I was wrong about keeping dogs outside; UPDATE - we got a Moose. (1 Viewer)

[B-Deep]

http://www.iams.com/dog-breed-selector

 

[B-Deep]

http://www.iams.com/dog-breed-selector

this one suggested beagle for me

the other one suggested some sort of schnauzer

 

[Fennis]

Petfinder: 28,862 Dogs near 65615 (all are "labs")

https://www.petfinder.com/pet-search?location=65615&animal=Dog&primary_breed=Labrador+Retriever&distance=&pet_name=

 

[hagmania]

I really want a Corgi or a Shiba Inu. Reading indicates Shibas are very strong-willed, but damn they make the best memes.

And yes, I'll be keeping these inside.

 

[Jayrod]

http://www.animalplanet.com/breed-selector/dog-breeds.html

I've just done about 5 of these already.

Labs are consistently high on the lists. Literally the only issue with them is the shedding. Everything else lines up well with our family.

Viszlas seem to be like 85% compatible. Not sure what the issue is there, but something in my answers keeps moving them down the list.

And I found this website which I think gives a brilliant layout for the pros and cons of every breed.

 

[B-Deep]

neither suggested goat

 

[Jayrod]

Petfinder: 28,862 Dogs near 65615 (all are "labs")

https://www.petfinder.com/pet-search?location=65615&animal=Dog&primary_breed=Labrador+Retriever&distance=&pet_name=

Don't live in Branson, but thanks for the link! I'll be using this when the time comes.

 

[gianmarco]

Viszla

Viszla reading

 

[B-Deep]

bloodhounds rule, get one of those


i am sure your wife will not mind the drool...

i wanted a bloodhound named Cletus...i got over ruled

 

[Hilts]

I'll be another advocate for crate training.

Go with a mixed breed over a purebred. I'll personally advocate for a boxer mutt. Considered the clowns of the canine world. Very smart, friendly, and playful.

 

[B-Deep]

I'll be another advocate for crate training.

Go with a mixed breed over a purebred. I'll personally advocate for a boxer mutt. Considered the clowns of the canine world. Very smart, friendly, and playful.

Boxers are very cool

they look tough but in my experience are anything but

 

[Fennis]

http://www.iams.com/dog-breed-selector

this one suggested beagle for me

the other one suggested some sort of schnauzer

I got a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (75%)

The dog we actually have is an awesome, Tibetan Terrier was tied for 8th (62%)

 

[B-Deep]

I'd love an old english mastiff

 

[Hilts]

And I found this website which I think gives a brilliant layout for the pros and cons of every breed.

Good site. Also could use http://dogtime.com/

 

[CGRdrJoe]

Never crate trained once with our lab, he had one accident as a puppy that was 100% my fault. The key was that for the first month I would wake up every 2 hours and put him on the grass to do his business followed immediately by a treat. Now at 4 the only problem I ever have with him is that he hogs the #### out of the bed, just be prepared to brush 3x a week as labs shed like crazy.

 

[gianmarco]

I'll be another advocate for crate training.

Go with a mixed breed over a purebred. I'll personally advocate for a boxer mutt. Considered the clowns of the canine world. Very smart, friendly, and playful.

Boxers are very cool

they look tough but in my experience are anything but

I currently have a boxer and had one before him. They are amazing dogs. I didn't suggest a boxer because they do shed and can be unruly if not trained properly. As he's more of a novice dog owner, I would suggest it later on.

But boxers are truly clowns and have the most amazing expressions. There's a reason when I had to put my first boxer down that I had another one (from the Humane Society) within 2 weeks.

 

[Grace Under Pressure]

I don't have a chance to click the links above about the Vizsla, but the reason they may keep slipping down the list (depending on your answers of course) is that they are extremely high energy dogs, especially when puppies. We took our Vizsla to the dog park every night for 2 hours, long hikes, dog day care 5 days a week, crate trained him, and he's still a handful at 8 years old. They are fantastic with kids, and in an outside setting everyone loves him, asks questions about him, etc. They barely shed. But be ready to have your hands full constantly. The Vizsla are sometimes known as velcro dogs, they want to be with their owners constantly. Mine is less like that, but still definitely has those traits just not as pronounced.

