Barking dogs

That is my problem.
I really need a dog, had one since I was about 3 yrs old.
But I'm on my own now so cant look after one properly being at work all day.

I'll have to wait another 6yrs, when I can retire, but I just wonder what state of fitness I will be in at that time for taking on a dog.

 

From what I know of you from your posts on here you'll get a dog that suits both your life styles/state of health. A rescue greyhound doesn't need a lot of walks, neither does an older dog. They just need a comfy bed, company, a bit of spoiling and whatever walks you both can manage. You'll find the right one for you

 

They (AKA crates) actually work rather well, as merleworld describes below, not only in the home but in the car, camping tent, or even under a shady tree at the plot.

Totally agree, our Pup's space is in his crate/cage, only confined overnight/whilst out for short periods without him

 

I'd not confine a dog overnight, it suggests you dont trust them.
Mine always had a couple of "beds" around the house, kind of bolt holes, when she wanted a quite time.
But mostly we were at ease with one another at all times, so only the one under the worktop in the kitchen really got used.
Good spot for watching what was going on and waiting for any tit bits from the cooking.

 

We had two Border Collies which we had from pups.
Two very demanding dogs . Logan the boy went everywhere with me. He was so easy to train and an easy going dog it was amazing . He would work in the field to hand signals . His variety of tricks was stunning. Though when playing dead he couldn't keep his tail still.
Meg on the other hand was hopeless. No way was she going to perform like her daft soppy mate.

Dogs have individual characters and even though we think certain breeds will do this or that they are all so individual.

I can't imagine having another dog now. It cut me up more than words can explain when we lost them. Logan went at 17 years old and Meg simply gave up and pined away. I'm not ashamed to say I cried like a baby..

To see dogs or animals of any kind I'll treated angers me so much I start to shake .. Leaving dogs annatended so they bark constantly is neglect . I would be on the phone to the RSPCA if I were witness to it.
I'm old fashioned in that telling tales or grassing is not on the cards. But I would be on the phone or banging on doors if I was in Petes position ..

 

Really? I would have said pussycat!

Re: crates.

Like most things in life, I'm all for them if used how they were originally intended!

As Ozzy's 4th owner before his first birthday, I felt it would be important to have a place he could call his own. He was 46 kilos at that time, had endured a very unsettled life and he had no concept of what was happening in his world - crikey, poor lad didn't know he had *me* to put up with for the rest of his life

It was (and may be again yet) a "training" aid, not a cage to be imprisoned in.

Initially, it was his "bed" (with a blanket over). It then became his "den" where he could safely take a tasty bone and know that he would not be disturbed. Eventually though, he found his way upstairs ... ... then my room ... .... than my bed and the crate was barely used but still in situ.

The day we moved here, the crate was employed again. He went in there with a tasty bone, blanket over the top and the door was locked through the duration of the removal men. Just as well really because one of the removal men was terrified of dogs and it is illegal (and counterproductive) for us to have put him in the crate and let Ozzy roam free

There may well be a time when he will be in need of a crate again e.g. for medical reasons. In which case, because he is familiar with a crate and knows it doesn't mean anything sinister or anything to be afraid of, it won't add further stress to any condition.

As for your neighbours dogs, @pete yes of course you could go to EH, keep a diary of the noise, maybe try and engage with neighbours who are also finding it a nuisance.

But, I have a different idea.
You have a feeling the dogs are not exercised enough. You have a yearning for a dog when you retire, but wonder at your stage of health by that time.
So, how about you have a word with the neighbours, not to moan or complain, but, to offer to walk their dogs for an hour in the evening once or twice a week when you get home from work/had your tea?
Think of the positives: you get some exercise, interaction with an animal you know, understand and miss and ... returning to your primary concern: you will then *know* that the dogs are at least getting *some* exercise!
If you dress it up as them doing *you* the favour ... it lowers the risk of them taking any offense.

Give it a thunk

 

I fully understand how these cages can be a good thing. But how about before they came about ?
Our dogs had their own wee spaces where they would retreat when they felt like it. Under the stairs was where our Logan went.
But the advent of these devices has brought more harm than good IMO.
Some owners who cant be bothered to look after their dogs properly see these cages as somewhere to localise the dogs and the mess that comes with even the cleanest dogs. So the poor dog ends up caged more than they should do.
These things have their uses but the bad points outscore the good.
Sorry I don't like them anymore than the thought of being asked to say work in a confined space.
A Dog should be out one lead or running freely in the field or under the stairs or wherever it finds its own favourite wee space. Not staring through a wire cage..

With respect I cant see why Pete should walk his neighbours dogs so they can stay sat doing gubber all. He will be mowing their lawns soon after just to keep the neighborhood looking tidy ?

Sorry if that sounds flippant and I assure you I'm not being funny but I'm sure you will get my drift.

 

I think people who see them as "cages" will assume that is what they are used as: cages! Responsible owners will utilise crates for their intended purposes.
As you say though, that is the fault of some owners but it is not a fault with the crate.

 

I say this with utmost respect as it's very easy to see you are a true lover of your dog and I applaud that ! If only every dog owner was .

My point is that while there are responsible owners out there they are sadly outnumbered by those that I think see these devices as exactly what they look like and that is cages.

The RSPCA are frowning on these devices because so many who buy them think because they are sold think it's acceptable to pen dogs up in them for long periods of time. Sadly more cannot grasp what these things were originally intended to do and pen up dogs or cats in order to either localise the possible mess or to get a rest ....
This in turn means the animal becomes frustrated and bored so starts kicking off.

Your dog used his one as a respite area where he feels safe . If the pen or whatever you prefer to call it were not there he would soon find another respite area ..

If I'm totally honest I think they should be banned ...

 

Charlie, that's like saying you should ban cars because some people drive irresponsibly!?

 

You can call it a "crate" if it makes you feel better, but they are in fact cages, take the door off and throw it away and it could then perhaps be described as "refuge".

I struggle to find any use for such things other than to confine a dog, in my mind, that makes it a cage.
Not saying that a sick dog, or when moving one you dont trust its not a bad idea, but a well socialised dog that is healthy should not need one.

You could apply the same thinking to fire arms, but I doubt you would.