Paying for a dog walker...any advice?

orlao

GotToChange wrote: »

Re. Crates.

Whenever I see or read about them being used in the home (as opposed to travelling safely) - most particularly talk of the dog being shut into one all day when owners are absent. I think of a torture item that I saw at the London Dungeon, where a man was compressed within a very small space and left there - until he went mad.

I KNOW it's an extreme comparison but as much as those who advocate crates justify their use, it's easy to say "Oh yes, my dog goes to it by choice (brainwashing anyone?) - he's in it now.." - all fine and dandy if someone is there (of course, pointless) - but to be shut in, no room to stretch their legs at will, until someone comes and lets them out - and they don't know when that will be; no wonder they go to sleep - what else CAN they do? Loathsome. If that is the only way to have a dog, shouldn't have one - they deserve better.

Cruel.


(In my opinion of course.)

As for coming onto forums and being told how to live their lives, occupational hazard surely...?

But that's not the proper use of a crate, is it?

GotToChange

Personally, I can't think of ANY proper use for them anyway.

suki1964

GotToChange wrote: »

Re. Crates.

Whenever I see or read about them being used in the home (as opposed to travelling safely) - most particularly talk of the dog being shut into one all day when owners are absent. I think of a torture item that I saw at the London Dungeon, where a man was compressed within a very small space and left there - until he went mad.

I KNOW it's an extreme comparison but as much as those who advocate crates justify their use, it's easy to say "Oh yes, my dog goes to it by choice (brainwashing anyone?) - he's in it now.." - all fine and dandy if someone is there (of course, pointless) - but to be shut in, no room to stretch their legs at will, until someone comes and lets them out - and they don't know when that will be; no wonder they go to sleep - what else CAN they do? Loathsome. If that is the only way to have a dog, shouldn't have one - they deserve better.

Cruel.


(In my opinion of course.)

As for coming onto forums and being told how to live their lives, occupational hazard surely...?

Any crate where a dog cant move around and stretch out IS cruel and is not what I would be calling the way to crate train.

I already posted that I use a crate for young dogs but as soon as they are up a bit then the crates are only used for travel

IMHO crates are extremely good pieces of kit to keep young pups safe and out of harms way and a safe place to sleep.

If a pup is being exercised and played and trained properly then popping it into a crate whilst being out to work for a couple of hours is a safe option. Its also a safe option to have when you have visitors who dont want pups all over them, its also a safe option for when housework is going on or decorating etc.

I do not advocate the use of small crates or crates used 24/7

Young dogs need boundaries and many people confine their dogs to conservatories, kitchens and even hallways when they arent around to supervise. A properly sized crate is no different for use for a young pup

GotToChange

I suppose that I do take issue with the fact that in a crate they simply can not - at will - pick themselves up and have a walk around. There is no benefit for the animal, only the owner. I stand by my (note) belief that if a dog - puppy or fully grown - has to be confined in this manner, it is in the wrong place.

It isn't about them being left alone - that is a shame also but no doubt inevitable - it is about the freedom of movement at dictates other than their own. I totally love your stories about your 'lads' suki but will never agree with the crates, sorry to say.

Nippey_2

Dear all,

Having been involved with the RSPCA for years, I just wanted to add that crate training is a recognised method, however if you are keeping the puppy in the crate for more than 2 hours at any one time - this is cruelty.

Please ask your local Vet or RSPCA for advice.

suki1964

GotToChange wrote: »

I suppose that I do take issue with the fact that in a crate they simply can not - at will - pick themselves up and have a walk around. There is no benefit for the animal, only the owner. I stand by my (note) belief that if a dog - puppy or fully grown - has to be confined in this manner, it is in the wrong place.

It isn't about them being left alone - that is a shame also but no doubt inevitable - it is about the freedom of movement at dictates other than their own. I totally love your stories about your 'lads' suki but will never agree with the crates, sorry to say.

Thats ok, life would be boring if we all agreed on ways and means

And there is no true way, everyone has to work with what sits well with them.

viktory

Nippey wrote: »

Dear all,

Having been involved with the RSPCA for years, I just wanted to add that crate training is a recognised method, however if you are keeping the puppy in the crate for more than 2 hours at any one time - this is cruelty.

Please ask your local Vet or RSPCA for advice.

Ah, good old RSPCA. Now there's another thread.

My dog sleeps in her crate, at her own will, for more than 2 hours at a time. The door is open and she is free to come and go at will. Still, it is more than 2 hours......

Nippey_2

That is acceptable - having the door closed for more than 2 hours is recognised as cruelty.

viktory

Nippey wrote: »

That is acceptable - having the door closed for more than 2 hours is recognised as cruelty.

In that case, I am cruel to my dog *shrugs*. However, seeing as I know her and live with her, I think I will rest easy in the knowledge that she is very loved and extremely well cared for.

Seeing as RSPCA inspectors think it is perfectly acceptable to kill a perfectly healthy family pet I think I'll disregard their 'advice'.

Nippey_2

I have never met an RSPCA inspector who would condone killing a healthy animal, and if that is true, they should be reported. The RSPCA saves millions of animals every year and never puts a healthy animal down, if you know otherwise, you have a duty to tell someone.

With regards to the other matter - please speak to your vet regarding this as he/she will advise you on how crates should be used.