How long do you crate?

My SA dog can be left home without freaking out, actually. If he's in his crate. He freaks out because the house is a large, open space and without us around he does not feel secure in it. Yes, he has mental problems. I can't help that, he came that way. But in his crate, which he is only in (with door shut) if no one at all is home, I come home to a calm, relaxed, happy dog. Left out of his crate I come home to a dog who's been panicking all day. For us it's so much more than just a "management" strategy to keep him from destroying our house. It is a security blanket for a very insecure dog. He needs it. Not us. He's in it right now, actually. Door open. He likes to rest in there when I'm down here in the den. He chooses to, I just leave the door open for him. And when we're about to leave the house, he enthusiastically runs to his crate and waits for me to come and shut the door. Yes, he usually gets some kind of a treat in there when we leave, but honestly don't you think if it was such horrible torture he'd refuse to go in even for a treat? I've never had to force him in there or punish him for not going in, I've always made it be quite voluntary, with a little incentive thrown in sometimes.

So, PTS instead of this life? Conrad is not a perfect dog, but if you think he should be PTS then you'd better be prepared to put every dog with a manageable behavior problem to sleep.

Edie

 My female who is 7 years old spent the first 2 years of her life in a backyard shed being used as a breeding machine. Obviously no socialisation etc etc. I've had her for 5 years and she's been good as gold from day one. There were a few nerve issues at first, but i treated her like i do all my other dogs. She's fine with other people and dogs and can be let off lead with no problems. Other than her i've had all my other dogs from pups.

 

Then you were right in your other post, yes, you HAVE been very lucky not to have a dog that suffers from SA.  I've been lucky as well.  I haven't had to deal with it, or any destructive behaviors, so I can't really imagine what that is like or make assumptions about what I would do. 

I use an xpen rather than a crate.  She sleeps in it at night and she's in it 7-9 hours during the weekdays (just depends on our exact schedules).  She's usually out with us during the evenings/weekends although we will put her in her pen for brief times (like during dinner).  We'd like to try leaving her out during the day but not until we can get her fully house trained (she is crate trained and will not mess her xpen but we can't rely on her not to mess areas of the house outside of her xpen).

She gets lots of exercise and has lots of toys to keep her busy when we're gone during the day.  She seems very well adjusted and gets along great with people and other animals.

Perhaps I am wrong, but when I first got Luther, I did a lot of research about a host of things, including crate use.  I read some well recommended books such as Culture Clash and The Dog Whisper (no not that crazy guy on TV) and some where along the way I recall reading that dogs are den animals that enjoy small spaces.  I know this is certainly true for Luther.  He tends to lay under tables or in corners.  He also willingly goes in his crate and actually prefers to sleep in it at night and during nap time (though the door is left open).  We probably don't crate Luther as much as other city folk do, but some days he is there for 7-7.5 hours and then of course, he will sleep and nap in there willingly.  This is not every day and we alternate days where he is at home and where he is at day care all day, plus we take great care to make sure he is sufficiently exercised before and after crate time.  I would just like to note that not everyone has the luxury of not crating even if they believe their dog will behave with free range of the house.   Some people happen to rent and owe their landlords the obligation of making sure a dog is confined when left alone so as to avoid any chance of anxious chewing destruction.  Honestly, I've met many dogs that are anxious to be left alone, especially when they are young and not comfortable with their surroundings or their routines.  And a crate in those cases is in their best interest, imagine if they chewed a power cord or something dangerous while alone!  And the reality is dogs will have to be left alone, someone has to make the money that puts the kibble in their tummy! I do recognize that some do abuse the crate privilege, but I don't see anything wrong with the use of a cage, and in Luther's case it is necessary.  I would just hope people would keep an open mind an not jump to conclusions about those who crate their dogs, it doesn't mean we are abusive, mean, or neglectful owners. 

Well, I'm home all day so Misty really only goes in at night time for bed.  But we have Christmas at my sister's this year, and I'm not exactly sure what were going to do with Misty.  If we leave her home (she has to be in her crate), she will be in her crate for a long time...not sure I want to do that, so I'm still trying to figure it out.  It's good though, to put the dog in the crate, even when you are home, so they get used to it, but Misty's pretty used to her crate.  She knows to go in there when I'm cleaning because I'm always bumping into her (she's my shadow!) and I grumble, or tell her she's driving me crazy following me around, she seems to get the hint and go in there and watch me go back and forth!  LOL  It's actually funny!