 

[tonydead]

We're still debating the purebreed vs pound lab-mix.

I had a purebred yellow lab I got as a puppy and he was a great companion for his 14 year life. He passed away in 2008. I've also had a few lab mix pups who were also great companions for our family.

My advice is to get a lab mix. In my experience the purebred lab is very hyper. And I mean extremely hyper. We kept waiting for him to get a bit older so he would settle down some. He honestly never did. While they are very lovable, they get extremely excited. I have stories...

All of the lab mixes I've had were very lovable but none of them were as hyper as the purebred. Just my opinion, but I would only get an AKC registered purebred dog if I planned to breed him later and/or raise him as a show dog. But for a family pet, the mutt mix is a no brainer IMO.

Either way, pet pups are awesome.

You don't say.........maybe you should make a movie.

 

[Hilts]

I'll be another advocate for crate training.

Go with a mixed breed over a purebred. I'll personally advocate for a boxer mutt. Considered the clowns of the canine world. Very smart, friendly, and playful.

Boxers are very cool

they look tough but in my experience are anything but

I currently have a boxer and had one before him. They are amazing dogs. I didn't suggest a boxer because they do shed and can be unruly if not trained properly. As he's more of a novice dog owner, I would suggest it later on.

But boxers are truly clowns and have the most amazing expressions. There's a reason when I had to put my first boxer down that I had another one (from the Humane Society) within 2 weeks.

I'll be another advocate for crate training.

Go with a mixed breed over a purebred. I'll personally advocate for a boxer mutt. Considered the clowns of the canine world. Very smart, friendly, and playful.

Boxers are very cool

they look tough but in my experience are anything but

I currently have a boxer and had one before him. They are amazing dogs. I didn't suggest a boxer because they do shed and can be unruly if not trained properly. As he's more of a novice dog owner, I would suggest it later on.

But boxers are truly clowns and have the most amazing expressions. There's a reason when I had to put my first boxer down that I had another one (from the Humane Society) within 2 weeks.

Good point. All dogs require training, but boxers can be more challenging than many other breeds (at least initially). Plus they require a fair amount of regular exercise. But when you get them well trained (easy to do as long as you're dedicated to it), they're really fantastic.

 

[tonydead]

Never crate trained once with our lab, he had one accident as a puppy that was 100% my fault. The key was that for the first month I would wake up every 2 hours and put him on the grass to do his business followed immediately by a treat. Now at 4 the only problem I ever have with him is that he hogs the #### out of the bed, just be prepared to brush 3x a week as labs shed like crazy.

Strong vote for crate training here. And most accidents are usually the owner's fault.

 

[Porkchop Express]

Based on your previous comments about pets, you should not get a dog. You just arent the pet type person.

 

[boots11234]

Get a miniature dachshund. Best family pet. Easy to care for. Short legs = short walks. The short haired ones do not shed much. Small poops. Love burrowing under blankets to get next to you.

 

[Amused to Death]

Never crate trained once with our lab, he had one accident as a puppy that was 100% my fault. The key was that for the first month I would wake up every 2 hours and put him on the grass to do his business followed immediately by a treat. Now at 4 the only problem I ever have with him is that he hogs the #### out of the bed, just be prepared to brush 3x a week as labs shed like crazy.

Strong vote for crate training here. And most accidents are usually the owner's fault.

We haven't had to crate train for about 15 years now. When we were young and foolish, we bought a dalmatian puppy from a back yard breeder (stress the foolish part). Since then all of our dogs have been rescues that have been house broken with no need to crate. Three of our current 4 sleep in our room and the 4th prefers the cool tile of the bathroom.

Most rescue dogs are not bad dogs, they just had the misfortune of having bad owners. For a family pet, I don't understand going out and buying a puppy. Get a rescue that's already house trained.

