food bowls and then filling the bowls with bedding...
We got one of these Ruff Weather dog doors and it's been FANTASTIC both in durability and usability for our dogs. (Replacement flaps are always stupid expensive in any doggy door you purchase, unfortunately, unless you find a roll of replacement plastic to cut to size and a decent rivet gun...but that's another thread.)
The instructions come with the product and the reviews on Amazon have some excellent advice on installing, complete with pictures. It's truly a superior product.
Feet biting is really common. It's basically what they can reach of you. Often times it's a way of instigating a play fight. They just want you to play. We don't wear shoes in the room with the ferrets because they just chew on them anyway. When it's our naked feet or sock feet they don't nip. The ONLY time I've been nipped on the foot before was my fault because I practically kicked the little guy and he thought I was playing XD
I would give a firm "no" and move them to play with something different. If you have something like this we like to "attack" our two with it to get them all riled up. A towel or blanket works well too. They attack the hell out of it and it gets their energy out haha.
This is the one I bought: Ideal Pet Products Ruff-Weather Pet Door with Telescoping Frame, Super Large, 15" x 23.5" Flap Size https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0017JTVGC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_gvyvZ8vQTjgY7
Does your pup have free reign over the house? My wife and I have raised two puppies and have had the most success by limiting access as part of their training. Our Standard Schnauzer spent the first few months with us, when we were out of the house, in the living room in an X-Pen. We use this one: http://www.amazon.com/IRIS-Plastic-Exercise-Containment-Panels/dp/B0083ZWZ2K/ref=sr_1_24?ie=UTF8&qid=1409243011&sr=8-24&keywords=x+pen, but your pup will probably eat it.
It is quite possible your pup doesn't know what to do when he's alone with so much room. It's a common misconception that keeping your dog in a room while you're away is "mean" to the dog. In stages, we gave our dog more room while we were away and he adjusted perfectly. No accidents whatsoever.
We have cameras set up in our home and I can tell you that our dog literally sleeps all day in one room. Sometimes two. That's it.
Your pup may also require a lot more exercise prior to being left alone. Our Standard Schnauzer, who is now almost 3 years old, get's on average a 1.5 mile walk and 15 minutes of running in our backyard, chasing frisbees and other fetch toys EVERY MORNING. And this is a 42 lbs. dog. He gets an hour walk every evening too.
Now, some dogs can have actual anxiety issues that may require working with a behaviorist and perhaps medication. The most important thing, IMHO, is understanding your dog's particular needs. Try limiting the space, maybe set up a webcam and keep a log of his behavior, and try more exercise.
Sure!
I buy practically everything on Amazon and these would be my top recommendations:
Hidey Hut - this is large enough to fit two grown gerbils and my first survived the chewing for close to 4 years.
Small Animal Pet Playpen/Exercise Pen - this is just tall enough for the jumpers. I've still had some be able to reach the top but it is a struggle and you'd be able to catch them in time. Really sturdy as well.
Kordon/Oasis (Novalek) SOA80304 Bell Bottle and Hold Guard Small Animal Value Set, 4-Ounce - this is by far my favorite recommendation of the bunch. I cannot tell you how many water bottles were just destroyed and I would come home to an empty bottle and a very wet gerbil. This thing is impenetrable!
Kaytee Hamster Silent Spinner, 6 1/2 inch Exercise Wheel - although I've had to buy a couple of these (they will chew the yellow part holding the bottom part to the wheel) I find that this is the sturdiest of them all. It becomes less silent the more they chew on it and push it around but it's never been loud enough to be considered especially annoying.
Great for cleaning cage and is safe
As far as dust baths go, I've tried several different kinds and find them all to be equivalent.
Would not recommend:
Ware Manufacturing Flying Saucer Exercise Wheel for Small Pet - the quality is fine here but if you are using carefresh, it gets buried and doesn't allow any give for it to spin.
Kaytee Woodland Get-A-Way Medium Hamster House - quality here is also fine and it's pretty thick so it would take a while to get them to chew. Since it is wood, it absorbs liquids. My gerbils would pee on it and it got to the point that it looked moldy and unhealthy so I just threw it out.
Alfie Pet by Petoga Couture - GARI Wood Hut for Small Animals like Dwarf Hamster and Mouse - Size: Large - this is the cutest little home I've ever seen. I had to eventually throw out though because the wood was so thin that the back wall collapsed due to their chewing and would no longer stand up.
Prevue Pet Products Multi-Color Small Pet Playpen 40090 - I think the quality is here too. It's just too short. My gerbils were easily able to escape this.
GreatChoice Water Bottle - chewed through in a week and Same
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B013U2FIM4/ref=sxts_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1495786504&sr=1
Run and Play Space. There's also different sizes.