Feelin Guilty.....HELP!

[Timothy J. Couto]

I have a 13 month old GoldenDoodle. She's my princess! However, it has gotten to the point, where I have to crate her again. For the first six or seven months, I put her in her crate when I left for work, then I slowly allowed her to have run of the house. Since then, my carpet has become a chew toy and now that the Christmas Tree is up, the ornaments have become a new item of interest.

I hate doing it, but for her own safety and to take back my home, I have to begin crating her again.

Please tell me its okay to do?

[Alex]

Great info. guys. My 8 month is a little stubborn when it's time to go into his crate. I tried luring him inside with treats, pb filled kongs and it seems that the only thing that is working is if I physically lift him inside. He's getting a little to smart to fall for the treats anymore. Do you guys have any suggestions?

[Cocco's Mom]

It is ok. I felt guilty about crating Cocco when I had to go to work but they are like toddlers. It is for their own safety. Cocco just turned 3. Now when I come home she is in her crate by choice. I would like to take it out of my living room however she seems happy to open the door and put herself in the crate.

[cheryl & oliver]

Ollie is crated when I am going out, my other dog sees me get my keys and runs right to his crate....Renny is 12 1/2 yrs old and still knows that when Mom & Dad are out it is crate time. Ollie is pretty well trained to go into his crate when I tell him, but sometimes he runs the other way, lol,,,When he sees I mean business, he marches in and is fine...I have left them both not crated, for a short time, and all was well, but Oliver is only 8 mos. old and I don't trust him yet. He hasn't had an accident in forever, but......I do close off all areas like bedrooms and bathrooms, and make sure there is nothing on the counters to interest him, but I still think for their own safety the crate is the way to go....

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

I honestly don't know when I will stop crating. Peri is 8 months old and luckily, she likes her crate. She goes right on in and sleeps the whole time anyway. We just make sure she has a long walk during lunch if we are working all day. Don't feel bad about it!

[Rose]

Absolutely crate!

[Annie Starlight Dancer Hovis]

It is fine if you crate her. It is for her on saftey, we have kept Annie in a crate since she was 4 months old and if your crate is not to big not to small and has lots of toys and stuff 4 her 2 do she will be fine.

[Timothy J. Couto]

Thank you all for making me feel better!

[Kyoko]

Safety first! I say "crate" as well.

[Frannie & Callie]

No guilt! Giving your dog boundries (or reminding her of her boundries and expected behavior) is an example of GOOD parenting. You aren't punishing her. I went through something similar with my dog and let her earn back the right to have run of the house. She now seldom misbehaves while I'm gone (although she was naughty in plain sight, all day yesterday). Good luck with your adorable "princess"!

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Crate!