 

[Keith R]

http://www.iams.com/dog-breed-selector

this one suggested beagle for me

the other one suggested some sort of schnauzer

I got beagle too, which was my first dog growing up.

Runner-up was Pembroke Welsh Corgi which I am unfamiliar with.

 

[gianmarco]

Never crate trained once with our lab, he had one accident as a puppy that was 100% my fault. The key was that for the first month I would wake up every 2 hours and put him on the grass to do his business followed immediately by a treat. Now at 4 the only problem I ever have with him is that he hogs the #### out of the bed, just be prepared to brush 3x a week as labs shed like crazy.

Strong vote for crate training here. And most accidents are usually the owner's fault.

We haven't had to crate train for about 15 years now. When we were young and foolish, we bought a dalmatian puppy from a back yard breeder (stress the foolish part). Since then all of our dogs have been rescues that have been house broken with no need to crate. Three of our current 4 sleep in our room and the 4th prefers the cool tile of the bathroom.Most rescue dogs are not bad dogs, they just had the misfortune of having bad owners. For a family pet, I don't understand going out and buying a puppy. Get a rescue that's already house trained.

A common misconception.

Crate training != potty training.

Potty training is only a fraction of the benefits of crate training.

 

[McGarnicle]

Viszla

Viszla reading

Our dog was rescued so I have no idea what she is, but she looks and acts identical to the vizslas in that first video except more of a terrier face and ears, and she's only 40lbs. Very clean, loves to play, and constantly wants to curl up on our laps when she's inside. Basically the best dog who has ever lived.

 

[NCCommish]

Never crate trained once with our lab, he had one accident as a puppy that was 100% my fault. The key was that for the first month I would wake up every 2 hours and put him on the grass to do his business followed immediately by a treat. Now at 4 the only problem I ever have with him is that he hogs the #### out of the bed, just be prepared to brush 3x a week as labs shed like crazy.

Strong vote for crate training here. And most accidents are usually the owner's fault.

We haven't had to crate train for about 15 years now. When we were young and foolish, we bought a dalmatian puppy from a back yard breeder (stress the foolish part). Since then all of our dogs have been rescues that have been house broken with no need to crate. Three of our current 4 sleep in our room and the 4th prefers the cool tile of the bathroom.

Most rescue dogs are not bad dogs, they just had the misfortune of having bad owners. For a family pet, I don't understand going out and buying a puppy. Get a rescue that's already house trained.

We never crated any dog. It just isn't necessary IMO. Never had a dog it took more than a few days to housebreak. Just takes some old fashioned patience and work.

 

[Rick James]

do not get two puppies at the same time. It will be a nightmare and your house will smell like pee and poop.

 

[Jayrod]

do not get two puppies at the same time. It will be a nightmare and your house will smell like pee and poop.

The idea was they would both be outside. Even if we do end up with two now, we definitely won't be getting two pups at once.

 

[Amused to Death]

Never crate trained once with our lab, he had one accident as a puppy that was 100% my fault. The key was that for the first month I would wake up every 2 hours and put him on the grass to do his business followed immediately by a treat. Now at 4 the only problem I ever have with him is that he hogs the #### out of the bed, just be prepared to brush 3x a week as labs shed like crazy.

Strong vote for crate training here. And most accidents are usually the owner's fault.

We haven't had to crate train for about 15 years now. When we were young and foolish, we bought a dalmatian puppy from a back yard breeder (stress the foolish part). Since then all of our dogs have been rescues that have been house broken with no need to crate. Three of our current 4 sleep in our room and the 4th prefers the cool tile of the bathroom.

Most rescue dogs are not bad dogs, they just had the misfortune of having bad owners. For a family pet, I don't understand going out and buying a puppy. Get a rescue that's already house trained.

We never crated any dog. It just isn't necessary IMO. Never had a dog it took more than a few days to housebreak. Just takes some old fashioned patience and work.

