Question:
>I’d like to get some comments about crating your dog…
Crating, in my experience, is a very good technique when used properly. It speeds up not only housebreaking, but all other rules-of-the-house training since the dog is only out and about when you are there to supervise and reprimand. Unfortunately, crating is often used incorrectly by uncaring/unkowing owners. Some incorrect uses: 1) Not training the dog in the rules of the house and making the crate an all-day home when not eating or going outside. 2) Not giving the dog sufficient rigorous exercise. 3) Keeping the crate in an out-of-the-way place and not in a family area. 4) Using the dog’s increased resistance to soiling the crate as an excuse to push the limit to the absolute maximum between walks. When the dog is given sufficient love and exercise, the smallness of the crate becomes a positive, not a negative. Dogs will often enter the crate of their own accord. Too often people apply human sensibilities to dogs, but we are different animals. We can only know what dogs like by observing their reactions to their circumstances. I see miserable dogs locked outside their dens for many hours, in the yard alone, because people think dogs "like to be outside". Given sufficient exercise, dogs want to be with you! Many of the happiest dogs I’ve seen are crated when not supervised. —–
Response:
[snip] |> Are the dogs really supposed to eat in there?? Personally I don’t feed my dogs in their crates. With our lifestyle there isn’t any benefit to doing so. Crate users normally are sensitive to feeding time vs. longer periods in crate though. That is why I emphasized a regular schedule in one of my previous posts. A few reasons I could think of to do it though. 1) We have two dogs and although they normally get along quite well, we can’t feed them in the same room or they fight. Fortunately the layout of our porch allows us to feed them seperately pretty easily. Someone at a Dog Show, however, would probably find it much easier to feed them in the crate to avoid fights with other dogs. 2) Some people feed them in the crate to get their dogs accustomed to the crate faster. |> So you’d have to feed him & then take him right back out then, right? Maybe, if the situation calls for it. Sara Sara
Response:
>Maybe the real issue is that a lot of people have no business getting a >puppy. From what I see there are tons of dogs out there who are pretty >messed up. I live in a condo, and there are small houses, condos, and >apartments in my neighborhood – not the best environment for raising a >dog. When I decided to get a dog I knew that a puppy was a bad idea. >The rescue shelters have plenty of marvelous adult dogs. And, of course >there are the wonderful former racer greyhounds who make fantastic pets. >So, people who struggle with puppies and still end up with hounds from >hell could have great dogs if they’d get an already civilized adult dog >needing a home.
And those "civilized" adult dogs come from … ? Where? Out of a box? Uncivilized puppies grow into uncivilized adult dogs, with problems much greater than just a shortage of age. And people who end up with "hounds from hell" either *like* that kind of dog, have the wrong dog for them, or would screw up Lassie. They only stay 8 weeks old for a week, y’know? My "puppy" came home with me at 10 weeks. He wasn’t housebroken, leash trained and didn’t know his name. I didn’t expect him to. He wasn’t so destructive at 10 weeks, or 12 weeks, or 16 weeks. But by 20 weeks, he’d started eating cabinets, linoleum, plaster, plastic, books, eyeglasses, cat food, cat poop, and all the other things an unrestrained young dog will taste and find good. So I bought a crate and used it. My "dog" came home with me at 8 months. He wasn’t housebroken, leash trained and didn’t know his name. I didn’t expect him to. I bought a crate and used it. Maybe he’d eat all the stuff Sam did, I don’t know – never gave him the chance to try it (except for gnawing on the couch while I was sitting on it!). He’s more reliable in the house than the puppy was at the same age – was this because I got him as a young dog, or because I didn’t wait to start using a crate? I don’t know. I know he isn’t as well trained as the "puppy", but he’s two years younger, so I don’t expect him to be. Would he be better behaved if I’d waited another 6 months? Doubt it. Would he be worse if I’d gotten him 6 months earlier? Doubt it. Not all "older" dogs are trained, or well behaved, or problem free. Less active, usually. And better able to deal with the mental and physical demands of housebreaking, training, etc. But an older dog is not inherently "better" than a younger dog. Or "worse". — Mary & the Ames (Iowa, USA) National Zoo: Raise a Fund ("Regis", 10 yo TB); ANZ Sam-I-Am ("Sam", 5 yo ACDx); ANZ Noah Doll, CGC, OFA Good ("Noah", 2 yo ACD); kitties from h*ll;
Response:
Hi Richard, I have a crate and to be perfectly honest, the only thing I have ever used it for was for the kitten I got last year. I put Ezmeralda in the crate until my dogs, Saavik and Kira, got use to the idea of having a cat around. It lasted about a week. People told me I need a crate and it would be good for a dog. Well, none of my dogs has ever wanted anything to do with the crate, even if I sat in it trying to coax them in. So my "wild" animals, who people always compliment on how well behaved they are, have the run of the whole place. To crate or not to crate is a case by case decision in my book. Just cos it works for me not to crate, doesn’t mean it’s the best thing for others. If you are comfortable with not crating your puppy, I think thats cool. Cos the only other living being that knows your puppy better than you, is your puppy. Juanita, Saavik, Kira and Ezmeralda the Cat
Response:
> I’d like to get some comments about crating your dog…
Okay… I’m game. :-) > While I hear almost everyone telling me that I must put my > new puppy (Rhodesian Ridgeback, 8 weeks) in a crate, etc. > My personal feelings are that when you get a dog, it is a > member of your family and will live in your house/apt as > a family member.
That’s true, but if you have a human child, you don’t allow them to run through the house unsupervised or let them do whatever they want. They learn as they grow. Puppies are the same way. >Right now, I have her in the kitchen > during the day, blocked off with those plastic gate things, > and she comes out when I get home. She already knows to go > on the papers, so that is not a problem. I don’t expect > any humans to hold their bladders all day while being locked > in a crate, so I won’t expect it from her.
At 8 weeks, no… by 12 weeks, she should be able to sleep through the night (or most of it) and be able to hold it for 4 hours… can you get home at lunch? You basically have her "crated"… it’s just the size and physical characteristics of the "crate" that differ. > My family had a dog when I was growing up and he was never put > in a crate (and turned out fine!). My friends & roommates dogs > have had dogs, none of which were crated, and besides minor > things being chewed, etc., there were no major problems. When > you get a dog you have to expect that something might get chewed. > If you take some time and puppy-proof your place, you can get > by with no or minimal damage.
