Some Bad News

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crating is not an asset in my opinion. I didnt crate my dogs and never will. I think of it kinda like imprissioning them . When ever I would put Oscar in his kenelle he would whine and cry and I would feel super bad, I dont think it is very nice to do that to a dog or puppy.

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If you don't choose to crate your dog, and don't have to, great. I don't crate the majority of my dogs either, but some of them would be absolutely unbearable without their crate.

However, CattleDogMom is obviously at the end of her rope here and willing to try something ... anything ... to keep her dog. I think she should be commended for doing so, not criticised.

A crate, used properly, is NOT mean or cruel or unnatural. Dogs still retain many instincts from their wild ansestors, one of which is sleep in a small, safe den.

By the way, the general consensus among trainers, handlers and vets is that EVERY dog should be crate trained to the extent that they know what a crate is, are not afraid of one, and will spend time in one comfortably, even if you don't regularly use a crate at home. Why? To avoid the type of situation you described ....

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Tikeya has never even been in a crate in her life intull one day when she went into get spayed she had to stay over night and she freaked out!! the vets thoughs she was dieing!!!!

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At some point in their lives many, many, many of our dogs will be sick, need surgery and/or post-surgical confinement, will get lost and hopefully found, etc. They NEED the crate skill at those times. If someone finds your dog and takes it to animal control, your dog is going to have a MUCH better chance of getting back to you if they can contain it, and have it behave, rather than screaming, flopping and biting because it is terrified of a crate. Those dogs are deemed "unadoptable" or "vicious" and euthanized. And what happens if your dog has to have hip sugery one day, and the vet prescribes two weeks of crate rest? Bad, bad time to try to crate train, eh?

great points twister!

I for one can't wait for my crate to get here and am excited to try it. I can already see times when it will be a tool.

Let's just hope Casey doesn't decide to chew the crate lol.

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Originally posted by binka_nugget
Let's just hope Casey doesn't decide to chew the crate lol.

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Yeah well he just got in trouble for digging up my rosemary bush!

He is finally sleeping peacefully

*sigh*

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Originally posted by Twisterdog
If you don't choose to crate your dog, and don't have to, great. I don't crate the majority of my dogs either, but some of them would be absolutely unbearable without their crate.

However, CattleDogMom is obviously at the end of her rope here and willing to try something ... anything ... to keep her dog. I think she should be commended for doing so, not criticised.

A crate, used properly, is NOT mean or cruel or unnatural. Dogs still retain many instincts from their wild ansestors, one of which is sleep in a small, safe den.

By the way, the general consensus among trainers, handlers and vets is that EVERY dog should be crate trained to the extent that they know what a crate is, are not afraid of one, and will spend time in one comfortably, even if you don't regularly use a crate at home. Why? To avoid the type of situation you described ....

At some point in their lives many, many, many of our dogs will be sick, need surgery and/or post-surgical confinement, will get lost and hopefully found, etc. They NEED the crate skill at those times. If someone finds your dog and takes it to animal control, your dog is going to have a MUCH better chance of getting back to you if they can contain it, and have it behave, rather than screaming, flopping and biting because it is terrified of a crate. Those dogs are deemed "unadoptable" or "vicious" and euthanized. And what happens if your dog has to have hip sugery one day, and the vet prescribes two weeks of crate rest? Bad, bad time to try to crate train, eh?

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if my dog one day needs to have crate rest, then I will buy a pen thingy and have it big enough for her to not feel inclosed, it wouldent have a top and she would be allowed out when she wanted. or If she wanted he, I would go into the pen with her and lay with her. the pen would also be placed in the house. I am not critisizing CattleDogMom, I didnt even read the whole post befor I wrote my last reply, I just was stating my opinion about crating. I am soo happy you have found a option that works for you CattleDogMom, I really hope it pays off, I didnt mean to sound like I was critisizing you.

whoa!

Ok, I am not feeling like you criticized me.

I feel like we are all so passionate about our dogs and their well being and just giving them the best life we can give them.

Sometimes when were so passionate about somethings we can be misunderstood.

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Originally posted by CattleDogMom
whoa!

Ok, I am not feeling like you criticized me.

I feel like we are all so passionate about our dogs and their well being and just giving them the best life we can give them.

Sometimes when were so passionate about somethings we can be misunderstood.

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ok thanks, I am sorry though lol. I wasnt meaning to be rude. I was just speaking my mind, I tend to do that alot. hee hee. I love your dog so much Casey is sooo beautiful. I really hope everything will work out for you and Casey, Good luck ;).

CattleDogMom, I am so sorry to hear that! I know what that feels like. I rescued a blue heeler a while back. (picture attached) I had no idea what I was getting myself into. He was miserable! Destructive, angry, you name it. Well, I ran an ad in the paper. A farmer got him, and he was the only dog on the ranch. When I came back a month later to visit, he was so happy! He was like a different dog. Once I saw how natural he seemed on the ranch, I knew in my heart that I did the right thing.

I am glad to hear that you are still trying with Casey. Try everything before you give up! You never know. You don't want to be looking back thinking about would haves and could haves.

There's alot of pages here, so I wasn't able to read everything entirely. But I did read that letter from the lady that wants the dog. Yes, it may be confusing at first if the dog can't come inside. But I don't think it is as horrible as people think. I can see if both people work all day long and the dog sits in the backyard alone. Then yes, the dog should be inside all night. But it sounds like Casey would get enough stimulation all day long. It sounds to me like Casey will be to pooped to care. I really don't think that letter is a crock either. I live in a primarily farming area. Most farmers have perfectly well balanced happy dogs that never see indoors in their lives. A farm dog gets much more stimulation outdoor with their owner then a city dog with working parents will ever see. Inside or out.