Sure there are other ways. But crating is one, and its not cruel. And as gianmarco pointed out, potty training is only 1 benefit. But people who say they'd never crate a dog because its mean are just wrong. It can be mean if used improperly. But that applies to a lot of things.

 

[Rick James]

the whole point of crate training is for the dog to have a den where he can retreat when he's stressed out and just wants to relax. It's his private man cave to so to speak. There's nothing cruel about it. The potty training is a side benefit, because the dog doesn't want to pee/poop in his favorite spot.

 

[Hawks64]

Since it was completely lost in the shuffle of my two dog threads, I thought I'd just throw this out there.

I was wrong about leaving dogs outside all of the time. It is not a good idea and I won't be doing it. I want our dog (or dogs) to be happy, healthy and to take great care of them. Also debating the 2 dogs thing and may just get one because the main reason for getting two was so that one dog wouldn't get lonely by itself outside. Now that we're not going to do that anymore taking on two dogs may be a bit much.

I think we are sticking with getting a lab-type dog. We're still debating the purebreed vs pound lab-mix.

Spoke with my wife last night and she is OK with allowing the dog in the house, especially after I explained the reasons why.

Honestly, we are all very excited about bringing a dog into our home and I'm glad I didn't just go ahead with my original idea.

I'll let those other two threads die because I was getting way too worked up with a couple of people in there. I'm sure some will make their way in here and try to get me riled up again, but I'm over it at this point.

Good for you Seriously look into a lab rescue. More often than not they are purebred with papers and are dogs in need of a good home. We have two lab mix rescues (black lab and hound, chocolate lab and German pointer) and they are awesome dogs. We got them both aroudn 3mths old.

 

[Keith R]

do not get two puppies at the same time. It will be a nightmare and your house will smell like pee and poop.

The idea was they would both be outside. Even if we do end up with two now, we definitely won't be getting two pups at once.

Smart play. It's best to get just one now. If you want a second, wait until the first is full grown and settled, and I strongly recommend getting a puppy of the opposite gender of the 1st dog.

 

[tonydead]

the whole point of crate training is for the dog to have a den where he can retreat when he's stressed out and just wants to relax. It's his private man cave to so to speak. There's nothing cruel about it. The potty training is a side benefit, because the dog doesn't want to pee/poop in his favorite spot.

And it trains them where and when to sleep.

 

[Jayrod]

do not get two puppies at the same time. It will be a nightmare and your house will smell like pee and poop.

The idea was they would both be outside. Even if we do end up with two now, we definitely won't be getting two pups at once.

Smart play. It's best to get just one now. If you want a second, wait until the first is full grown and settled, and I strongly recommend getting a puppy of the opposite gender of the 1st dog.

I think I've read arguments both ways on this. That was our original intent (male lab, female golden retriever), but something I read gave me pause on that. I can't remember where I saw it though.

 

[Amused to Death]

do not get two puppies at the same time. It will be a nightmare and your house will smell like pee and poop.

The idea was they would both be outside. Even if we do end up with two now, we definitely won't be getting two pups at once.

Smart play. It's best to get just one now. If you want a second, wait until the first is full grown and settled, and I strongly recommend getting a puppy of the opposite gender of the 1st dog.

I think I've read arguments both ways on this. That was our original intent (male lab, female golden retriever), but something I read gave me pause on that. I can't remember where I saw it though.

If the time comes where you're ready for a 2nd, any respectable breeder/rescue group will allow you to bring a prospective dog home for a trial. If the dogs don't get along, they'll take it back and try another one. They will have a process for you to follow. Like I keep stressing, you can't just walk into a pet shop or browse craigslist and pick out a dog. It may take months to find the right companion.

We have 3 males and 1 female. The reason is the female will NOT allow another female in the house. She's attached to 1 of our others and only moderately tolerates the other 2 males. The 3 males however are great buddies with no issues whatsoever. Its actually very amusing to watch the interaction between the 4. Each dog, all shelties, have a unique personality.

