Kennel all day?

[Nancy Sunderland]

Hi, I have a topic to bring up that I'm afraid might touch a few nerves, but I would like to have some feedback and friendly discussion nonetheless. When I started telling people we were getting an ALD puppy, half of the people were rude and judgmental--saying, "What are you thinking? Are you crazy?" referring to two things; the cost ($2500 + shipping) and to the work involved (I have 4 young daughters and two other big labs). Many told me horror stories about their most recent puppy experiences, and all the things that got ruined; carpet, shoes, furniture, etc., One young couple in particular, (DINKS--dual income, no kids), had a golden retriever puppy that was a disaster behaviorally and property-destruction wise for about 7 months. BUT the dog is in a kennel 9+ hours a day...

Ok, here it comes.... I personnally don't think it's fair to get a dog, then put it in a kennel all day; M-F. I would tear s*#@ up too if I was cooped up so much. I'm a stay at home mom, (I have a BS Business degree with a minor in human development & family studies, but chose to stay home after a few failed attempts at part time work. I finally discovered that God and my family were calling me home--but that;s another topic), and I am interacting with my dogs all day long. For example, when I'm pushing the kids in the swings, I am usually also brushing the labs with the undercoat rake, or curry comb. When I take a walk, I look like a dog walker with my double stroller. But it's fun, for me, my kids, and my dogs.

I'm going to try really hard not to sound judgmental here, but I'm going to apologize in advance if it comes across that way; I don't understand why people get dogs that they don't have time for? I just read over the re-homing discussion about helping members who might be on the fence, and it got me thinking about this issue. I'm really not trying to upset anyone, I know everyone has their own circumstances, I just wanted to put my two cents out there. Please don't get mad at me and post angry comments, (I WILL cry...)

I hope that my post has been tactful and non-judgmental, as that was my aim.

[Adina P]

In the case of the couple mentioned at the start of this post...I would agree too. But I cannot draw a blanket conclusion about all people with all dogs. 9 hours a day is NOT ideal...but it CAN work for some people/dogs in certain situations.

[Nancy Sunderland]

((They're "trying" to have a baby too currently...))

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

I can;t help but feel that everyone on DK loves and takes wonderful care of thier dogs weather they crate, cage, let them roam, or tether them to themselves all day. Seems there is no absolute right or wrong here and unless there is hard evidence based research, it's all a matter of opinions.

With all the animal abuse and mistreatment in our country alone, somehow caging or not caging for 2-3 or 9 hours a day does not feel like that big an issue. Come on now...they are in climate controlled enviorments, with food and water, toys, blankets, even TV's or radios on for human voice and company.....

Just watched an episode of Animal Cops last night and was sickened by the abuse shown.

[Jacquie Yorke (DRC)]

Oh will you lighten up???!!!??? NO ...As a matter of fact, not everyone on DK takes wonderful care of their dogs!!!...God forbid you speak the truth.....

[Lynne Fowler-Oodles of Doodles]

Amen and hallelujah!

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

Oh come on Jacquie,,,,you mean to tell me not everyone takes wonderful care of thier dogs???? Say it isn;t so.!!!!

[Jacquie Yorke (DRC)]

Some people shouldn't have a goldfish.... never mind a doodle....lol....

[LuvMyAbby&Kaela]

What about a doodlefish?

[Nancy Sunderland]

LMAO!!!

[Chris & Boys]

AMEN!

[Chris & Boys]

Hi Nancy, I am sorry if this is redundant, but I am on a break and don't have time to read all the responses. Some people will say it is irresponsible not to crate some say it is cruel to crate for 9 hours. I tend to agree with the latter. I do not crate, and yep, things do get destroyed if left out (boxes of kleenex, crocs, box of crackers left on the counter, etc.) But, I also remember leaving my toddler son on the kitchen floor coloring when I went to the bathroom and came back to some new wall art he had created in those few minutes. Like a child, if you are going to get a dog, things are going to change and things will get destroyed if you are not careful. My pup is almost 10 mos old and in his second chewing phase. If I leave things out during the day, he will chew them, especially if I don't leave him a bullystick or other chew. But, I know better, even if he doesn't So your DINK friends, may be blaming the wrong being for the problems they had with their golden.

On the other hand, just because people work and have to leave thier pets alone for 8-9 hours a day doesn't mean they don't deserve to have a dog. I had to put my kids in daycare.....that doesn't make me an unfit mother. So, you could be a stay at home mom and not spend any time with your dog at all, some dogs are more like ornaments than family members. Thats just MHO.

[Nancy Sunderland]

I sense I may have touched a nerve, and have decided to close this discussion and take Adina's advice to shift this topic to a discussion in the Doodle-Debate group. If someone would like to go ahead and start it, please feel free. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this conversation, I really appreciate all of the stories, and responses. Love, Nancy