Dog crates/cages

buy a larger crate than you may think you need and it will fit under a kitchen worktop/ breakfast bar , you are wiser to reduce the size if you are getting a puppy by putting in a large cardboard box with the blank side nearest to the puppy, like a wall. This makes the dog feel secure. also a mattress type of base to fit the tray in the floor of the crate or even one a bit short, so if you wanted to leave a drink there you could, but you can buy clip on water bowls which means it doesn't get knocked over. At my previous house we had two large dog crates for our beagle and Irish red and white setter. It was a big kitchen and the crates were under a worktop protected from draughts by the wall behind with a unit to one side and a fridge freezer to the other. They also had blankets over the top of the crates if it seemed too cold at night and it was also a signal that it was bedtime. They felt secure in what we referred to as their baskets. If I had to go out I just said "biscuits and baskets" and they went straight into the kitchen and settled into their baskets with a biscuit. They were safe and could not theoretically cause or come to any harm. One slight problem eventually was that the beagle who was very clever, managed to get the door open on his basket and would then let the setter out of his by pulling on his base blanket to push up the lever on his door. Apart from the setter chewing up one of my shoes that I should have put in my bedroom, they didn't cause any other problems. When we moved to this house we created a little dog room off the kitchen with a gate across half way up the door way. It had open dowels so that they could see me work but couldn't get under my feet. They also had a radiator in there. We also adopted a cocker spaniel. The setter was quite large so we got a mattress maker who made beds for nursing homes (with a heavy waterproof covering) to custom-make a mattress to fit down one side of the dog room, so that the setter and the spaniel who adored each other could share that and we had an individual dog bed for the beagle who only snuggled on his own terms and preferred his own sleeping space. The mattress was easy to clean and they had blankets if they wanted to use them. there was also a radiator at one end of the mattress so they never had to be cold. We didn't use the crates at this house but the dog room served a similar purpose and they always went in there if I was cooking. We never left them for longer than four hours, at most. We have lived in the country at both houses and my husband took them out for an hour's run across the fields and by the river first thing in the morning. During the winter when it was still dark in the mornings they all had flashing light collars so that could be spotted running around the fields. They were very much loved and I suppose they had quite a pampered life. I would use crates again if I was starting out with puppies, as they get older it is not totally necessary and they will sleep if you go out. We are elderly now and while I would love one or two older dogs , my husband likes being the centre of my attention with no children or dogs here anymore and as I have dodgy knees, the walking would mainly be his job. But I do miss having dogs. I have lots of interests though which would have to be curtailed if we had dogs again. I wouldn't mind that but we would both have to be 100% in agreement. I know I could pursuade him to change his mind but it would not be fair really. We do have an annual treat of having my daughter's spaniel to stay while they go abroad on holiday and that is lovely.

My then very anxious immigrant mongrel loved the crate l prepared for her, it was in the corner of whatever room we were in and covered with a blanket. It seemed to be her safe space whilst she gained confidence,she particularly liked sleeping in it at night. She'd been used to hiding in small spaces so the crate was a similar option. I guess it took her two-three months to decide the sofa was a better option and she's preferred sofas ever since. I'd never used a crate with previous dogs (I've fostered many) but the charity recommended it for her and their advice was spot on. From the anxious scrap she was,cage is now a confident terrorist terrier. Loved to pieces like all the other dogs I've been fortunate enough to share my life with, all rescues.

escaped

Here

When I was a child I had a dog and cat that shared the dog kennel.

I just don't get this crate idea - to me it seems like cruelty to animals.

If a dog, or for that matter a cat, cannot be trusted not to wreck things while you are out, surely an outdoor dog run with a warm kennel would be better.

Or perhaps reconsider the animal's training, or whether you work to many hours daily to keep a pet?

