Maggimus
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Aug 11, 2006
- Messages
- 5,511
Not to jump on the "to crate or not to crate" bandwagon... but...
I, too, think crate training is one of the best things to do for a dog. No, I dont think anyone feels that this is an appropriate place for a dog to stay for an extended period of time, or because you don't want to deal with them.
However, crate training is a good way of teaching a dog discipline and comfort. At a YOUNG age...potty training not one, but two dogs (brother and sister-- I know, I have two from the same litter)... is DIFFICULT with a capitol D. Once one makes a mistake and messes in the house-- the other smells and follows right behind. The crate is a great way to put them up and let them find their "safe environment". Mine would pee before going in, and directly after coming out. They learned that behavior and now they both love it. They sleep in their crate. Why? Well.. they dont need to be outside in the thunderstorms and such. I dont put them in there because I dont want to deal, I do it because thats their home. I have a bed I sleep in, I shut the door at night. I put them in their bed, I shut their door at night. At night after they are done running the backyard all day, and playing with their toys indoor all night. They go to their bed on their own and lay their heads down. They tell me when they are ready. Some nights I just have to say "are you ready for night night?" and they run straight to their crate. Its not torture-- they are disciplined to do it... and they like it there. Thats their safe place.
As far as J&K.... Id rather see a dog in a crate than strung from a chain on a tree ANY DAY. Now to me... THAT is cruel!
But didn't I say i didnt want to jump on this bandwagon? LOL. I guess I take in so many strays and find them homes... and I have spent an extensive amount of money on my dogs here recently (they are dachshunds, so no matter how much you train them they will have back problems, etc)...I certainly feel that crate training isn't the worst thing in the world... but actually pretty beneficial.
I, too, think crate training is one of the best things to do for a dog. No, I dont think anyone feels that this is an appropriate place for a dog to stay for an extended period of time, or because you don't want to deal with them.
However, crate training is a good way of teaching a dog discipline and comfort. At a YOUNG age...potty training not one, but two dogs (brother and sister-- I know, I have two from the same litter)... is DIFFICULT with a capitol D. Once one makes a mistake and messes in the house-- the other smells and follows right behind. The crate is a great way to put them up and let them find their "safe environment". Mine would pee before going in, and directly after coming out. They learned that behavior and now they both love it. They sleep in their crate. Why? Well.. they dont need to be outside in the thunderstorms and such. I dont put them in there because I dont want to deal, I do it because thats their home. I have a bed I sleep in, I shut the door at night. I put them in their bed, I shut their door at night. At night after they are done running the backyard all day, and playing with their toys indoor all night. They go to their bed on their own and lay their heads down. They tell me when they are ready. Some nights I just have to say "are you ready for night night?" and they run straight to their crate. Its not torture-- they are disciplined to do it... and they like it there. Thats their safe place.
As far as J&K.... Id rather see a dog in a crate than strung from a chain on a tree ANY DAY. Now to me... THAT is cruel!
But didn't I say i didnt want to jump on this bandwagon? LOL. I guess I take in so many strays and find them homes... and I have spent an extensive amount of money on my dogs here recently (they are dachshunds, so no matter how much you train them they will have back problems, etc)...I certainly feel that crate training isn't the worst thing in the world... but actually pretty beneficial.
Love it when you post a pic!
Or at least THE 10 years of Jon and Kate? It's funny and sad (I think mostly sad).
