Chuffy
Posted : 1/8/2007 12:03:22 PM
If you crate train the dog properly and sensitively, he should not get territorial about it.
However, in our house its a golden rule that kids NEVER disturb the dog while he is in the crate. They are also told NEVER to touch the dog while he is eating or sleeping. This means the dog has a little space and respect when he needs it most and removes the main opportunities for misunderstanding and conflict between child/dog.
My dog is wonderful with kids in general, but when my nephew leaned down to him while he was in his crate he turned away and had a little grumble. 1, he was tired and that's why he was there - he was trying to tell the kid, "not now dammit I'm trying to rest!" 2, he would ordinarily have simply moved away but in the crate this is not an option - he's cornered and the pesky child is blocking his only escape route. He no longer has a choice between Fight and Flight and this makes him uncomfortable - more so than had he not been in the crate.
The dog should never feel cornered when he is in his crate - it defeats its Number One purpose of being a safe haven. Plus, he should always know anytime hes had enough that he can go there and rest undisturbed. This way he won't get snappy with children when he is tired and wants them to leave him alone - he knows he can go somewhere where they can't touch him. Lastly, if a child never puts his hand in the crate, the child won't get bitten for doing it.