Nanny27

If a crate is used as a sanctuary for the dog with the door always left open, then would someone please enlighten me as to the difference between that and a regular dog bed

Of course, it’s because a crate is enclosed, mine has a blanket over his, which mimics the sanctuary of a den. If you think of foxes, wolves etc. it’s a similar safe place for the dog. He has two other beds, one in the lounge, and one in the kitchen, but his crate is his favourite.

AuntieE If you had read all of the replies you would know that most people responding on the thread do not use crates to stop the dogs doing damage.

AuntieE

escaped

Here

When I was a child I had a dog and cat that shared the dog kennel.

I just don't get this crate idea - to me it seems like cruelty to animals.

If a dog, or for that matter a cat, cannot be trusted not to wreck things while you are out, surely an outdoor dog run with a warm kennel would be better.

Or perhaps reconsider the animal's training, or whether you work to many hours daily to keep a pet?

I wouldn't leave my dog out in the garden because I don't think that is a good option for the neighbours, let alone the dog. There are all sorts of noises outside which will make a dog anxious for their territory. My cats do have a run with housing outdoors but only if there is no work going on by builders around us as that makes them anxious.

I've home boarded and a number of my boarders come with a crate These dogs choose to go into their crates voluntarily and stay in them until they choose to come out (door unlatched)It's their safe space their relaxing place

Family member has a dog that is a real scrounger. When a puppy he was placed in a crate when family eating meals. He eventually learned that was his place at meal times, don't need to close the door, he just runs in when he sees the chairs coming out at the table.

ViceVersa

So is putting a toddler in a play pen cruel then?

A friend of mine, mother of four children under six at one time, used to sit in the playpen to do her mending while children played in the same room!

Regarding dog crates:
Our dogs liked having a safe refuge, so we had a crate for them. Children were never allowed to go into the crate no matter how much they pleaded; it was the dogs’ personal space.
We took it with us when on holiday so the dogs settled in to new surroundings without fuss.

We swear by crates too - use for holidays where they're not allowed on bed (we let them on the sofas at home). Decreases guilt & stress for dog & us. My 3 yr old dog sleeps in a crate. He goes in happily last thing, & in the morning he sits there looking at us in bed until we get up. It meant we never had a night of whimpering in the 3 years since an 11 week pup, They are as big as kennels & allow the dog to see out - why is a crate seen as any different to a kennel?
I think the issue is that people see dogs as furry human beings - but they're not & they seem to like crates. Forcing a dog in a crate would be difficult - anyone tried to get cats to go in a basket for a vet visit? - it's not like that, crates seem acceptable to a dog's nature.

I’ve always lived with dogs. Never crate trained till 5 dogs back and now would always crate train. It’s a safe sanctuary for the puppy. Never used as a punishment. It does help with toilet training and in preventing separation anxiety. My pups have all chosen to go into their cosy bed in the crate.
It’s invaluable if your dog has to stay at the vet,or needs rest after surgery or when suffering illness
My 16 year old rescue mongrel wasn’t crate trained but 3 foster dogs and my next 2 pups were. The old boy took to taking over the crate where he slept peacefully
Used properly they’re a boon, used cruelly or for ‘time out’ ie punishment, of course that’s wrong

AuntieE

escaped

Here

When I was a child I had a dog and cat that shared the dog kennel.

I just don't get this crate idea - to me it seems like cruelty to animals.

If a dog, or for that matter a cat, cannot be trusted not to wreck things while you are out, surely an outdoor dog run with a warm kennel would be better.

Or perhaps reconsider the animal's training, or whether you work to many hours daily to keep a pet?

When I still worked my last dog slept in the kitchen but had access to a run in the garden. It was only when she was stung by a wasp one day; had an allergic reaction and had to be rushed to the vets that I realised that it could have happened while I wasn’t with her. I don’t allow my current dog to go outside if I’m not at home.

I have never used a crate, but like most things used with common sense they are fine, obviously don't think a dog should be shut up in them for hours, that's just cruel. But most animals need their own safe place, my dogs always had their own beds.

