Barking dogs

We have a crate for our 3 its always open so they can use it when they want.
They also have a dog bed in front of the fire.
They only go in when we go to bed and work.
We got the largest one available

 

Im all for responsible uses for crates esp when puppy training to protect the dog from dangers when its not supervised such as them chewing on wires or eating something they shouldn't when you have to pop out food shopping and cant take them with you

I also see them as a great way for an animal to feel safe if lots of people are round so its their den and their safe place and for helping with keeping a dog or cat or whatever animals off their legs as much as possible following injury and sickness so that they rest and do get better. as many have already said.

I do have issues with people who use them irresponsibly like leaving a puppy in them all day long when you go to work. personally I dont think a puppy should ever be left alone all day while someone goes to work I don't think its fair on any dog to be left from 9am till 6pm or longer on their own.

We used crates for both our labs when they were puppies so that they couldn't hurt themselves if we were out for an hour or two and also until we knew the cats were alright with them so there was no incidents

I have also used crates for kittens for the same purpose. My one kitten learned how to climb the stairs quick time when it was still tiny and almost fell a few times and one of the other cats would try and push it off the landing down the gap in the stairs as well. The other cat wasn't keen on the kitten so to make sure everyone was safe the kitten was in a large dog crate while i was out for short periods when it wasn't supervised and the other cats were shut in the kitchen with access to outside. obviously once Ollie was large enough and the cats got on, the crate was gone as he didnt need protecting anymore.

 

huskies are to be kept in Greenland, they don't suit this weather or small spaces....

 

Bit late though ... the first one arrived here in the 18th Century

 

Am I right in thinking that dogs that have to spend their lives outdoors grow a much thicker coat in winter, also its kind of rough.
If they are kept indoors, like us, they get soft, and the coat is thinner and finer in general

 

Our 3 have gone soft, they won't go out in the rain, you would think has they are West Highlands they would be used to the rain

 

Not sure @pete maybe it depends on the breed?

I have no experience of a Greenland Dog as a breed.

My personal experience is with my own Malamute x GSD. He has a double coat (from the Malamute origin) and he has the usual seasonal moult plus .... a year round on-going one
His top coat is thicker, courser (and water repellent). His undercoat is very soft.
While much of his time is spent at home, he is exposed to our elements all year round through walks and garden(ing). Mind you, as an example, today after his 4am walk (daylight for me, coolness for him), he has spent much of the day indoors where he will find the coolest spot.

In fairness to the topic though with regard to Husky, or husky-type, breeds - no, they are not designed for our UK conditions. But, they are resilient, adaptable and (back to that old chestnut ... ) ... in the right hands, and with responsible ownership, they can lead a happy and fulfilling life in this Country with this climate.

The key factor for any breed of dog (or cat!) is an understanding of their background, their needs and meeting them as best as you are able.

 

I've always found border collies have the wooly type undercoat.

Mine could go swimming, and if you parted the top hairs, it would be totally dry underneath.

When moulting in summer, it was the undercoat that came out during the brushing process, the top coat was just shed, very easily.
Mostly on the carpets.

 

Our old guy is going a deaf, he's 11 now.
I'm thinking of getting a German Shephard pup when he's gone.

 

What breed is the old guy?

 

Aww, bless him - now you'll appreciate when you included hand signals with your voice commands.
Have a check back on some of Redstars posts - she really does know and understand GSD and how they think and how to train them - you'll find it very interesting. And, if you do get a GSD, may find it very useful too.

 

Do keep up @pete !

 

He's a West Highland

 

Not quite. We could apply that logic to many many things. Some people could get into trouble with a simple can opener.

The thing is with these devices (See how I avoided using the word "cage") is that its the perceived use of them that many struggle with. Sadly it seems more miss use them that use them properly.

As I said above the RSPCA loathe them. It means in many cases animals end up getting treated badly and sometimes... No make that often without the owners realising what they are doing . Thick is the word that comes to mind and see how I didn't refrain form using that word .

My intention is not to argue or insult here it never is . But it has to be faced that far to many miss use these devices and one miss use is one to many.

 

Here's an extract from the RSPCA website on the subject:

They even produce a pamphlet with advice on how to use a crate as a training aid: Dog Crates A Step by Step Guide (PDF)

I do understand that you do not wish to offend or argue @Charlie996 and you obviously feel very strongly about the misuse of crates (as I am sure we all do) but you are making statements with respect to the RSPCA which are not quite accurate.