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Originally posted by Tonya
CattleDogMom, I am so sorry to hear that! I know what that feels like. I rescued a blue heeler a while back. (picture attached) I had no idea what I was getting myself into. He was miserable! Destructive, angry, you name it. Well, I ran an ad in the paper. A farmer got him, and he was the only dog on the ranch. When I came back a month later to visit, he was so happy! He was like a different dog. Once I saw how natural he seemed on the ranch, I knew in my heart that I did the right thing.

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hmmm

I never thought he was angry, I thought maybe sad or depressed.

I have read that if they're not happy, they do become detructive though

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Originally posted by CattleDogMom


I feel like we are all so passionate about our dogs and their well being and just giving them the best life we can give them.

Sometimes when were so passionate about somethings we can be misunderstood.

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I'm so glad you feel that way. If only everyone could understand that when an argument happens:)

OK, Casey shredded a black kong??? I forgot that you did mention that in the original post:o What a chewer!!!!
I really really hope the crate works out for you--even if you just need to use it when you are taking a shower, or making dinner, or running your kids somewhere, it will be a relief to know he is safe--or rather that your house is safe!!!
My Abbey has been a little destructive lately--her list is 2 remotes, a hands free kit for a cell, and hubby's cell:eek: This has all been within the past week. I think it's just a phase for her--I'm getting her even more exercise, and crating her when I have to run one of the other dogs out.

Please let us know how everything works out with Casey and his crate.

This thread is very upsetting to me. I haven't finished it yet, but will do so after I reply. Forgive me if I repeat anything thats been said in the second half of the thread which I haven't read yet.

First of all, this sticks out in my mind:

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I am home with Casey all day. If I have to go somewhere, he goes with us. He is NEVER alone.

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Before you said this, I thought perhaps rehoming him through a responsible rescue (not a ranch) would be his best option. But now I have changed my mind. If he's never alone, there is no excuse to not work with him through this. That is an IDEAL situation for a dog. I think you need to speak with a trainer who will do a visit with you for free. If you tell them its your only option or you'll have to get rid of him, they may agree to waive their fees. It just sounds like you don't fully understand dog training and behavior. I'm not trying to be mean or anything, but thats what it sounds like.

I would definately not send him to those people who emailed you. The poor baby would not have a good life being outside looking in at his pack and only allowed to come join them one day a year. It will ruin his spirit. I also don't agree with them letting their previous dog "roam the countryside". Not too responsible. I understand they are old, but still, there's really no excuse to not educate themselves and try to be more responsible.

If you can't afford agility, enlist the help of your children. Set up something in your backyard. Buy a children's tunnel from Toys R Us and set up a few jumps. Get some tennis balls (you can get them free just by going to a tennis court :p ) and throw them around. Its very good that you take him to the dog park and I'm sure that helps him a lot. He probably needs more variety. Mix things up a bit and keep him guessing.

I agree with everything Twisterdog has said (as usual). It is perfectly possible to have an ACD in a small apartment if you have the appropriate knowledge, committment, and devotion to your dog. You can keep them happy and exercised.

When I was in juinor high, I thought crating dogs was cruel and swore I'd NEVER do that. Then I started educating myself on dog training and behavior and had several internships with behaviorists. I learned that crating is not only not cruel, but very very very helpful. Crating has saved many many dogs from having to go to shelters or be rehomed. It is only not cruel if you do it the right way though. Don't leave the dog in the crate for too long, and always make it positive. They think of it as their "den" and can be trained to be totally comfortable in it. I work with shelter dogs on crate training on a daily basis. Some are freaked out at first, but with some work they always get comfortable.

There are a lot of other things I had to say, but I think I'll finish the thread first.

Ok I am just about caught up now. Thank you for not giving up on your boy. You are right in that when he's a bit older, you'll NEVER REGRET your decision!

Please feel free to pm me if you ever need any help or advice. I'm very used to working with EXUBERANT dogs at the shelter and at the obedience classes I teach.

Thanks again for being there for your baby :)

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Originally posted by tikeyas_mom
crating is not an asset in my opinion. I didnt crate my dogs and never will. I think of it kinda like imprissioning them :eek:. When ever I would put Oscar in his kenelle he would whine and cry and I would feel super bad, I dont think it is very nice to do that to a dog or puppy. Tikeya has never even been in a crate in her life intull one day when she went into get spayed she had to stay over night and she freaked out!! the vets thoughs she was dieing!!!! :eek:!!! She has never been near or in a crate ever since.

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First of all, you should never just shove a dog in a crate and expect the dog to be okay with it. You have to slowly introduce them to the crate. Start with the crate door always open and throw some hot dogs (or some other good treat) in. Let them walk in and out on their own several times. Then you can gradually start shutting the door for a few seconds at a time. If they are calm with the door shut, you reward them by opening the door back up. If they start whining, scratching, pawing at the door, etc, NEVER let them out. That will reward them for putting up a fuss so then they'll always fuss if they want out. That's probably what happened with Oscar. Tikeya was also in a strange place which I'm sure was part of the reason she freaked. They just need to be worked with and slowly introduced, not just thrown in.

I just wanted to let you all know that I emailed the couple to let them know I was going to stick with Casey.

She wrote me an email back stating that she doesn't know why someone would do that to their dog if they loved it anyways and she and her husband wern't going to take him anyways because they don't believe me when I tell them he is a purebred Queensland and because I didn't dock his tail!

Can you all believe that sh*t??????????

Crystal:mad: