What's your opinion on using a crate with dogs?

[CathrynRose]

Charley ~ Not a crate dog. We adopted him at 17 mos and I believe whoever had him before us must have used the crate as punishment. We were encouraged by so many to get a crate, get a crate, get a crate.... but he'd shake and get low and look so scared when we'd use it. Even door open! Crate was not for Charley. He has free roam of the house while we're gone. We just have to put tissue boxes up.

Hazel ~ Oye! Naughty dog. But, she likes her crate and we do use it while we're out.

There's a 'rule' with Pit's. "Never trust them not to fight" and while I'm rather confident they wouldn't, I don't feel like testing it out.

PLUS, she's naughty!! I *am* confident we'd come home to this:

 

[PrincessBelle39]

I'd never heard of a dog using a crate until I'd read it on these boards. I've never heard on anyone in Australia doing it. Not to say it isn't done. But its not something I would ever consider.

 

[luvsJack]

Yep CR, that is exactly what I am afraid of with Zac!!

He is a HUGE part of this family. Actually he is like a 4th spoiled child. He has free run of the house, furniture, etc. when we are home. He sleeps with me when dh is gone and with dd when he is home. He "stands guard" all the time (seems have the mistaken idea that he is a Rottie!).

But, alas, to keep him safe and me sane he stays in his box during the day.

I can certainly understand everyone's thoughts on the crate being a bad thing. I would have never wanted to keep a dog in one before we got this dog. It seemed mean to me. But after I saw Zac's reaction to it, I didn't have a problem at at all and I know he is safe.

Actually, back to the OP and the fire; our house fire actually got me to thinking about a crate. DS knew right were the dog would be and the fire was still in the kitchen at the time, but if a fireman or stranger had went in they would not have been able to find her. Zac and his box are in an area close to the door. In an emergency he would not be hard to find at all. And they could just pick up the crate and go, so he would be safe when they got him outside too.