Ok..technically, what is crate-training? Is it just having a crate there? Like we bought my chihuahua Martini a "Pet Taxi" where we put his blanket and his bed in so he can sleep. But we leave the door open so he can walk out, eat his food and poop on the puppy pad. Is that considered crate-training or not?

I know that I have a problem with Martini chewing on things, but I've also learned that as long as I take everything off the floor, that he doesn't chew as much (although he LOVES to rip up his puppy pads).

Martini also does not respond to "No" or even a "bad dog." I'll say "no" and he'll duck his head down, knowing he's done something wrong, but a minute or 2 later he'll be back to doing what I told him not to---he's a typical toddler..although he's only 3 months old! lol.

My poodle (who passed away 2 1/2 years ago) was never crate-trained (nor anywhere near to it). I was only 6 when my parents bought him, so i didn't really train him. I know that my parents used the technique of sticking the dog's nose in its pee and giving it a smack. Although my poodle responded well to that, i dont advocate it, nor do i do it to my Martini (i tried it once and he cried bloody murder! lol). But like some say, it just really depends on the specific dog.

I did get both of my dogs from a breeder....who also does not crate their dogs. They live in Highland Park....Dallas' elite neighborhood. They have sent many of their dogs to the Westminster Dog Shows.

lol @ elite neighborhood.

That is a nice neighboorhood, but I wouldn't really use "elite"

can we add this one to the prestigous thread? :p

doggie day care
 

For the animal professionals (or anyone else who might know)

What do you think about doggie day care?

I've considered it for my dog, and haven't found one that I would take my dog to, but when I do, is it recommended?

Re: doggie day care
 

Is there a Happy Tails near you? It's expanding, and a reputable franchise.

Also, ask your vet. They usually have a list of the better places available.

tell me how it is not an elite neighborhood please.....

considering that you have to pretty much be a millionaire to live their, considering the avg. cost per home is around 1.2 million $$ Yes I know this because my uncle that lives with his wife and kids is in business realestate in Dallas. Highliand Park is probobly one of the most prestigious neighborhoods in Texas. Owen Wilson, Ross Perot, Tom Hicks, Marc Cuban, Mike Modono, Waltons, Hunts, Dillards........those arent very elite names or anything.

Re: doggie day care
 

I found a doggy daycare place that looked really great! I think it was on a ranch or something like that, and I considered letting my puppy stay there, but mine isn't very "social" unless it's with females, and he really prefers being around humans, so I didn't want to risk him not getting all the attention he needs. I will look around and see if i can find it though, I remember they seemed like a really great place- they even tested to make sure your dog was comfortable enough around other dogs before they'd approve you.

Re: Re: doggie day care
 

Are you sure you don't have my dog? LOL


gw - "elite" has new meaning here.

Actually, Ross Perot doesn't live in HP....he lives off Strait Lane, which is not in HP. Oh, and the Hunt's live in the Preston Hollow area.

And if you're going to talk about "elite" neighborhoods, add Park Cities, Preston Hollow, and ....never mind. I don't know why I'm replying to this anyways.
:rolleyes:

umm...why should we care who lives in Highland Park anyways??? This is just silly, and really has nothing to do with the subject at hand.

Sissy, I read your post. You said it was cruel to crate your dog while you are at work. When would you crate, if you don't find crating in general to be cruel? Would you confine the dog for an hour? Two? At night while you sleep? Please share some of your vast knowledge with us.

Come to think of it, my vet seems to be of the old school set. He recommended declawing one of our cats, which we decided against after lots of research that told us just how bad it is for cats' mental health. Glad to know that this method isn't effective for future reference with new dogs. (now also glad that we're no longer with that vet!!)

I'd agree that your vet seems old school. One of the vets I had to work with was a great vet, but one day I got called into surg. to help with a declaw. I have a strong stomach, but this made me sick. And to make it worse I was on duty later that week when the cat came back in with severely infected paws. It's just a difference of where and when they went to school.

So how many breeding animals do they have? How many litters do they have at one time? I find it hard to imagine that they let all there dogs just run around with no confinement of some sort (i would imagibe they have pens at least which would be similar to crating). BTW, my roommate from undergrad had lived in Highland Park-I guess I am just not that impressed, his family was well off but not millionare status.

maybe they were living beyond their means. i am certain of the property values. other than that....I really don't see how you weren't impressed....kind of odd. maybe it wasn't really highland park.....or it was on the outskirts.\

they breed labs for hunting......and Cavalier King Charls Spaniels. They are all in separate areas. An no, they don't have cages....they have a monstrous mansion, and they converted a huge area of the downstairs into separate "puppy" rooms if you will.