I’ve raised a number of dogs uncrated as well… the last 3 have been crated. It’s been a godsend (especially one of them who had serious surgery and had to be kept crate-bound for weeks after the surgery… because she was already used to the crate, it was still tough on her, but it wasn’t traumatic…) All 3 have wonderful, loving personalities… and chewing has been minimal. >Am I wrong in thinking that > this crating thing is a new trend touted by those who are not willing > to change their lifestyle to care for a puppy?
There are people who believe that, but I hardly would call it a "new" trend. I have friends who were crate-training back in the 70s. Remember that the puppy will *not* spend all its time (or all its life) in the crate. In many ways it can be related to a play pen for a young child. It’s a "safe haven". Also, dogs have a very deep inborn "den" instinct. Many (not all) will use the crate for sleeping or "escape" even if you leave the door open. I can tell often when my 18 month old GSD isn’t feeling well because she goes and sleeps in her crate rather than with me. Also, and let’s be honest here, lifestyles aren’t the same as they were in the 50s and 60s… most families have two working parents, not an at-home mom who can watch the puppy as well as the kids. Work demands more of professional folks (taking away from personal time) than it once did (and I’m old enough to know this from personal experience *grin*). Crates are a *tool* that allow folks to "eat their cake and have it, too". As the pup grows and becomes more reliable (think of it as learning and earning privileges), the crate can be phased out, usually completely. My current pups (all crate-trained) are 21 months, 18 months and 10 months… when I’m at home, they’ve earned freedom privs… (well, the 10 month old is still crated sometimes even when I’m home, but he’s new to the "pack", and has some things to learn – like not being so food protective… so he’s fed in the crate away from the other two…) The two older pups are left uncrated for short periods if I’m not home (although this really bothers them… they sit at the door and wait for me – when they’re crated, they’re "leaving me" rather than me "leaving them"), but they are still crated when I’m gone for work because they are still puppies and get too wild to be completely trustworthy for longer periods. Eventually they’ll be out and about more and more… I did hear an interesting thing about a woman who bought a pup from the breeder I got my 2 GSDs from today… she crates the dog when she’s gone because if by chance her house is broken into, she doesn’t want to risk someone killing the dog just because it’s trying to keep them from taking things from her house… > Can anyone back me up here?
Sorry… not me, obviously. :-) -Holly
Response:
I would never tell someone that they HAVE to crate their dog, but with my two crating has been the one thing that has kept them alive…. With Ozzie our 8 year old lab/golden mix my parents basically raised him because my sister and I were kids when we got him, now this dog would chew everything, at least twice he ate disposible razors (We never did find the blades) and god only knows what else that we dont’ know about. We crated him and after about three days he would go into the crate by himself at about 10 pm, we’d leave the door open, but turn off the lights, he knew it was time to go to bed then…..he started to think it was his home, at bed time he’d get all of his chew toys and "Babies" and put them in there then go to bed. We weened him off of the crate at about 10-11 months and have had no trouble since. My aunt has a dog that still sleeps in her crate (They never weened her off of it). P-Chan is 14 weeks old now and I got a crate for him, my boyfriend was totally against the idea but now is beginning to like it…..P-Chan again will eat or chew anything, he’s chewed electrical cords, licked outlets, eaten entire rolls of toilet paper, etc…..we had to move the crate into the bed room but again after a few days he started to think of it as a home, he goes into the crate when he feels threatened or scared again we only shut the door when we are gone from the house. We also use the crate to put him in when he won’t Leave Ozzie alone I’d rather put him in a crate than see him actually get hurt (Ozzie is very gentle with the puppy for about an hour of getting bitten and jumped on then he gets a bit testy, which is only reasonable). I haven’t seen any adverse effects from crating with either of my two dogs, but every dog and ever situation is different. When asked my opinion I always say, You do what you think is best for YOUR dog…..this was best for my two but you and your dog are the ones who have to live with the decision. -=Kate=- With Ozzie and P-Chan Kate Kelsey
Response:
[snip] |> This is very advantageous especially if you have |> : to fly commercially. It helps the dogs anxiety if they’re in |> : something familiar. If you want to visit a friend or stay |> : at a hotel, and the dog stays in their crate at night, whoever |> : you’re visiting is much more comfortable about their |> : belongings. Therefore, puppy gets to travel more. |> This makes some sense, but I see it at a big cost – our puppy |> doesn’t like being cooped up in the kitchen, I’d hate to hear |> her screams being locked in a cage. ^^^^^^^ Um, I think you’re projecting your human fears onto the dog. Dogs really do have a den instinct. The anxiety you’re describing is because they don’t like being left alone, not becuase they don’t like the kitchen/crate/cage. If you were able to crawl in the crate with puppy do you think she’d keep "screaming?" She has a strong pack instinct too. The dogs really do get accustomed to being crated and don’t complain within a very short time. When puppy goes to Grandma’s, instead of being a pest and not invited back again, puppy spends nights in crate, enjoys travelling with you, and Grandma even considers getting a dog herself. I’ve found this very beneficial as I get to spend a lot more time with the dog as a companion, in different circumstances. Sara
Response:
>> Other advantages of the crate – Travelling is much easier. >… It helps the dogs anxiety if they’re in > something familiar. If you want to visit a friend or stay > at a hotel, and the dog stays in their crate at night, whoever > you’re visiting is much more comfortable about their > belongings. Therefore, puppy gets to travel more.
—– IMHO this is another rationalization. My dog is not crated, but she adores travel. Two weeks ago I took her from LA to Phoenix. We drove a total of 1500 miles in four days and she loved every minute. In fact the day we got home every time we went out she let me know she wanted to be in the car again. She was totally behaved the entire time we were in the car. When we got to our destination we brought her bed which is her own den by choice. We stayed in a rented trailer and she did nothing destructive, but then again she never does anything destructive. We left her alone for a while a couple of times too. She is a terrific travelling companion and goes everywhere with us she is allowed, and we never use a crate. Yeah, I know we have to use one if we fly, but then it is for a reason. sherry katz
Response:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Bottom line is that I’m pretty sick of all the posts telling people they >have to crate their dogs. Plenty of people have dogs they have never >I think it is unfair, and most likely wrong!, to say that people who crate >their dogs do it out of an inherent lack of commitment to dog ownership. >Crating, as advocated by the vast majority of the (thinking) public, >simply means the dog is crated part of the time, specifically, at those >times when people can’t be around to constantly monitor the dog’s >activities. As much as many of us would like to stay home all day, that >is not reasonable. For people who live in homes/apts. they don’t own, the >damage that an unsupervised dog, a puppy in particular, can cause may be >impossible to afford. And the answer of "well, maybe they shouldn’t have >a dog" is just not addressing the issues.
