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.

[Nancy Sunderland]

umm, not sure I like the comparison of dogs to kids, but I do put my baby girl Laila in a crib at night and for naps, (it has bars). She's never unsupervised (or home alone), and only once has she ever been in a crate (for a picture) LMAO But, I really think it's like comparing apples to oranges. I don't lock my kids up if I want to go to see a movie, I hire a babysitter, or bring them with me. Just trying to get a few laughs, thank you ladies so much for keeping it civil, I was afraid I might fall back into a PPD spell if all the ft workers ganged up on me, LOL!!!

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

In all honesty, at some point you will need to leave her alone...so I would work on making sure she is comfortable in some sort of place. A crate really is nice for that. Taking her to the vet, leaving to run some errands, etc...just a thought and a tidbit of advice. For example, my 5-year old Taquito the chihuahua had a dental cleaning today...went to the vet and he went right in his crate upon arrival (which I had sitting next to us in the wait room, door open). That is his "safe" place, even though he is not in there on a regular basis at all. We haven't confined him to that in years. It is for travel times and when he gets scared.

Good luck! Can't wait to see more photos of your girl :)

[HANNAH 8/2/07 & HONEY 7/2/08]

I didn't think I was comparing apples to oranges. Dogs learning abilities are "LIKE" that of a toodler who's age group is 2 to 3 years. I didn't think you would lock your kids up, and a "Responsible person would hire a sitter for their kids if they are going away and not your not taking them with you"! If your going to leave a dog unsupervised, and you know there is any chance of it being harmed, why would you? I could leave Hannah home alone, out of her crate, unsupervised and 99.999% of the time she will do nothing, BUT there is that .001% chance she could chew a wire, eat something she shouldn't, get into something she shouldn't, or possibly be injured and die because I was not responsible to use a crate. It's the responsiblity that is the issue for me.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

So you are saying that anyone who leaves their dog alone at home uncrated is being irresponsible?

[Lynne Fowler-Oodles of Doodles]

I must be irresponsible, then. Never crated any dog, never will. Have 4 now, none are crated. They are home alone 7-3. Maybe I should have crated Jack when he was younger, but I didn't and now he's over his crazy phase. Never crated, never will.

[Jacquie Yorke (DRC)]

If you have to crate a two year old dog, there is something wrong with YOU...not the dog.......

[HANNAH 8/2/07 & HONEY 7/2/08]

NO there isnt a thing wrong with me....I know my dog is safe at home when I'm not, I know where my dog is if there is an emergency and someone needs to enter my apartment to make repairs and/or get my dog out if they need to.

[HANNAH 8/2/07 & HONEY 7/2/08]

So I guess your saying everyone on here who crates their dog past a certain age has something wrong with them...hmmmm guess I have a lot of company than on this site...LMAO....

[Jodi Edsall]

Lynne, I absolutely agree with you. Bailey and Murphy have never been crated and never will. My parents had a house fire and their dog was inside of the house in a crate, my dad went into the burning house to rescue his dog calling and calling him but couldn't reach him in his crate. He still blames himself today for the death of his beloved dog.

[HANNAH 8/2/07 & HONEY 7/2/08]

no i'm not saying that at all...you asked for reasons why people need to crate their dogs when their not home...i gave you my reasons why

[Lynne Fowler-Oodles of Doodles]

People dog proof their house just like they kid proof it. I put a gate across the stairs to the 2nd floor and they have the run on the ground level. I put up things I don't want chewed up. Crating a 2 year old dog is ridiculous in my book. By then they should be trained enough to know not to chew things like wires. Puppies I would gate in the kitchen or other room.

Accidents can't be prevented 100% of the time. If you live your life waiting for accidents to happen you'll go battier.

[HANNAH 8/2/07 & HONEY 7/2/08]

you can kid proof, dog proof all you want...Accidents happen..why they are called Accidents, My Hannah wouldn't chew a wire and I know that, as I said I could trust her 99.999% of the time...just as I would trust a dog wouldn't bite someone...but there is always that one slim chance...and if it makes me an Ass for crating my dogs...than so be it...but at least I know they are safe. Thats the bottom line with me...my dogs saftey....