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Originally Posted by viviansnickers  Hi Everyone..
I am having some issues with crating. I feel so guilty leaving my 6 month Snickers in there even for a short time. He is in there now for 3 hours, then my husband comes home and he is out for an hour, and then again in for 3 hours until I get home (I RACE HOME!) I know, dogs tend to learn to love their crate, but it just breaks my heart to think of him in there all alone with little room to move. I think caging any living thing is mean. I know it is for his own safety etc, but thats just how I feel. I guess I am on here asking for advice. I am thinking of leaving him in my laundry room from now on with a pee pad (in case he needs to go, he is trained to go outside) his bed, and his toys when we are gone. Is this a good idea? Will he regress from his outside potty training?? I want to slowly start here so eventually he can be alone in the house, is it too early?? I want to start with a small room and eventually give him access to another part of the house gradually when I see no accidents. Please let me know your input...
Thanks a million-
Vivian |
Awe, you sound like a wonderful mother, and I don't like too much time in crates either. You don't say how old he is, but since your leaving him out every 3 hours, and he doing well with potty training, I'd say your doing a great job! Some people will place the crate in a laundry room or kitchen at this point, and allow him access to the room, but also the choice of the crate, many dogs love the safety of the crate, and since he's already use to it, I wouldn't take this away. Others use an x-pen and place the crate in that, an x-pen is like a little fenced-off area. Pee pads don't have to be used, unless he's is still young, and the hours will be long. I love pee pads, because they really give you a choice, and there may be some setbacks, but you could still take him outside when you get home, and praise him for doing his business. I think duel training gives you the best of both worlds.