 

[Rooster]

Random unsolicited advice:

I've had great luck with SPCA/pound/rescues, but I'm pretty picky on temperament. When I go there I'm looking for a dog that doesn't get caught up in the barking either aggressively or when the other dogs get worked up and that's friendly (comes to the front of the cage if they're not already there when you come by, makes eye contact).

Puppies are a LOT of work, you've got to keep a constant eye on them and it's draining sometimes. We've adopted a very old dog (~8 years), 2 very young puppies and our last one was 10-11 months. For me, that 6-12 month range seems to be a good sweet spot where you're out of the very young stage that requires constant attention and still get a lot of the benefits of a younger dog. For your first time having an inside the house dog, getting one that is old enough to physically hold their poop/pee overnight (You'll probably have to wake up and take a 2 month old puppy out several times) is a big plus. Both the 8 year old and the 10-11 month old had 1 accident in the house before we figured things out.

 

[sdp1226]

Way to be oopen minded about this. Keep learning.

 

[gianmarco]

Never crate trained once with our lab, he had one accident as a puppy that was 100% my fault. The key was that for the first month I would wake up every 2 hours and put him on the grass to do his business followed immediately by a treat. Now at 4 the only problem I ever have with him is that he hogs the #### out of the bed, just be prepared to brush 3x a week as labs shed like crazy.

Strong vote for crate training here. And most accidents are usually the owner's fault.

We haven't had to crate train for about 15 years now. When we were young and foolish, we bought a dalmatian puppy from a back yard breeder (stress the foolish part). Since then all of our dogs have been rescues that have been house broken with no need to crate. Three of our current 4 sleep in our room and the 4th prefers the cool tile of the bathroom.

Most rescue dogs are not bad dogs, they just had the misfortune of having bad owners. For a family pet, I don't understand going out and buying a puppy. Get a rescue that's already house trained.

We never crated any dog. It just isn't necessary IMO. Never had a dog it took more than a few days to housebreak. Just takes some old fashioned patience and work.

As pointed out above, I don't think you realize that crate training is not the same as potty training. There is much more to it than that and offers far more benefits. It certainly isn't necessary, but it is most definitely beneficial and should be done even for dogs that are housebroken.

 

[NCCommish]

Never crate trained once with our lab, he had one accident as a puppy that was 100% my fault. The key was that for the first month I would wake up every 2 hours and put him on the grass to do his business followed immediately by a treat. Now at 4 the only problem I ever have with him is that he hogs the #### out of the bed, just be prepared to brush 3x a week as labs shed like crazy.

Strong vote for crate training here. And most accidents are usually the owner's fault.

We haven't had to crate train for about 15 years now. When we were young and foolish, we bought a dalmatian puppy from a back yard breeder (stress the foolish part). Since then all of our dogs have been rescues that have been house broken with no need to crate. Three of our current 4 sleep in our room and the 4th prefers the cool tile of the bathroom.

Most rescue dogs are not bad dogs, they just had the misfortune of having bad owners. For a family pet, I don't understand going out and buying a puppy. Get a rescue that's already house trained.

We never crated any dog. It just isn't necessary IMO. Never had a dog it took more than a few days to housebreak. Just takes some old fashioned patience and work.

Sure there are other ways. But crating is one, and its not cruel. And as gianmarco pointed out, potty training is only 1 benefit. But people who say they'd never crate a dog because its mean are just wrong. It can be mean if used improperly. But that applies to a lot of things.

I didn't say it was cruel. I have never found it necessary. I never had trouble with dogs going to sleep when we did. I never had trouble with dogs tearing up stuff. All these problems crates are supposed to fix or mitigate really seem like the crate is used because it's easier for the people. Whatever works for you is fine. Just not my thing.

 

[NCCommish]

Never crate trained once with our lab, he had one accident as a puppy that was 100% my fault. The key was that for the first month I would wake up every 2 hours and put him on the grass to do his business followed immediately by a treat. Now at 4 the only problem I ever have with him is that he hogs the #### out of the bed, just be prepared to brush 3x a week as labs shed like crazy.