—— Maybe the real issue is that a lot of people have no business getting a puppy. From what I see there are tons of dogs out there who are pretty messed up. I live in a condo, and there are small houses, condos, and apartments in my neighborhood – not the best environment for raising a dog. When I decided to get a dog I knew that a puppy was a bad idea. The rescue shelters have plenty of marvelous adult dogs. And, of course there are the wonderful former racer greyhounds who make fantastic pets. So, people who struggle with puppies and still end up with hounds from hell could have great dogs if they’d get an already civilized adult dog needing a home. And its a heck of a lot easier to train a puppy if you have an adult to show the way. In fact, having an adult as an example is an even better training tool than a crate. I don’t have a serious quibble with using a crate as a training tool. I do have a strong objection to using it on an ongoing basis as a way of solving a dogs behavior problems. And I wish people who got puppies would do a lot more soul searching – it would be great if more of them gave homes to adult dogs. sherry katz
Response:
: The dogs really do get accustomed to being crated and don’t complain : within a very short time. When puppy goes to Grandma’s, instead of : being a pest and not invited back again, puppy spends nights : in crate, enjoys travelling with you, and Grandma even considers : getting a dog herself. I’ve found this very beneficial as I get to : spend a lot more time with the dog as a companion, in different : circumstances. : Sara Are the dogs really supposed to eat in there?? I’ve read that people put the dogs’ food in there, but I would think this is counter-productive… Eat in cage -> must go to bathroom -> Damn, can’t, gotta hold it So you’d have to feed him & then take him right back out then, right? Richard
Response:
…. stuff snipped .. >Am I wrong in thinking that >this crating thing is a new trend touted by those who are not willing >to change their lifestyle to care for a puppy? >Crate training was a necessity for my dog. She was a stray I picked >up when she was about one year old, and had severe separation anxiety.
… example of how Indy loved her crate … Jeff, I was going to just reply to the original poster telling him how very wrong his thinking is – then I saw you post and was very moved. I did read a few days ago that poor Indy died when you left her at the vet to be spayed – and now here you are passing on the experience that you gained from taking care of her – I think that’s just wonderful. I can imagine that it must be very painful for you. Back on the subject of crates. We have been crating our two 2yo lads while we are out for the following reasons: 1. to stop one chewing inappropriate things 2. to housetrain the other (we adopted him a few months ago) 3. to keep them apart when we aren’t there to supervise. Now we are trying leaving them loose. The lab mix chooses to sleep in his crate most nights – I like him by the side of the bed and feel rather slighted when he saunters off to his crate – but it’s his choice. Back when we had one, his crate would acompany the lab mix when he went and stayed with friends of ours when we went away – it’s "his place". For us, crates are an extrememly useful tool. — Mary Portelly (mum to Troop and Casper)
Response:
>While I hear almost everyone telling me that I must put my >new puppy (Rhodesian Ridgeback, 8 weeks) in a crate, etc. >My personal feelings are that when you get a dog, it is a >member of your family and will live in your house/apt as >If you take some time and puppy-proof your place, you can get >by with no or minimal damage. Am I wrong in thinking that >this crating thing is a new trend touted by those who are not willing >to change their lifestyle to care for a puppy?
______ I agree with you 99%. The 1% I don’t is that I think crating is about the only way to house train some dogs, and that some dogs really do get a sense of security out of being crated. However, I think this is rarely necessary. I have a rescue greyhound. In the book "Adopting the Racing Greyhound" the author says that the dog should be crated when it is new to family life, that it was crated at the track, and that it will feel better being crated. Well I did not crate my dog and she adapted great to living in a house. The rescue place I got her from strongly discourages people from crating. We were out there last weekend looking for a second dog, and they were boarding for the weekend a dog that is not adapting well and is peeing in the house. The family came to pick it up, but they are still struggling with her. They told the woman at rescue they are thinking of crating her. She told them to try it but just as a training tool. Well it was pretty obvious to me just from the short time I was watching the people with the dog, and with their child why the dog is not adapting. Their child was tentative and unsure and so was the dog. They did not seem to naturally comprehend the idea of positive reinforcement, my sense was there was a lot of chaos and disorder in their house. Our dog, who we got the same weekend has emerged as extremely self-confident. She has not had one single accident and we live in an apartment and don’t have a doggy door. I honestly think those people want to use a crate as a substitute for a secure psychological environment. Bottom line is that I’m pretty sick of all the posts telling people they have to crate their dogs. Plenty of people have dogs they have never crated that have done just fine. I think crating is an excuse for not wanting to really take responsibility for the job. (Boy I know I’ll get flamed now). sherry katz
Response:
Nope… I didn’t write the following… (but I agreed with it) >> Other advantages of the crate – Travelling is much easier. >… It helps the dogs anxiety if they’re in >> something familiar. If you want to visit a friend or stay >> at a hotel, and the dog stays in their crate at night, whoever >> you’re visiting is much more comfortable about their >> belongings. Therefore, puppy gets to travel more. > —– > IMHO this is another rationalization. My dog is not crated, but she > adores travel.
My dogs love to travel, too… that has nothing to do with whether or not they are "easier" to travel with and more comfortable (and more welcome) when we arrive at our destination. And that is not to mention that travelling in an auto is *MUCH* safer for the dog when it’s crated… (I forget who it was about 6 months ago that was in an auto accident where, if her dog had been uncrated, probably would have gone through the windshield… not worth the risk IMO… it only takes once). >Two weeks ago I took her from LA to Phoenix. We drove a > total of 1500 miles in four days and she loved every minute. In fact the > day we got home every time we went out she let me know she wanted to be > in the car again. She was totally behaved the entire time we were in the > car. When we got to our destination we brought her bed which is her own > den by choice. We stayed in a rented trailer and she did nothing > destructive, but then again she never does anything destructive. We left > her alone for a while a couple of times too. She is a terrific > travelling companion and goes everywhere with us she is allowed, and we > never use a crate. Yeah, I know we have to use one if we fly, but then > it is for a reason.
