Crate or Roam?

[SWHouston]

Originally Posted by kwaymon

I just feel safe when I'm gone knowing that Tucker is in his crate

To each his own, but...
My guys have a job. And that's making sure that I'm aware of any intrusion onto the property. I count heavily on their alertness, hearing, eyes, noses and voices, to keep me "safer". I never scold them for barking, they know that as long as there is something out there, they bark like crazy, until I gently shush them, and still give um a little pet for their effort, even if they barked at the wrong thing.
It's high praise when they're right.

I sleep a LOT better, knowing my two little buddies have my back.

My two are completely Potty Trained, but IF there was an occasional accident (potty) I not entirely sure that I wouldn't just let it slide, and attempt to make that minor correction, without interfering with their routine.

[georgepie]

Originally Posted by LILBIT1

We very rarely leave Waffles home alone. But when I go grocery shopping she is home alone. I put her in her crate and she takes a nap.

My question is do you crate or let your dogs roam? Id like to let her roam but Im scared to see what she will get into.

How do you train them to roam and behave? She doesnt do anything wrong all day but shes with me. I would think if left home alone she may get bored and get into something.

Also I really do like her in her crate at bed time next to my bed so I know where she id and that she is safe.

Fill me in on what you do with your dogs.. Crate or roam? And how do you train them to roam responsibly?

Thank you in advance for any advice..

George just roams around.. I never got a crate or anything the only problem I had with chewing was the corners of the walls when he was bored but I got bitter apple spray which stopped that and have had no other problems with anything. I got him A LOT of squeak toys and chew toys of different textures to keep him busy. He has a bed, blanket, pillows to curl up on and I put on some relaxing music or the television when I go out so he can hear stuff.

A good walk or play time before leaving is always good.. usually just sleeps after.

Then again - I am only in a 2 bedroom apartment - not a large house. He has access to the entire place.

[concretegurl]

Mine get crated....but realize their crate area is like 14sf.

For several reasons, safety, people come and go from our yard and house and I want to ensure mine don't get let outside or loose, Princess eats random stuff, Scoobers has separation anxiety, Elvis has epilepsy all are safer in a secure danger proof area.

They do best all together now, I tried putting them in a room but this stressed them more than just being in the den area.

Also we have earthquakes here their crate which is 3 crates attached is safest.

They're rarely ever left more than 4 hours so usually they just nap anyways.

[georgepie]

Originally Posted by SWHouston

To each his own, but...
My guys have a job. And that's making sure that I'm aware of any intrusion onto the property. I count heavily on their alertness, hearing, eyes, noses and voices, to keep me "safer". I never scold them for barking, they know that as long as there is something out there, they bark like crazy, until I gently shush them, and still give um a little pet for their effort, even if they barked at the wrong thing.
It's high praise when they're right.

I sleep a LOT better, knowing my two little buddies have my back.

My two are completely Potty Trained, but IF there was an occasional accident (potty) I not entirely sure that I wouldn't just let it slide, and attempt to make that minor correction, without interfering with their routine.

Same - my guy goes crazy if someone steps a foot outside my apartment door.

[concretegurl]

At home alone training is really based on making your home safe, giving them toys abd starting with a small area and expanding. I always started in the most safe room whereever that may be and then allow for another room or if you have large open areas try sectioning it off abd opening it up.

Also do you kennel at bed time? I do so kenneling during the day for mine
is just nap time.

Major inhibitors (these are what I have dealt with personally)
Ie if your dog chews for example cords when you are home you should not leave them unattended with acess. Or any other random plastic, wood, ...
Princess also has bladder leakage since her spay only while she sleeps which is in her crate.

If your dog panics when you leave and will climbs and jump off furnite counters to claw at eindows or chew at doors, they should be in a panic safe area.

If your dog has seizures that can start with your dog going into a dead bolt run or falling helplessly between furniture unable to establish motor control a padded crate area is more likely safer.

[jeane]

when we leave, we put morgan in his puppy playpen with some toys and water and he has a bed in there but we dont leave him very often

[SWHouston]

Originally Posted by georgepie

Same - my guy goes crazy if someone steps a foot outside my apartment door.

Good for georgepie !