For those of you that dont know of me, I have got 2 rescue dogs. Tigger, a GSD, Boxer, Lurcher cross thing who is now roughly 3yrs (he was 18mths when we got him), and the other one, Midget, is a Staffie, Greyhound cross who is now 18mths (he was 5/6mths when we got him). Well the problem was with the Midget, bless him. He was never happy being left in the house when we were not about, despite having the Tigger for company. Midget was very much a textiles dog. In as much as he would eat the carpet, the cushions and any other soft furnishings that were available when he was left. Our vet suggested that we crated him when we left the house, saying that if he was not able to destroy items then he would not get into the habbit of doing it and would eventually enjoy being left with Tigger to entertain him. To be honest we were very reluctant to put this poor neglected pup who had already had such a bad start in life in a cage! But when we had to refit the carpet for the 3rd time and restuff all the sofa cushions again!! We changed our minds. Well now here we are roughly about a year on and we have now left Midget, un-crated, on 8 different occassions for varying amounts of time, with the radio on and with Tigger to play with and everything has turned out roses. All chewing/demolishing has ceased and both dogs seem so much happier with being left now. Tigger was always so keen for Midget to be let out of the crate when we arrived home, it was almost as if he had been desperate to play with Midget all the time we were out but couldn't. I know this is a rather long post but I really wanted to write and offer these words of encouragement to other dog owners that like me um'ed and are'd about the use of crates. Give them a go. They are worth it and as we have found out its not necessarily going to be forever. I hope this post will help others not to feel so guilty like we first did.

Hi nicolinena, glad it all worked out for you and Mr Textile Midget. In a world where so many folks regard their dogs as accessories to be disposed of when fashions change its great to read about people as committed to rescues as yourself. With a GSD/Lurcher/Boxer mix I bet life is never dull! :)

Hi Lorelei,

I believe I have spoken with you before on here?. And your right, with Tigger & Midget life is far from dull! Its just as well they are both rather exhuberant dogs as with 3 kids, 1 of which has ADHD, if they were anything less than "MAD" they wouldn't fit in at all. Thanks for your reply.

What a refreshing post.  I cannot recommend crates enough provided they are used properly and are of the correct size.  I personally used one for at night when the pup we had (now six months) kept messing every night despite our best efforts.  After spending just 6 weeks using a crate overnight not a single time has he messed (other than the time he had an upset tummy) since being allowed the run of the house.