Due to the size of our pack we are constantly asked how do you manage that many dogs? Most people report being overwhelmed with the responsibilities of having two or three dogs at a time. Well, for safety and for unwanted behaviors, we use crates. The use of crates allows us to have some freedoms, such as going out of the house for work, date night, whatever. What we can count on is our babies are safe and sound at home. There are so many triggers in a big pack its helpful to know our babies are protected from these and the other dogs as well. Stress, noises, smells, can all play a big part in the behaviors of our pack. Having crates set up at all times allows us to separate dogs when needed, feed dogs safely, contain dogs when we have company, basically keep them safe from themselves and their siblings. Our dogs even prefer to sometimes have "alone" time and go into their crate all on their own. Some want to have privacy when they are playing with a toy or maybe when they get a treat. There are all sorts of reasons a dog may choose to distance themselves from the pack. We have often found our older dogs need more downtime than say our 1 year olds. Crates are very useful in house training. Puppies will literally pee or poop in their crate or in any room for that matter. With training for appropriate places to go potty, crates are highly useful. You have to be careful to not get to big of a crate too fast. Let the crate grow with the dog. Most dogs unless they were severely abused or neglected do not choose to sit in their own feces or pee. They will use the far side of a crate to do their business and retreat to the other corner. This is why crates are sold with dividers. The dog should have enough room to stand and stretch, turn around and sit back down or lay down. Mistake number one is allowing to big of a crate to be used where the dog can escape from their own mess.
As a dog grows up and you continue to have a crate set up that the dog is familiar with they will often retreat on their own. This has become their safe place. This is where it is important to remind you that the crate should not be used as a punishment. The dog will only get more anxious and then you get the opposite affect. The dogs will not tolerate being placed in a crate in any situation of it feels its is a punishment or is not safe.
In our household we use crates all the time. Very useful during feeding time with so many dogs, fights can arise during this time. We crate all the dogs except Budroe. He is way to big to crate while eating. This allows eager eaters to gulp down their food while the slow pokes of the group pick through theirs. Once all are done eating, all bowls are picked up and dogs are let out.
We have had many many crates. We tend to gravitate towards the wire crates. They are easier to clean, they fold up, and are easily moved. Our dogs can see out very easily and are well vented in wire crates. We have been through many crates. One we found on amazon has become one of our favorites. We have an escape artist. When we find her out of her crate all the "latches" are still engaged. This particular model has a slide with three latches to the door making it very secure. KC has yet to escape from this one. We have partnered with amazon as an amazon associate to direct viewers to the product mentioned below. If sold through our recommended link, we do receive a commission.
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