Strong vote for crate training here. And most accidents are usually the owner's fault.

We haven't had to crate train for about 15 years now. When we were young and foolish, we bought a dalmatian puppy from a back yard breeder (stress the foolish part). Since then all of our dogs have been rescues that have been house broken with no need to crate. Three of our current 4 sleep in our room and the 4th prefers the cool tile of the bathroom.

Most rescue dogs are not bad dogs, they just had the misfortune of having bad owners. For a family pet, I don't understand going out and buying a puppy. Get a rescue that's already house trained.

We never crated any dog. It just isn't necessary IMO. Never had a dog it took more than a few days to housebreak. Just takes some old fashioned patience and work.

As pointed out above, I don't think you realize that crate training is not the same as potty training. There is much more to it than that and offers far more benefits. It certainly isn't necessary, but it is most definitely beneficial and should be done even for dogs that are housebroken.

I understand what crate training is for. I was responding to the potty training as that was brought up. I don't think they are necessary. I think the alleged benefits to the dog are overstated. I think it is mostly about making life easier on the people not the dog. Which is everyone's call to make. Just not for me.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

I understand what crate training is for. I was responding to the potty training as that was brought up. I don't think they are necessary. I think the alleged benefits to the dog are overstated. I think it is mostly about making life easier on the people not the dog. Which is everyone's call to make. Just not for me.

Having a dog crate trained does make it easier for the dog. If your dog has to go to the vet, where is it going to be kept? If you have to board your dog for a few days, where is it going to be kept? If it gets injured and has to remain calm and relatively motionless for an extended period where is it going to be kept? All of those are stressful situations for the dog. Not having the dog crate trained would greatly increase the stress in those situations.

Crate training is a must.

 

[pollardsvision]

My neighbors keep their dog outside. We have two dogs that can come and go via a doggy door. A few months back, my neighbor gets robbed. According to my neighbor across the street, the robbers pulled into our driveway first, saw the dogs barking in the bay window and moved on to the neighbors house. We don't even lock our front door. Karma is a #####.

Nice of the one neighbor to pop some popcorn and watch the whole street get robbed.

Did he get a chance call the cops?

 

[gianmarco]

I understand what crate training is for. I was responding to the potty training as that was brought up. I don't think they are necessary. I think the alleged benefits to the dog are overstated. I think it is mostly about making life easier on the people not the dog. Which is everyone's call to make. Just not for me.

Having a dog crate trained does make it easier for the dog. If your dog has to go to the vet, where is it going to be kept? If you have to board your dog for a few days, where is it going to be kept? If it gets injured and has to remain calm and relatively motionless for an extended period where is it going to be kept? All of those are stressful situations for the dog. Not having the dog crate trained would greatly increase the stress in those situations.

Crate training is a must.

Most importantly, dogs are den animals. When done properly, they actually WANT to go into their crate. It is not about making life easier on the people than the dog.

Also, for the above, not all visitors like dogs. There are people that come to my home that are actually scared of dogs. Since he's crate trained, it's no issue having him relax in his crate while they are over. A dog that isn't crate trained in that situation gets locked into a room and is likely barking, whimpering, scratching, etc. wondering why they are being banished. My dog loves his crate and considers it his own little home.

 

[comfortably numb]

I understand what crate training is for. I was responding to the potty training as that was brought up. I don't think they are necessary. I think the alleged benefits to the dog are overstated. I think it is mostly about making life easier on the people not the dog. Which is everyone's call to make. Just not for me.

Having a dog crate trained does make it easier for the dog. If your dog has to go to the vet, where is it going to be kept? If you have to board your dog for a few days, where is it going to be kept? If it gets injured and has to remain calm and relatively motionless for an extended period where is it going to be kept? All of those are stressful situations for the dog. Not having the dog crate trained would greatly increase the stress in those situations.

Crate training is a must.

