[miss smidgey]

I Would Hate The Thought Of My Dog Not Having The Run Of The House .is This Just A Excuse For Lazy Dog Owners Not Training Their Dogs .

[Chihuahualvr]

There are so many good reasons for using a crate...Its not because we are lazy...You can use the crate for housebreaking...It can go so much smoother for both you and the dog verses paper training...A crate can also keep your dog safe when you are not home...I found out the hard way that no matter how puppy proof your home, no matter what age the dog is, there is constant danger...You see I had an older dog that hadn't chewed or destroy anything in years to all of a sudden to decide he wanted to chew a hole in my wall...After chewing through the drywall he found the insulation...Then he found the electric wires that ran through the walls....I was only gone for a little over half an hour and when I came home he was dead....I will never let a dog, no matter how much I think I can trust the dog, to remain at large in my house while I am not there to supervise....If my dog had been in a crate he would still be alive today...
Sorry this post got so long but I have very strong feelings on whether or not to crate...I know some people obuse the crate, but most people use it the way it was intended..
Dianne...Rosalie and Junior ( who by the way freely go to their crate when they need their alone time or for a nap)

[Sheltiemama]

I certainly hope that crating my dog doesn't label me as lazy dog owner that doesn't want to train my dog. I've been raising and training shelties for 19 years and have crated every one of them. They go in the crates willingly and are not forced into their "house" This area belongs only to them and they do use them when the door is open as well. It becomes a haven for quiet and solitude when they desire that experience, a den of their own.

The only time I shut the doors on the crates is when I am going to be gone for several hours. Shelties are herders and need to be stimulated. If they become bored they will find their own fun. The thought of replacing my carpet, or my throw rugs or my couch cushions isn't exactly pleasant. So being a responsible dog owner I avoid a possibly dangerous situation by crating the dogs when I leave and when I return home I give them the stimulation and freedom to run that they need to stay healthy and happy.

[donna a]

the whole point of the crate is to train your dog.

[Critter crazy]

Not only is a crate a great tool for training, and to keep your dog safe while you are gone. It is also a place that the dog can call his own. It is like a safe haven for the dog, if he/she just wants to get away, say from visitors in the home, they just go in their crate and relax. It is their den. You have your couch, he has his crate.

[Buddy]

They are sad people, our dog has the run of the house

[Critter crazy]

Originally Posted by Buddy

They are sad people, our dog has the run of the house

Excuse me???? why would you say something like that?? just because people do things differently does not make them "Sad"! that is very rude! I have had crated dogs, and free roaming dogs. There is nothing worng with Crating a dog, as long as it is done properly!

[ELAINE F]

yes corrrect well done some dog owners don t train there dogs

[Blunt Honesty]

Used properly, it is a very effective way of house training a dog. Used improperly, it is a way for lazy owners to control their dog.

[nicolerobin2002]

I agree crating is wrong and shold not be considered. Many pet owners have to leave to go to work and put their animals in crates when they leave but i dont think you should have a dog or cat if you dont be home with them.