Dog crates

[paolosgirl]

I was watching a programme yesterday about the RSPCA, who said that crates should only be used for short periods of time if, for example, the dog was becoming boisterous.

I was quite surprised, as I have a neighbour who is an experienced dog owner who now has a Weimaraner. I know they walk it for an hour in the morning around 5.30 before she goes to work, and then again when she comes home around 6pm and then again before bed. The dog is then in the crate from around 8pm-6pm, and although we can hear it howling, I thought (as a non-dog owner) that crates were probably a necessary evil. Should I be doing something about this or was the RSPCA programme being unfair?

I didnt see the programme but I cannot for the life of me understand why anyone would want/purchase a dog crate. Surely this must be the ultimate cruelty.

I can't understand why anyone would want to work f/t and have such a big dog cooped up in a crate - but they've had dogs for years, so I figured they probably knew more about that I do. The dog always seems manic when it's out for a walk - probably desperate to be outside.

I have a 48" dog crate, for my indoor rabbit

Dog crates are not for keeping dogs in except for travelling, or other very short periods of time. If you use them properly dogs love their crates. With a puppy you get it used to its crate and it goes there for some peace and quiet from family life, with the door open. We use ours when dog has had bath, fill crate with old towels, carry him down from bath and he leaps into crate, rolls in towels and stays there until farily dry. It is abuse to leave dog in crate for hours in the house. If they are used to crates and like them makes travel much easier.

I have 2 dogs and they have a huge crate each. The door is left open except when we are having dinner as one of them is the biggest theif going also if they have a dog chew so they don't argue. Also for other short periods of time. It is NOT FAIR to keep them shut in a crate

My dogs love their crates, its their sanctuary away from the noise and kids etc... In fact I have to drag one of them out to get her to go outside for a wee in the morning. She would happily stay asleep until lunchtime

Dh looks at me and says she's like her owner

you need to ring the RSPCA
This is cruelty. Hour upon hour upon hour of mental torture for that dog - ring them now.

poor dog

Some professionals agree on crating when out If the dog suffers seperation anxiety.

But they suggest lots of exercise and a small crate that the dog cant move around in. The idea being that in a crate or an area where they can move around, the excitment can build to a point where the dog is howling. In a small crate, and after a long walk they are forced to lay down in a relaxed state. And of course for only short periods of time.

Can you talk to your neighbour. She might not be aware of the dogs howling and subsequent distress.

Crate are great but are for short periods of time and/or night time. We dont use crates anymore as with 3 huge dogs we dont have the room but they were invaluable when they were puppies.

We have 3 dogs and 1 crate, which was used as a training aid when the youngest was a puppy.

They take it in turns to sleep in there and all love it! Crates are not cruel if used properly and that obviously means for only short periods of time, not all day long.

i concur with what everybody else is saying, my puppy was crate trained, and used it overnight until 4 months ago. I went back to work part time just after we had our pup, so on the days he was in the house on his own (i work 9.15-3.15pm twice weekly) i paid somebody to come in and walk him adn play with him and let him out of his crate every 2 hours (starting with first visit at 9.30am) during that period. He was happy with this. There is no way i would leave a do in a crate for 10 hours a day solid. that is just cruel. I would call the RSPCA just so they can check the dogs wellc=being etc.

piglet..... me too

The local cats sit around it when our german lop is in there!

When i had a pupy (Newfoundland), we bought the biggest crate we could find. When we brought our 8 week old puppy home, the plan was that he would spend some time in there. He had other ideas and other that about 5 mins, he was never in there.

I think that if you have a puppy, a crate may be a good idea but not for an adult, large dog. It isn't fair

agree with the others. crates can be useful and kind - I've met many good dog-owners that use them - but they're not for leaving a dog in all day. if the dog howls during the day I'd gently mention it to the owner - as she's not there she obviously doesn;t realise. (although she should be able to guess as most dogs really don;t like being left alone for long periods.). try to find a wording that implies you assume she'd like to know, for the dog's welfare etc and stick to stating facts - rather than suggesting reasons/solutions - and try not to make it sould like a complaint. she might take the hint - maybe get a dog walker to come and take it out during the day.

its cruel to leave in crate all day - think nspca need to be told about this

magnolia74 - our dogs the same, its his place to go and escape children/wants to sleep etc - it is in our kitchen - one of the main used rooms and i have to drag him out for a wee sometimes as well