It’s surely a given in the comments from posters who have crate trained, that locking a dog in for any length of time is cruel
I fostered a dog aged 9 months for 4 months. She was placed with the rescue group because of severe separation anxiety. She’d broken out of 3 crates and chewed furniture and skirting boards. I crate trained her easily, she slept happily in her crate. She never chewed or destroyed and slept overnight with none of the howling I’d expected. A sweet girl who’d been left long periods shut in 🐶

My little dog just loves her crate . I’ve put it under the kitchen table with a blanket over the top to make it like a den . I never shut the gate and it’s never used to scold her . It’s where she goes to tuck in last thing at night and sometimes use's it in daytime to sleep . She has the run of the house but she’s more than happy to rest in her den when she feels the need to . Just like us humans have our own space in our bedrooms to rest , sleep and chill out then our pet companions have their own “ bedroom “ for theirselves. Can’t fault them .

I dont think crates are a problem but closing a door on one is what bothers people.

I also didn't like playpens and never had one. Those are cages, too, but for humans.

fwiw The safest way to travel dogs according to vets etc is on the back seat in a crate. The issue with dog guards is in the event of an accident the dog will hit the dog guard, is in an area that is designed to crumple and can escape on to a busy road or motorway. However, I wouldn't dream of criticising anyone who uses a different method. Their dog, their choice!

It’s a bit off beam but I have to ask. People who didn’t use play pens, did you take the toddler into the toilet with you? Even if it was a poo?

The loo was so small he would have to sit between my knees😱

Lathyrus3

It’s a bit off beam but I have to ask. People who didn’t use play pens, did you take the toddler into the toilet with you? Even if it was a poo?

The loo was so small he would have to sit between my knees😱

We didn’t have a playpen.
My bladder was trained only to go at nap time.
As toddlers, they were in the cot when small, or they played in the bath (empty) if I was desperate.
Much the same with our dog, when a puppy.

I agree that the boot may not be an ideal space for the dog foxie48. But like you say, we all do our best in different situations. We travelled to France by ferry last month and the dog had to exit via the boot because you physically can't open the passenger doors wide onto the vehicle parked up next to you on the car deck, especially with a large dog jumping out at passengers! 😲
Our DD2 and family have now arrived here in Normandy, and because we have all the children with us on the back seats, there is no option but for the dogs to go in the boot, behind their grill, when we travel to beaches.

The downside is that the dog in the boot takes up valuable space coming home with all our wine, and foods! Plus a sunlounger I've just bought! Maybe leave the dog in France? 😆

Mollygo I didn’t have a playpen either and put them in the cot for safety too.

PS no luggage goes in the boot with dog, that would be dangerous.

Lathyrus3

It’s a bit off beam but I have to ask. People who didn’t use play pens, did you take the toddler into the toilet with you? Even if it was a poo?

The loo was so small he would have to sit between my knees😱

We did have a playpen, a large wooden one with a floor. DGC went in there for a while each morning while I vacuumed up dog hairs from our hairy dog.
Perhaps I should have put the dog in the playpen!

I have a friend who used to put her Christmas tree in the playpen so the small children and dog couldn't get to it.

Lathyrus3

It’s a bit off beam but I have to ask. People who didn’t use play pens, did you take the toddler into the toilet with you? Even if it was a poo?

The loo was so small he would have to sit between my knees😱

My DD took her daughter into the toilet when she was visiting us. My beautiful grandaughter crawled around but managed to put her leg on the hot pipe leading to the radiator valve. In her panic, she jerked the leg away and back on to it again. Mum was unable to move to her quickly enough. Cue social services. One burn is acceptable, two is not. How a playpen would have assisted.
Can anybody tell me the difference between a cot and a playpen? Just like crates, a playpen can be used sympathetically. If you put a dog or child in a restricted area for hours on end, it is damaging. Used properly, it is no worse than putting a child in a cot.

escaped
😂😂😂