Most importantly, dogs are den animals. When done properly, they actually WANT to go into their crate. It is not about making life easier on the people than the dog.

Also, for the above, not all visitors like dogs. There are people that come to my home that are actually scared of dogs. Since he's crate trained, it's no issue having him relax in his crate while they are over. A dog that isn't crate trained in that situation gets locked into a room and is likely barking, whimpering, scratching, etc. wondering why they are being banished. My dog loves his crate and considers it his own little home.

Any advice on where I can buy a crate for my wife?

 

[NCCommish]

I understand what crate training is for. I was responding to the potty training as that was brought up. I don't think they are necessary. I think the alleged benefits to the dog are overstated. I think it is mostly about making life easier on the people not the dog. Which is everyone's call to make. Just not for me.

Having a dog crate trained does make it easier for the dog. If your dog has to go to the vet, where is it going to be kept? If you have to board your dog for a few days, where is it going to be kept? If it gets injured and has to remain calm and relatively motionless for an extended period where is it going to be kept? All of those are stressful situations for the dog. Not having the dog crate trained would greatly increase the stress in those situations.

Crate training is a must.

Owned dogs most of my life. No crate needed. It is not a must. Not even close to a must. Never had a problem with a dog riding in car. If they are sick you put down the old ratty blanket and roll on. I have never boarded an animal. Talk about stress. If I am going to be gone that long someone comes and watches them. And lastly I can't remember the last time I had to take a house kept animal to the vet for injury.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

I understand what crate training is for. I was responding to the potty training as that was brought up. I don't think they are necessary. I think the alleged benefits to the dog are overstated. I think it is mostly about making life easier on the people not the dog. Which is everyone's call to make. Just not for me.

Having a dog crate trained does make it easier for the dog. If your dog has to go to the vet, where is it going to be kept? If you have to board your dog for a few days, where is it going to be kept? If it gets injured and has to remain calm and relatively motionless for an extended period where is it going to be kept? All of those are stressful situations for the dog. Not having the dog crate trained would greatly increase the stress in those situations.

Crate training is a must.

Most importantly, dogs are den animals. When done properly, they actually WANT to go into their crate. It is not about making life easier on the people than the dog.

Also, for the above, not all visitors like dogs. There are people that come to my home that are actually scared of dogs. Since he's crate trained, it's no issue having him relax in his crate while they are over. A dog that isn't crate trained in that situation gets locked into a room and is likely barking, whimpering, scratching, etc. wondering why they are being banished. My dog loves his crate and considers it his own little home.

Our dog sleeps in her crate every night by choice; she stays on our bed for about an hour then goes to her crate. I can't remember the last time I've actually closed the door on it. If she gets too excited when people come over, I can send her there for 5 minutes to calm down.

 

[NCCommish]

By the way not planning on arguing crate for the next several pages. You're good with it? Then rock on. I don't see much value in them and for me old fashioned methods work just fine.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

I understand what crate training is for. I was responding to the potty training as that was brought up. I don't think they are necessary. I think the alleged benefits to the dog are overstated. I think it is mostly about making life easier on the people not the dog. Which is everyone's call to make. Just not for me.

Having a dog crate trained does make it easier for the dog. If your dog has to go to the vet, where is it going to be kept? If you have to board your dog for a few days, where is it going to be kept? If it gets injured and has to remain calm and relatively motionless for an extended period where is it going to be kept? All of those are stressful situations for the dog. Not having the dog crate trained would greatly increase the stress in those situations.

Crate training is a must.

Owned dogs most of my life. No crate needed. It is not a must. Not even close to a must. Never had a problem with a dog riding in car. If they are sick you put down the old ratty blanket and roll on. I have never boarded an animal. Talk about stress. If I am going to be gone that long someone comes and watches them. And lastly I can't remember the last time I had to take a house kept animal to the vet for injury.

Every vet and trainer would disagree.

 

[fatguyinalittlecoat]

The FFA needs more threads where people admit they were wrong about stuff. I will make sure to start one if it ever happens to me.