I would just like to say that having tried a number of Forums that I think this is the best one on the whole. There is always someone willing to give friendly advice and I hope that when I am a bit more experienced I will be able to contribute back. I have noticed some arguments or "touchyness" probably the result of not having a moderator.
I am really upset because I joined a Forum specifically for Westie owners and made the mistake of mentioning a banned topic "crates". I didnt know it had been banned. On previous posts he had been negative and critical but on this occasion he was horrid. I re-read the FAQ's and noticed that there was a list of banned subjects on issues which are comonly discussed but he thinks are wrong. He sent me a private email saying I was a cruel person and has banned me from the site. He removed my post so other members couldnt read it and bounced my reply to his mail.
So can I just say again that this is a great site and lets keep it that way and show respect for people whatever ones personal beliefs.

Crates can be of great help if used correctly !  Any questions you need to ask I'm sure at least one person on here would be able to help :d

Hi June....I'd have been banned too then :d
Welcome aboard and we look forward to you input on our friendly,if somewhat straight talking forum!
Archer

Hi June

Welcome to CD. I'm a relatively new member too.

On the whole, I have found that this is a friendly place with lots of knowledgable people around who are willing to give the benefit of their many years experience. I have found it invaluable since I got my puppy. Yes, there are sometimes 'differences of opinion' and topics wich provoke strong reactions but I am of the opinion that debate is healthy and it's good to get a range of points of view. I can't believe that the Westie forum bans certain topics. Whatever happened to freedom of speech? Obviously, people should refrain from personal attacks on others but what is the point in having a forum if certain common topics cannot be discussed

What???????? I always recommend a crate to anyone that buys a puppy from me. They're ideal for a puppy that will chew and could hurt itself if left unnatended to put them into if you go out shopping or to pick children up from school etc.

They are also great when a puppy wants to get away from a mad household :d

Yes i agree, when i'm off to a show and the dogs see me get the crates out they go barmy jumping up and down until i set one up and they all run in it and lie down

I have noticed some arguments or "touchyness" probably the result of not having a moderator

The members themselves are responsible for the arguments or "touchyness" !! Nothing to do with the moderators :rolleyes: The membership are also responsible for their own posts. We should not have to moderate you :)

Hehe ..I think the *touchyness* is a result of us all being human :)

Welcome to CD. Everyone has given me great advice and support from the death of beloved dog to the arrival of my new puppy, they are fantastic.
Crates, could not live without one with my monster so why the topic should be banned is unbelieveable, what other topics were banned on that site?

I would say we definately are moderated the difference is rather than any subject being taboo the way a debate is conducted is where the rules are applied thus allowing opinions to be offered and sometimes vigorously argued against :) but the proviso is that it is always within the subject and does not extend into the personal.  I really could not be doing with any site where the "management" forbade the offering of opinions that they did not personally agree with, very childish and petty in my opinion.

I would rather have some "touchiness" than have banned subjects, cannot remember what the other banned topics were apart from owners who work - apparently they are cruel too. The advice here is much more informative and friendly. I can tell you I felt gutted when I was accused of being cruel. Its good to get a balanced view on this site.

So would he not put a baby in a playpen or cot then? :rolleyes:

I was once complained at for putting my dogs in a cage in the car. The woman invloved then strapped her kids into car seats. I asked her why, she said to protect them in case of an accident, obviously, was I stupid? I told her I must be if she was so clever and thought car cages were cruel when I put my dogs in them for the same reason her kids were in car seats. She shut up and drove away very red faced.

Some ppl see in black and white. It's either good or bad, cruel or kind. There is no shaded area. I have also been told I am cruel for running my dogs with a bike, or for them being so lean. Then someone turns up to agility with a dog so grossly overweight and unfit he collapses on the floor after one run. Joe Bloggs wouldn't say a word against his handler but critises me for having fit, lean dogs who are capable of running courses all evening. (Last time his dog ran he ended up with a torn ligament, he still hasn't learnt)

Ignore this man and his strange forum. We (CD) may have the odd arguement or falling out, but you only have to see us when something tragic happens to one of us and like any big family we forget everything and gather round to support each other. ;)  :) 

HI there

Welcome to CD.  While I am in agreement with crates being used as a training aid, I do think they are abused by some people.  There are people who seems to think its OK to leave their dogs in crates all day while they are at work or put their dogs in them as punishment!  Crates are fabulous for house training puppies and keeping them safe from harm when you have to go out as somebody said above.  But they should never be used as prisons and perhaps that was where this forum was coming from.  I get that impression by the fact that they think everybody who works is cruel!!!  If only life were that simple and we didn't have to work to pay out mortgages and bills.  That is not a forum to me, that is a dictatorship!!!! :d

I wonder what people used to do in the days before crates!!!!!

Annie