So she’s a "terrific travelling companion" *because* she’s not crated? It just doesn’t follow logically, Sherry… I’ve had dogs who *LOVED* to travel who were not crate-trained, and dogs who *LOVED* to travel who were crate-trained. The benefit for me is that my parents, who are well-past retirement age and no longer have the patience (or stamina) to deal with pups (especially those charming adolescent things that I have at the moment) 24 hours a day while visiting, are *happy* to have a place where I can put the dogs for an hour or so where they don’t have to worry about being run over by the K9 locomotive, don’t have to worry if their doors might get scratched, etc… and regardless of whether the pups *would* do this, my folks will still be concerned. It also means that I can leave my folks house and go see old friends without burdening my folks with taking care of the dogs while I’m out. The option would be to kennel the dogs while I went on vacation… and that’s not acceptable. Part of the enjoyable part of vacation is having more time to spend *with* my dogs… So, you can consider it a "rationalization" if you want… but your logic leaves a *lot* to be desired. -Holly
Response:
>Are the dogs really supposed to eat in there?? >I’ve read that people put the dogs’ food in there, but I >would think this is counter-productive… >Eat in cage -> must go to bathroom -> Damn, can’t, gotta hold it >So you’d have to feed him & then take him right back out then, right? >Richard
I think this is only a problem with puppies. An adult dog has enough bladder and bowel control to wait. I always leave water in the crate with Worf when I crate him, and used to feed him in the crate when I left him in it all day while I was at school. He has only had an accident in the crate twice, once when he first came off the street (he was a stray for at least a month) and once when he had a stomach virus or something. There are some dogs wholearn from the crate,and eventually don’t need to be locked in it. I can let Worf stay out when the house is neat, but the last time the house was a mess and he was out, he ate Big Bird’s face (a stuffed toy) and a poofy hair bow of mine. My fault for leaving them out where he could get them, but still, crating him when the house isa mess is necessary in my case. Other dogs never seem to "get it" and need to be crated long term. All depends on the dog and the person. Somedogs calm down in the crate, so much so that the first piece of advice I got when I mentioned our barking problem was crating him. Well,he WAS crated. In our case, taking him OUT of the crate got him to shut up! Every dog is different. I like having a crate best for when he’s DETERMINED to spend the night harassing the cats (they’re not used to each other YET, GRRR!) and they cats are hissing and he’s, well, TALKING to them,and he won’t shut up!!! Sarah G.
Response:
[snip] travelling usually easier with crate trained dog |> IMHO this is another rationalization. rationlization for what? |> total of 1500 miles in four days and she loved every minute. In fact the |> day we got home every time we went out she let me know she wanted to be |> in the car again. She was totally behaved the entire time we were in the |> car. You mean she liked being cooped up in that itty-bitty car, not being able to run or use the potty for hours at a time? How is that possible ?! |> den by choice. We stayed in a rented trailer and she did nothing |> destructive, but then again she never does anything destructive. We left |> her alone for a while a couple of times too. She is a terrific |> travelling companion and goes everywhere with us she is allowed, and we |> never use a crate. Yeah, I know we have to use one if we fly, but then |> it is for a reason. |> clipped from another post |> I don’t have a serious quibble with using a crate as a training tool. I |> do have a strong objection to using it on an ongoing basis as a way of |> solving a dogs behavior problems. And I wish people who got puppies Sherry, I commend your having the foresight to adopt an adult dog and I whole heartedly agree with you that some people were not meant to live with dogs or don’t have the time/patience to deal with a puppy. No kidding, there are lots of bad handlers, mistakes out there. But what does this have to do with crate training? You and your dog (that was very likely confined in a manner similar to crating as a puppy by someone else) have a good relationship sans crate. Fine, I’m happy for you. But don’t condemn those that use a crate on an ongoing basis to resolve behavioral problems. IMHO, if done right, it’s perfectly acceptable. I know where you’re coming from, really. I used to think training and proper handling could resolve any behavioral problems. Then I got Thelma, a hound. Keeping Thelma would not have been possible without the crate. She’s very high strung and when left out at night, wakes up barking, won’t leave our cats be, chews, you name it. She chewed up our seatbelts when left in the car for ten minutes once. Our other dog, Lulu, is not like that, very mellow and probably be a great pet w/o crate as well. They both get plenty of exercise. I guess what I’m trying to say is, all dogs are not alike, and some are indeed better off being crated for behavioral reasons. The alternative may be death, a long string of handlers before being abandoned, or permanent banishment to the tieout in the backyard. BTW, you’ve hit on a very good reason for adopting adult dogs, the dogs’ personality is obvious and fairly well defined. With a puppy, you never know. Sara
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Maybe the real issue is that a lot of people have no business getting a >puppy. From what I see there are tons of dogs out there who are pretty >messed up. I live in a condo, and there are small houses, condos, and >apartments in my neighborhood – not the best environment for raising a >dog. When I decided to get a dog I knew that a puppy was a bad idea. >The rescue shelters have plenty of marvelous adult dogs. And, of course >there are the wonderful former racer greyhounds who make fantastic pets. >So, people who struggle with puppies and still end up with hounds from >hell could have great dogs if they’d get an already civilized adult dog >needing a home. > And those "civilized" adult dogs come from … ? Where? Out of a > box? Uncivilized puppies grow into uncivilized adult dogs, with > problems much greater than just a shortage of age. And people who > end up with "hounds from hell" either *like* that kind of dog, have > the wrong dog for them, or would screw up Lassie. They only stay 8 > weeks old for a week, y’know? > Not all "older" dogs are trained, or well behaved, or problem free. > Less active, usually. And better able to deal with > the mental and physical demands of housebreaking, training, etc. > But an older dog is not inherently "better" than a younger dog. Or > "worse".
Good for you, Mary. Actually, it is probably the unfortunate truth that many *older* dogs in need of a home (and remember, I said *many*) probably have a behaviour problem–else they wouldn’t need a new home. Sad but mostly true. Most people give up their dogs because, for whatever reason, they can’t deal with them, and that often entails a behaviour problem. Not always, but often. Not the dog’s fault, usually, either. But they are the ones that pay. They have *different* problems from puppies; they are rarely problem-free. — Wendy Duggan Kyzyl Kum Salukis-Smooth & Feathered Santa Cruz, CA
Response:
>Bottom line is that I’m pretty sick of all the posts telling people they >have to crate their dogs. Plenty of people have dogs they have never >crated that have done just fine. I think crating is an excuse for not >wanting to really take responsibility for the job. (Boy I know I’ll get >flamed now).
