Am I reading this right? Are puppies in their crates all day when they are not being let outside, or just when they can't be watched? We are bringing an 11/12 week old border collie home in August, and will be at home all day with him/her for at least 6 weeks after that, then for most of the day thereafter. Am I being too soft to want him/her with me? ( I will be working 3 hours a day, 2 days a week).
It's a real minefield trying to wade through the opinions on the net on this one. Hope some of you can help as you all seem to know what you're talking about!

Hi,
I've never used a crate for any of my dogs - like you, I like to have them with me! But I would hate to think of them being stuck in a crate all the time. If I was to use one, I'd only put pup in it when I couldn't watch him - going shopping etc.
:)

Crates are wonderfull for containing puppies for short periods of time so they are not injuring themselves when you cant watch them and they are very helpfull in house training puppies but at no time should they be used for long periods of time.
Have you taken advice from your breeder about caring for this puppy you will learn far more than searching the net all pups and breeds differ
and people all have different ideas on how to care for a puppy relying on the net can be very confusing although there is some fantastic information and tips out there!
good luck with your pup!

Thanks for your comments - have now registered so am fullyfledged member of the forum! My breeder has been wonderful :) - but I am worried I'm hounding her (unintentional pun) with all my questions - I'm just so desperate to get it right! I'm also using my time on the internet therapy to stop the time going so slowly - August seems such a long way off!

Hi Tracy to answer your question all my collies live in the house.I do have crates but only one is left premenantly up with the door open and they all take turns at going in at different times to sleep in fact Wish and Cyan quiet often share.When I have a puppy who isn't to be relied upon not to get into mischeif they do get shut into their crate at night time or if I have to go out,but only while I'm not around to supervise,the rest of the time they are free to paddle around and play.Best Wishes Gillian
P.S. breeders like new owners to ask questions:D

Hi Tracey
like Gillian we have a crate for Gus which is in the lounge and has the door left open all day . He only uses it occasionally ( like when he is taking a special treat in there ). We keep his toys in there and he can go in if he wants some peace from the boys . ( wish I could join him at times :) )
We only introduced the crate from about 3 months old and that was mainly because we intend to show and for use in the car . At night he sleeps upstairs with us - either on the bed or his own doggy bed .
Crates are not for everyone but they can be useful like when washing the floor and pup is trying to *kill* the mop :D but I have heard stories about pups being left in there all day while owners are at work :( which I dont think anyone should EVER do
Go by what you feel is right for you .
You dont have to rush out and buy one straightaway - just as long as pup has a basket or a bed of some sort .
Good luck with pup :D
Lel

HI,

Welcome to the forum and the fascinating world of puppy ownership ;) .

We also have a cage for Sal she's a 5 month old Stafford. We've had it since she's been about 3 months or so.
We treated the cage at first like Lel with Gus really, the cage door was left open and she loved going in there, she was never been put in there as a punishment or time out. She spends most of her time with us, or we spend it with her I'm not to sure. ;)

So she treats it as a treat :D

Sal travels in the cage in the car, and settles down really quickly on her bean bag in the cage with her rawhide bone.
The only thing I would say is get a big enough cage :) and the one I have has two doors one opening front one on the side you'd be surprised how handy that can be.

Sal sleeps in the kitchen at night and curls up on her bed.The cage now lives in the conservatory under the table so it's out of the sun. Thats if it's not in the car and she stashs all her goodies in there and tries to close the door herself we think to keep them in (barmy I know).

Hope that helps Karen

Hi,

I have just bought a crate for my puppy who is 10 weeks old.
He will sleep in there during the day as he wishes, and the door is locked at night.
Any dog should never be locked up all day, if you have to work very long hours then having a dog is not a good idea (for the dogs happiness)
My puppy loves his crate, it is his own private place to escape the kids, and the kids (aged 3 & 6) have strict instructions to leave him alone if he's in there!
The time will fly by, and i wish you luck.