Actually, my puppies do fine in kennels/crates because the are used to them--thanks to the store where I bought them. They aren't in them often at my house, but due to traveling or the groomer's, I am glad that they are accustumed to them--not to mention it's less stress on the groomer if my dog is well-behaved while being housed there.
Many people preach the importance of crate training very young puppies, yet we denegrate the mom and pop stores for housing them in a similar environment. Yes, for different reasons usually...but I don't want to get into splitting hairs... My youngest puppy still spends nights in a small crate for his safety.
Because of my friends who own their own store, my puppies have been socialized to a variety of people and other puppies. I agree with the initial post that not all pet stores are bad. Many are, but not all. If someone wants to disagree with that, then that's their decision. But why not support the really good pet stores instead of condemning them all? That would have just as much of an effect on the puppy mills. Not to mention we should all be supportive of each other regardless of where we bought our dogs. Most of us here have the best of intentions and love our babies very much--let's be respectful of each other.
I, along with many here, will never patronize a store I feel is bad. I don't think martym112 would either. She made a valid point about constantly having to defend herself--and some of the responses on here are proving it.
Martym112, I'm right with you. I am all for getting your puppy from wherever you feel comfortable, and where you know it has been well taken care of.