I think it is unfair, and most likely wrong!, to say that people who crate their dogs do it out of an inherent lack of commitment to dog ownership. Crating, as advocated by the vast majority of the (thinking) public, simply means the dog is crated part of the time, specifically, at those times when people can’t be around to constantly monitor the dog’s activities. As much as many of us would like to stay home all day, that is not reasonable. For people who live in homes/apts. they don’t own, the damage that an unsupervised dog, a puppy in particular, can cause may be impossible to afford. And the answer of "well, maybe they shouldn’t have a dog" is just not addressing the issues. Some people obviously have a visceral dislike for the concept of caging a dog. I didn’t like the concept either until it dawned upon me (duh!) that, when properly done, crating benefits the dog and owner alike, and the benefit extends throught the dog’s lifespan. I believe a common scenario consists of a puppy being crated early on, and given more and more freedom as it becomes obvious that the puppy is beginning to understand the laws of the household (no peeing in the house, no destroying certain items…). Pick up any dog training book and the first thing you learn is that behavioral modification requires instant reinforcement, whether positive or negative. If you aren’t there to guide the puppy into acceptable behaviors, the dog has the RIGHT to do as it pleases, and the outcome is YOUR fault. Crating can be a great tool in training by removing opportunities where the dog can undo the training you *thought* you had accomplished. As the dog gets older and shows understanding of what behaviors are adequate (because you were there to reinforce those at other times), the dog can be allowed to be on its own. THe thing that doesn’t get emphasized enough is how much crating cuts down the levels of frustration and confusion for both dog and owner. Take house-training as an example: crating appears to speed up the process. The owner spends less time grumbling about cleaning up after the dog, therefore the owner is HAPPIER and that positive attitude spills over into his/her interactions with the puppy. In the meantime, the puppy is getting lots of positive reinforcement because it keeps being good and doing things right [yes, because the crate rules out any little adventures the puppy may undertake otherwise]. It sounds like a win-win situation. Then there are the other benefits of crating: having the dog always have a safe haven where it can go "get away from it all" [how often do people *really* wonder whether their animals' needs for privacy are being met?!], and having a dog that willingly goes into a crate [which makes transporting the dog much safer]. So, no, people don’t HAVE to crate their dogs. The question is, does avoiding crating ENHANCE the dog’s life? If the dog "gets in trouble" when left unattended, and this precipitates a cascade of bad feelings and untimely [read "useless"] negative reinforcement, what’s the point? A crate is no substitute for positive reinforcement-driven training, or for attention and socialization time with family members, or for daily exercise. It doesn’t need to mean sensory deprivation or neglect or "putting the dog in storage." If crating a pup for a few hours/day and later on as needed ends up helping produce a self-confident, well-trained dog, I say go for it. A "good dog" is more likely to be liked and loved by all family members, which leads to a cascade of positive lifestyle choices (such as increased doggie playtime, better diet, more timely vet care, more excercise and companionship…). Surely all dogs deserve good treatment, but let’s face it, our dogs’ behavior affects how we act and react towards them… and if crating makes a "better" dog and the owner is happy, the dog benefits. I would love to hear from people who work in animal shelters on the issue of crating. How often do FAILED dog-ownership attempts involve crating, and more specifically, lack thereof? I can think of one specific case where I KNOW a stray pup would have gotten a wonderful owner (conscientious, loving) but ended up at the shelter because the dog was destroying stuff while the owner was away… It would be easy to say "well, obviously this person wasn’t ready for a dog" but knowing the guy in question, it was really a matter of "oh, had I but known about crating back then." —
Response:
> With > a crate, in the morning, you KNOW they have to go, take ‘em > outside right away and praise ‘em to high heaven. They never > even get to THINK about going in the house, with very little > negative training.
I have to agree with this whole-heartedly… whenever any of the kids come out of their crates for however long they’ve been in, we *immediately* go out. It makes life *SO* much easier on all of us! > BTW, watch out with paper training. For a young puppy bladder > control is harder and papers may be appropriate. But it is > training the dog to pee in the house, albeit on the paper. I > never used papers much past 12 weeks.
I have to agree with this as well. I *had* to paper-train Winter when I got her because it was -27 outside when she came home (and the snow was deeper than she was!). Neither of us could stay outside long enough for her to pee (let alone that she might have frozen to the ground *grin*). She was tough to teach that *outside* was the place to pee later… > Other advantages of the crate – Travelling is much easier.
… It helps the dogs anxiety if they’re in > something familiar. If you want to visit a friend or stay > at a hotel, and the dog stays in their crate at night, whoever > you’re visiting is much more comfortable about their > belongings. Therefore, puppy gets to travel more.
Yes, yes, yes!!! (And in case you missed it the first time… YES, YES, YES!) -Holly
Response:
> Well, we can’t take her out yet ’cause of the immunization thing > so where would she go (bathroom) when I come home?
Actually, though you certainly don’t want her to be around where other dogs pee and poop, taking her out to the yard (and right back in) isn’t usually a problem. Just don’t let her go sniffing around other dogs or their … ummm… "leftovers". > I don’t plan on leaving her in the kitchen her whole life – just > during her puppyhood when she can’t go outside, etc.
Nor will you leave her in the crate her whole life. > Yeah, but usually a wolf or wild dog (if this is the comparison > you are making) can leave a ‘DEN’ on their own free will when > they please, they are not locked in!
Like I mentioned in my previous post… you really have "crated" her in the kitchen. It’s just that her "crate" is larger. She’s locked in there as well. A kitchen is not really "den-like" because it’s too large. (And, let me warn you… my 18 month old could scale a baby gate at 9 weeks, and *2* of them (stacked) by the time she was about 13 weeks…yours may learn this little "trick" as well. Lots do.) > This is very advantageous especially if you have > : to fly commercially. It helps the dogs anxiety if they’re in > : something familiar. If you want to visit a friend or stay > : at a hotel, and the dog stays in their crate at night, whoever > : you’re visiting is much more comfortable about their > : belongings. Therefore, puppy gets to travel more. > This makes some sense, but I see it at a big cost – our puppy > doesn’t like being cooped up in the kitchen, I’d hate to hear > her screams being locked in a cage.
And often aren’t fond of the crate at first… additionally, you can move the crate into your bedroom at night so she can sleep near you. (Neat trick if you can do that with the kitchen… *grin*) > : There are people out there unwilling to use a crate, but > : willing to give the dog away or have it killed because they > : can’t deal with behavioral problems. And the crate is cruel!? > : > Never. I’ve taken on a responsibility. I don’t know what > planet those people have grown up on.
