iqoniq
Prominent Member
They're essential if you've got dogs with a size disparity too. I've got a Staffy and Imperial Shih Tzu. Despite my Staffy being fairly small (she's very slim and not bulked up like a lot are), and the Shih Tzu being on the larger side (for an IST anyway), there's still a huge difference in size. While my Staffy is the sweetest dog ever, they both get a little excited when playing and I don't want to take any chances with her squishing him (she'll get him between her paws on her back, and then roll on top of him playing) or being a bit rough. If no one is in the house or it's bed time, then they go in their own cages. Around 10pm or so they'll even take themselves to their cages, so they don't mind it.Yep ours is now fully crate trained, however some think this is cruel. My dog now loves his crate and often takes himself in there for a chill..
For anyone considering cages, if you get a house cage the dog should be able to turn around and stretch out. It might also be worth considering small water bottle for the cage (they're like over grown rodent bottles - Amazon.co.uk : dog crate water bottle - clean link), especially if your house is quite warm. There should also be a comfy bed as well and stuff they can snuggle up in (heck - you may as well add a TV with full selection of streaming services, en suite, cage service, and decorated to a high standard). Just make sure it's not in direct sunlight or close to a radiator because they won't be able to get away from it.
Don't use it as a punishment either. They should associate it with something that's safe and that they'll go in because they need to, as opposed to a sin bin.
Please, please, please, don't put more than one dog in a cage either, even if there's room. I've seen the fallout and the vets bills from two dogs (brothers from same litter too) who had a disagreement stuck in the same cage alone in the house. Normally when dogs have a scrap, they'll eventually put distance between themselves or stop when the Alpha gets involved (Alphas in a pack will generally stop lower ranking members fighting so the pack stays unified and also sees the Alpha dominance). In a cage there's no escape, and it can end very badly.
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