Crate Vs Kennel Vs PEN - Page 1

Hello All,

One more advise please. I know its best for any dog left to run free in the house but wanted to check the pros and cons of crating or kenneling or leaving the dog in a pen. Like how long can we leave him in a pen vs a kennel vs a crate ?

keeping in mind the needed excercise, rest, socialization etc. How many hours of running around in the yard is good, how many hours of sleeping in the crate is good etc

Also how to address the issue of a puppy 4.5 months old trying out and testing out things in the house, pulling and tearing stuff ? I am wondering if we go on saying "NO" doesnt he loose his drive and doesnt want to bite anything in the future ?

I heard some one say a show dog will spend most of his life in a crate. Is it because of the reason that he shouldnt loose his drive by hearing a no for everything ?

Does he get hip displesia if he spends most of his time in a crate ?

Thanks Again.

 We have 5 dogs.  Three gsds and two terriers.  Our dogs stay outside during the day in our fenced in back yard (one acre).  They have a barn and work shop that they can get into as needed when they are outside.  We let them inside in the evenings (except for our large airedale terrier--she does not like being indoors).  They have dog beds they sleep on in the house, but we don't crate them.  With regard to the gsds, they need to feel as if the house is their territory so if you crate them, they do not develop that.  Our dogs do not tear stuff up in the house.

 We had to teach our dogs not to tear stuff up---if you want them to stay indoors, you have to teach them to obey you.  Right now, our youngest gsd is 5 months old and is very good at leaving things alone, but we had to teach her that.  Believe me, she has not lost any of her drive.   


Crates do not cause HD.

Quick Q here....did you ever enroll in a puppy class with your pup? If not, I'd suggest by 6 mos., getting him and you enrolled in one. This will help immensely in terms of assisting in dealing with some unwanted behaviours. However, when I say this, I also want to mention that you must do your research re: who (meaning trainer) to go to.

Crate training is not evil, bad, cruel, abusive etc.. In fact, you'd do right by your dog, to start a regimen of crate training. This allows both you and your dog to have space...especially if you have a baby on the way. If you are home all day every day with your pup, pick times when you want to have your space, and so then use that time to place him in the crate. Conversely, pick times when you are going to spend time with your pup. Play with him, walk him, engage him....both body and brain need exercise/stimulation. You have a high-drive breed. However, don't forget, first and foremost he's still a puppy, and will want to get into things that you don't want him getting in to. This becomes a 24/7 babysitting task (outside of the times when he's contained in a crate). But don't leave him crated with things that my cause him harm (stuff toys, stringy toys, rawhides).

Is this pup going to be a show dog, or a working dog? I need to know that prior to answering your Q re: losing drive. If he's going to be a working dog, some element of naughtiness can be allowed....BUT!....in a controlled environment. Tug exercises are great at engaging this drive. However, you have to be the "master extraordinaire" when it comes to this game. The word "NO" is not a bad word. You need trigger words to let your dog know that something he's doing, is not being tolerated. This takes work though. Dog's don't speak english, so the word has to mean something. Do you have any commands for him yet? If not, it's a perfect time to start. Just do little mini-exercises with  "sit", "down", "come" commands, and a treat reward. What pup doesn't like treats?

Hip dysplasia is a loaded question. It's a by-product of both bad DNA and environment really. Though it's definitely something to always be aware of, worry first about tackling the introduction to the crate, finding a good obedience class to enroll in, and working his brain & body.

Sorry in advance, if my responses don't have a good flow to them. You've asked for alot of information. Good luck!

I like dogs to run loose in the house because after all how can they protect me when they are in a crate/kennel.  That being said this is what I have evolved into.
Puppies:  Kennel (10x12) with mom for 70% of day.  Then the 30% left is socialization/ in home training/ crate training/ and obedience training.

Young dogs: crate/kennel unless training house manners, public manners, or the numerous other types of training that I send my puppies with.

Adult dogs (non-showing/trialing) in house unless we leave for more than 6 hours.  Then in crate or for more than 8 hours kennels.

Adults in showing or trialing training: crate unless working and or excersizing or socializing. 

It is complex, but for me I pick the situation that is right for the task that the dog has to do.  PPD's can't protect in a kennel or crate.  Showdogs need drive and pretty coats.  It is the Mother of all balancing acts.  Find out what your goals are then modify your habits/lifestyle to meet your goals.
Good luck!

W

Teaching your puppy to be in a crate is nothing but good...You should "crate train" your puppy and you will be doing him and yourself a big favor...If you don't know how to crate train then ask someone...One thing is you make a crate a good place...never use it for giving a correction...
If you have your puppy in the house...You might want to put the crate in a quiet place...like maybe your bedroom...and when you bring them out to be in the house with you...they must be under supervision at all time...like to be on a leash...you control everything the dog...and always try to make everything a positive effort...
After the puppy is crate trained you can begin to to leave them in other safe places for short periods of time...Everything always depends on your situation...What your living arrangements...working times and what and how you're going to be home...
But rule of thumb is whenever you're not going to be home or beable to be right with them...then you need to leave them in a safe place...Someplace where they can't get hurt and cause any damage to the house...

inc, a free range non-destructive dog doesn't happen overnight. I have employed any or all of the tools you mention. If you are vigilent and begin and continue to train your dog, eventually you won't need any of those tools any more.Follow the good training advice given above. About chewing things, I could not buy nice pillows until recently, and still we have to be ready to say NO to stop this excitability inclination.

I think also if you share your pedigree, there is a possibility it can explain some behavioural traits. And don't be afraid to say NO a million times, just when you do, make it count. You'll get it. Do go to puppy class.

RUNNING FREE IN THE HOUSE??????????????????????????????????????



I implement all three....all the time forever.

The rest is self explanatory at this stage.!!!

YR  



Read The Theory and Method of Schutzhund    even if you do not do the sport...EDUCATION   101

Yeah YR, but how many intact animals do you have? I think the OP is a beginner. I could be wrong, but I'll bet, not a breeder.