I commend you for accepting the commitment… alas, it’s a fact that lots of people don’t. Can I make a recommendation? Take a trip to your local library or bookstore and get the book "The Art of Raising a Puppy" by the Monks of New Skete (who raise dogs). It’s a *wonderful* book, very interesting and easy to read. It may also give you some things to think about. -Holly
Response:
: |> I’d like to get some comments about crating your dog… : |> : |> While I hear almost everyone telling me that I must put my : ^^^^ : Well Richard, I wouldn’t say must crate your dog. It’s just : that it makes training a whole lot easier on you and the : dog. In some cases, having the dog is not possible without : a crate. : In the past, house breaking consisted of rubbing the dogs’ : nose in their excrement, or hoping to catch them in the act : and screaming at them as they were being booted outside. I don’t do this and wouldn’t recommend it… With : a crate, in the morning, you KNOW they have to go, take ‘em : outside right away and praise ‘em to high heaven. They never : even get to THINK about going in the house, with very little : negative training. Your parents trained you to hold your : bladder. Within reason, dogs are most certainly capable : of doing same. Well, we can’t take her out yet ’cause of the immunization thing so where would she go (bathroom) when I come home? : > by with no or minimal damage. Am I wrong in thinking that : > this crating thing is a new trend touted by those who are not willing : > to change their lifestyle to care for a puppy? : From what I understand, most people who use crates during the : day come home at lunch to let the dog out, a significant change : in lifestyle to accomodate the dog. It is not unreasonable : though, with a regular schedule, to expect dogs to hold their : bladder for 8 hours. Making sure the dog has enough exercise : and attention is important whether they stay in the kitchen : all day or in their crate. I don’t plan on leaving her in the kitchen her whole life – just during her puppyhood when she can’t go outside, etc. : BTW, watch out with paper training. For a young puppy bladder : control is harder and papers may be appropriate. But it is : training the dog to pee in the house, albeit on the paper. I : never used papers much past 12 weeks. : Other advantages of the crate – Travelling is much easier. : Dogs are DEN animals. Crating takes advantage of this natural : canine instinct. If used properly, the crate is their : own little doggie condo. It’s their bed too. They feel safe : in there. Yeah, but usually a wolf or wild dog (if this is the comparison you are making) can leave a ‘DEN’ on their own free will when they please, they are not locked in! This is very advantageous especially if you have : to fly commercially. It helps the dogs anxiety if they’re in : something familiar. If you want to visit a friend or stay : at a hotel, and the dog stays in their crate at night, whoever : you’re visiting is much more comfortable about their : belongings. Therefore, puppy gets to travel more. This makes some sense, but I see it at a big cost – our puppy doesn’t like being cooped up in the kitchen, I’d hate to hear her screams being locked in a cage. : There are people out there unwilling to use a crate, but : willing to give the dog away or have it killed because they : can’t deal with behavioral problems. And the crate is cruel!? : Never. I’ve taken on a responsibility. I don’t know what planet those people have grown up on. Richard Spall My opinions not BNR’s
Response:
> Am I wrong in thinking that >this crating thing is a new trend touted by those who are not willing >to change their lifestyle to care for a puppy? >Can anyone back me up here?
I don’t think so. Crating, as I understand it, is for the dog’s safety and peace of mind, as well as your own. My dogs are never crated when I’m at home. That time is for us to be together: walking, playing, them sleeping on the couch or under my feet, etc. Crating is for keeping them safe (away from electrical cords they could chew and electrocute themselves, things they could eat that would block their intestines) as well as teaching them some good habits (housebreaking, not getting into a wall-chewing habit, etc.) while I’m gone and can’t watch them. Who would get a dog and then crate it while they’re home? Is this what you are asking about? A puppy is another story – you *DO* have to change your schedule around a lot to accomodate a crated puppy, since they can’t be expected to "hold it" very long then. They must be let out often and regularly. But as they get older, and housebreaking progresses, a dog should be able to stay crated all day with a possible break at lunch. Mine sleep all day anyway, so it’s not a problem from their point of view. Plus, I like having them used to their crate so that if they need to be separated for medical reasons (one has stitches or something), one can sleep in the crate and the other can still be nearby. Or for travel. Or for safety in the car. I think the crate is a very useful tool for committed dog owners. Rebecca, with Zoe and Dakota
Response:
I’d like to get some comments about crating your dog… While I hear almost everyone telling me that I must put my new puppy (Rhodesian Ridgeback, 8 weeks) in a crate, etc. My personal feelings are that when you get a dog, it is a member of your family and will live in your house/apt as a family member. Right now, I have her in the kitchen during the day, blocked off with those plastic gate things, and she comes out when I get home. She already knows to go on the papers, so that is not a problem. I don’t expect any humans to hold their bladders all day while being locked in a crate, so I won’t expect it from her. My family had a dog when I was growing up and he was never put in a crate (and turned out fine!). My friends & roommates dogs have had dogs, none of which were crated, and besides minor things being chewed, etc., there were no major problems. When you get a dog you have to expect that something might get chewed. If you take some time and puppy-proof your place, you can get by with no or minimal damage. Am I wrong in thinking that this crating thing is a new trend touted by those who are not willing to change their lifestyle to care for a puppy? Can anyone back me up here? Richard Spall My opinions not BNR’s
Response:
>I’d like to get some comments about crating your dog… >While I hear almost everyone telling me that I must put my >new puppy (Rhodesian Ridgeback, 8 weeks) in a crate, etc. >Am I wrong in thinking that this crating thing is a new trend touted by >those who are not willing to change their lifestyle to care for a puppy?
When Sera was a puppy, she ate through the plastic puppy gates, jumped the metal ones, ate through a wall, etc. When we first got her (I found her-she was about two months old), I drove home everyday from work during my lunch hour (40 minute round trip) to let her out, etc. until she was around eight or nine months old. It is very hard to puppy-proof a room with a puppy that eats through walls. 
We had to crate her basically for her own protection during the time we wereI had to away. However, she was never crated at night or any other time that we were home. And now that she’s older, we don’t crate her, and aside from her blanket being torn apart daily (despite 3,000 chew toys laying around) it’s been working pretty well. Stephanie, with Misha, Sera, Gizmo, and Kitten —
Response:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >I’d like to get some comments about crating your dog… >While I hear almost everyone telling me that I must put my >new puppy (Rhodesian Ridgeback, 8 weeks) in a crate, etc. >My personal feelings are that when you get a dog, it is a >member of your family and will live in your house/apt as >a family member. Right now, I have her in the kitchen >during the day, blocked off with those plastic gate things, >and she comes out when I get home. She already knows to go >on the papers, so that is not a problem. I don’t expect >any humans to hold their bladders all day while being locked >in a crate, so I won’t expect it from her. >My family had a dog when I was growing up and he was never put >in a crate (and turned out fine!). My friends & roommates dogs >have had dogs, none of which were crated, and besides minor >things being chewed, etc., there were no major problems. When >you get a dog you have to expect that something might get chewed. >If you take some time and puppy-proof your place, you can get >by with no or minimal damage. Am I wrong in thinking that >this crating thing is a new trend touted by those who are not willing >to change their lifestyle to care for a puppy? >Can anyone back me up here? >Richard Spall >My opinions not BNR’s
Crate training was a necessity for my dog. She was a stray I picked up when she was about one year old, and had severe separation anxiety. During the day, she would tear up everyhting in site, scream and yell all day, tear the blinds out of the windows, and throw her food around unitl I came home. Neighbors began to complain, repair work was getting very costly, and Indy was still upset when I left for work everyday. Her crate became a safe haven, and she came to understand that when I locked her in the crate, I would be coming back, and she stopped barking so much. She also used her crate as a safe haven during the day, taking her bones and other treats to eat in there. I think crate training is very misunderstood. Even I was a little set aback when someone suggested it to me. But it really worked, and Indy became very comfortable with it. Jeff
Response:
|> I’d like to get some comments about crating your dog… |> |> While I hear almost everyone telling me that I must put my ^^^^ Well Richard, I wouldn’t say must crate your dog. It’s just that it makes training a whole lot easier on you and the dog. In some cases, having the dog is not possible without a crate. I too, have had many dogs, many of which were trained w/o a crate. For housebreaking in particular, the crate was just a whole lot easier. I crate my two dogs at night and during the day they run on a 1/4 acre of radio fenced area. > a family member. Right now, I have her in the kitchen > during the day, blocked off with those plastic gate things, > and she comes out when I get home. She already knows to go > on the papers, so that is not a problem. I don’t expect > any humans to hold their bladders all day while being locked > in a crate, so I won’t expect it from her.
In the past, house breaking consisted of rubbing the dogs’ nose in their excrement, or hoping to catch them in the act and screaming at them as they were being booted outside. With a crate, in the morning, you KNOW they have to go, take ‘em outside right away and praise ‘em to high heaven. They never even get to THINK about going in the house, with very little negative training. Your parents trained you to hold your bladder. Within reason, dogs are most certainly capable of doing same. > by with no or minimal damage. Am I wrong in thinking that > this crating thing is a new trend touted by those who are not willing > to change their lifestyle to care for a puppy?
From what I understand, most people who use crates during the day come home at lunch to let the dog out, a significant change in lifestyle to accomodate the dog. It is not unreasonable though, with a regular schedule, to expect dogs to hold their bladder for 8 hours. Making sure the dog has enough exercise and attention is important whether they stay in the kitchen all day or in their crate. BTW, watch out with paper training. For a young puppy bladder control is harder and papers may be appropriate. But it is training the dog to pee in the house, albeit on the paper. I never used papers much past 12 weeks. Other advantages of the crate – Travelling is much easier. Dogs are DEN animals. Crating takes advantage of this natural canine instinct. If used properly, the crate is their own little doggie condo. It’s their bed too. They feel safe in there. This is very advantageous especially if you have to fly commercially. It helps the dogs anxiety if they’re in something familiar. If you want to visit a friend or stay at a hotel, and the dog stays in their crate at night, whoever you’re visiting is much more comfortable about their belongings. Therefore, puppy gets to travel more. There are people out there unwilling to use a crate, but willing to give the dog away or have it killed because they can’t deal with behavioral problems. And the crate is cruel!? I assure you that when used properly, crates are quite humane and in the best interest of both canine and human. Sure, they can be abused too, just like the tie-out in the back yard or the garage. But it’s not the device that’s at fault. Sara
Response:
Richard, RS>My family had a dog when I was growing up and he was never put RS>in a crate (and turned out fine!). My friends & roommates dogs RS>have had dogs, none of which were crated, and besides minor RS>things being chewed, etc., there were no major problems. When RS>you get a dog you have to expect that something might get chewed. RS>If you take some time and puppy-proof your place, you can get RS>by with no or minimal damage. Am I wrong in thinking that RS>this crating thing is a new trend touted by those who are not willing RS>to change their lifestyle to care for a puppy? RS>Can anyone back me up here? Well, I surely will. But I am probably the only member of the loyal opposition. Sure, it’s easy to keep a dog in a crate, or a person in jail. Same effect. They get out and raise cain. I never have and never will put a dog in a crate unless it’s preparing to fly somewhere. But you are correct in believing it is absolutely the newest fad in the dog world. And sooo easy. You just lock the dog up, like putting away a toy in a drawer or toybox, and then when you are ready for it, take it out. Stand by for serious strafing runs, though. Everyone who crates will believe that you are, at best, an anarchist. And there are lots of craters out there. ann RS>Richard Spall RS>My opinions not BNR’s ___ * UniQWK #2019* You know what they say about paradigms: Shift happens.
Response:
You are wrong to say that crating is the "newest thing" in dog training. My dalmation (age 15 in July was crate trained) as was my brothers (age 10) was also. It was her crate that Floyd (5 months) first used. That doesn’t seem like the "newest thing" to me. Both have turned out to be well-adjusted, non-destructive dogs. My puppy Floyd, is now being crate trained, the crate is huge (his original puppy one was smaller – he now has a 700 model big enough for a Rott or a Newfoundland) and he does not destroy my house when I am gone. He is let out several times a day for peeing and walks. Crating might not be for everybody (especially if you are lucky enough to be home), but for someone who works full time, its wonderful. It greatly reduces the anxiety of wondering "What did Floyd do today?". He will not be in the crate his whole life, just like the other dogs weren’t. But believe me, a teething laborador can’t be roaming around my house all day, unsupervised. I think that’s how alot of dogs end up in the pound. Karen, Blaze who turned out mostly normal after being crate trained and Floyd who went into his crate this morning with no problem or anxiety.
Response:
> Sure, it’s easy to keep a dog in a crate, or a person in jail. > Same effect. They get out and raise cain.
This is utter nonsense from someone who obviously hasn’t a clue about crating as a tool. > I never have and never will put a dog in a crate unless it’s > preparing to fly somewhere.
That’s fine. It’s your choice. > But you are correct in believing it > is absolutely the newest fad in the dog world.
More utter nonsense. Crating has been around for a couple of decades. That hardly makes it a "new fad". > And sooo easy.
Which proves you know absolutely nothing about using a crate as a training tool. It is *not* necessarily "easy". > You just lock the dog up, like putting away a toy in a drawer or > toybox, and then when you are ready for it, take it out.
Again, you are proving that you know absolutely nothing about the concept of crate training and its use as a tool. If you did, you’d know that this, too, is absolute CR*P. > Stand by for serious strafing runs, though. Everyone who crates > will believe that you are, at best, an anarchist. And there are > lots of craters out there.
I would never flame someone who researched and understood crate-training. It’s a personal choice. If someone’s lifestyle/choice allows for a pup to be trained without a crate, that’s fine. What I *DO* object to is someone who is so obviously *IGNORANT* about the entire *concept* of crate-training pretending that they actually understand it. Of course, this comes from the same person who refers to spaying and neutering as "sexual mutlilation", so what should one expect, I suppose… *PLONK* -Holly
Response:
Of course, this comes from the same person who refers to spaying and neutering as "sexual mutlilation", so what should one expect, I suppose… *PLONK* -Holly Couldn’t have said it better myself! I think we need to get some Dork-o-meters made for these other groups. Until then, *plonk* will have to do. Greg Z
Response:
The anti-crating comments from people who have never crate-trained their dogs finally got to me so I felt I needed to tell you about our experience with our puppy Willoughby. We got Willoughby as an 8 week old puppy and by feeding her in her crate and keeping it by the bed at night, she took to it within two days. She is now 10 months old. During the day Willoughby stays in the kitchen – the crate is brought into the kitchen and left with the door open and we attach an exercise pen to it to keep her confined but give her a little more space to stretch. I don’t know if she uses the extra space or not. When I leave her, she is always lying in her crate. Keeping her confined during the day is our piece of mind, knowing that she isn’t chewing on anything which would hurt her or the house we are renting. As a volunteer at the humane society, I see so many dogs brought in because their curiosity and need to chew led to destruction and the landlord said out or the owners couldn’t take it any more. I have heard too many horror stories from friends who have come home to find their dogs have chewed electrical cords or jumped through a plate glass window and left a bloody trail to follow. Twice my husband forgot to secure her pen and she got out. Once she chewed the lights on the Christmas tree – its a wonder it didn’t fall over – and the other time she chewed up a couch pillow and the cord on the iron which was dangling down off the ironing board and luckily not plugged in. Also lucky that she didn’t pull it off the ironing board and get conked on the head. Willoughby loves her crate. She goes in her pen readily in the morning, tail wagging, and into the crate at bedtime. If we stay up later than usual, she goes into her crate at our normal bedtime. If we haven’t moved the crate from the kitchen to the bedroom and she wants to go to bed, she will lie down next to the bed where her crate is supposed to be. If we need to go out and she can’t come, we say "kennel up!" and she goes right in. The crate is a godsend when traveling. We brought her with us to my high school reunion and she seemed relieved to have her familiar crate in the strangeness of the hotel room. The hotel staff had no problem with us having her in the room when they found out she would be crated. We had lots of friends in our room until very late and when Willoughby got tired of visiting, she went to her crate for some private time. So instead of going to a kennel for the weekend, or staying by herself all day with a neighbor coming by to feed her, she got to spend it with us, going in the car and meeting new people and seeing new places. A higher quality of life just because of the crate! When we visit friends or relatives, Willoughby is always welcome. When she gets too rambunctious or underfoot or we can’t watch her, she goes in the crate for a nap. It’s not a punishment, it’s a way to handle a large active puppy that you can’t control every minute of the day. If she is tied up outside, she cries. If she is confined to the porch or bathroom, she cries. If she goes in her crate, she naps. Willoughby is by no means deprived, either. She gets walks off and on leash in the morning and evening, playtime, obedience class, supervised playtime with other dogs and constant fun on the weekends – car rides, hiking, swimming, ect. I really feel that crating is the way to go, especially with a puppy. It keeps them safe and keeps your belongings safe. I see too many dogs dropped off at the humane society because they are too much for their owners to handle and supposedly "need room to run" and would have been saved by crate training. The anti-craters think leaving a dog in a crate all day is cruel – I agree there IS a limit to how long a dog should be crated. Having a dog is a definite lifestyle adjustment. To me, those who crate train realize this and have taken the time to read the dog raising books, talked to their vets, talked to reputable breeders and dog trainers, and read the newsgroups. The anti-crating comments that I’ve been reading have for the most part been from people who are ignorant of the subject. Have fun with your dogs! Karen
Response:
>Sure, it’s easy to keep a dog in a crate, or a person in jail. >Same effect. They get out and raise cain. >I never have and never will put a dog in a crate unless it’s >preparing to fly somewhere. But you are correct in believing it >is absolutely the newest fad in the dog world. And sooo easy. >You just lock the dog up, like putting away a toy in a drawer or >toybox, and then when you are ready for it, take it out.
Ann, Not everybody crates their animals for convenience (like your opinion suggests)… I crated my dog (against my personal feelings AT FIRST) to potty train him. Once I was sure he understood the concept of going OUT I then gave him more freedom to 1 room and gated him in that room. He’s 2 years old now and he has full run of the house while I’m at work but I refused to do that until I knew he would not harm my rabbits during the day AND he would not have accidents. When I came home from work and let him out of the den at that time, he did not turn into a savage and rip the house apart (as you wrote "get out and raise cain"). He was a normal dog just like your uncrated dog, he would want to go out and then greet me and play, etc. I think TRAINING your dog is what teaches them control, not whether you crate them or not. Because you have NEVER tried it, you don’t know that the animal thinks of the crate/den as there safe-haven. If you read the other posts talking positive about crating, you’ll notice that the animals often slept in the crates with the door open–THEIR choice. It took a week or two for my dog to adjust to the den being gone–I felt guilty for taking his safe place away. So, you may think it is a jail–but don’t knock it until you try it–if you don’t then fine, don’t. When I tried it, I was VERY relieved that I did because he learned quickly and there was no stress for him or myself. Michelle
Response:
I never crated my beagle. He has turned out just fine. Crating is the latest
If you like this post and would like to receive updates from this blog, please subscribe our feed.