Agree on the Border Collies - son-in-law does agility with them at international level. They need a lot of exercise, though, or they can get bored.

Crate training is pretty much what it sounds like - the dog is confined to a crate (actually a purpose-built wire cage usually) at certain times and in certain situations. Note that this should NOT be done as a punishment, ONLY as part of the dog's routine. Done properly the dog will come to regard the cage as its own personal space and will not mind going in there. Some people feed their dogs in the cage to reinforce the positive message. Different people use cages in slightly different ways but, for example, the dog may be placed in the crate at human mealtimes to stop it begging for food, or when left alone in the house. They will usually sleep in the crate too, even if the door is left open, as it is their private space.

I haven't used crate training myself, but have known people who do. Done properly it's not in any way cruel.

Cheers fellas! It is all good stuff. I got my perfect puppy book (by gwen bailey) through the post today so I will be swatting up on that.

Regarding crate training, I don't want to make this thread a free for all for people to express their opinions on whether it is right or not but my understanding of doing it is that dogs live in dens in the wild and so the crate is likened to his den. I'm very much on the fence at the moment as to whether we are going to do it or not.

Hope the snow goes away a bit though... Was going to drive the 100 miles to Cambridge tomorrow to go see the pups Freelander 2 TD4 Auto, SE, Narvik Black, Alpaca full leather, Rear Headrest Entertainment System, 6 CD, 18 HSE Wheels, Privicy tints

Captain Worm wrote:

... dogs live in dens in the wild and so the crate is likened to his den.

We had a crate for when we got the Westie, only to give her some peace from the Collies, 18 months on we still have the crate, we tried to put it away but she doesn't want it put away, she regards it as her own space and when she wants peace and quiet she gets in it and sleeps, we never shut the door, she likes it as the Collies can't get in it, overnight she sleeps in a standard dog bed.

I like the crate idea, gives the dog piece in its own space, but the wife can not be convinced its not cruel, even when I say the door would be level open, personal space, so on and so forth Former Mod/Member, with the most post & Chicken George Arch nemesis

I think your missing the point Nick, giving the dog it's own space does not mean putting the wife in the cage, even if you are planning to leave the door open, or are you just saying that tills he gets in it

I use the Lintran box for the dog to sleep in he knows it is his space,I leave the door open all the time so he can come and go as he wants.Only when the box is put in the car does he go loopy but then he knows where off shooting.

If you are both out at work and think it would be cruel to leave the dog at home alone all day,get yourself a retired Greyhound.
My pal has one which he takes to the local park every morning where she runs round like a "whirling dervish" for 15/20 minutes and is then "knackered" and when she gets home flops into her basket and goes to sleep. Pal and wife go to work and return at approx 6pm and she is still snoring in her basket.
Repeat morning regime and then she watches the tele all evening, snoring again.

Problem solved as they are the most friendly dogs.

Bill T. Life Honorary Member of Wallasey Motor Club.
Licenced MSA Radio Operator for 35+ years.
Rallying is the only sport.

No intention of leaving it on its own.. its just the odd occasion when we are both out that we would need to get help in in the form of in-laws or neighbours!

I've heard that greyhounds are actually very lazy dogs - despite them being fast. Besides, to big and bony for me!

Watch this space!!! Freelander 2 TD4 Auto, SE, Narvik Black, Alpaca full leather, Rear Headrest Entertainment System, 6 CD, 18 HSE Wheels, Privicy tints

There are plenty of licensed dog walkers out there who will come and take the dog out for the day or whatever you want.

Yup we have looked out a few in the area - but want to avoid it if we can just because of cost! I'm counting on my friendly dog loving range rover driving home working neighbour being around  Freelander 2 TD4 Auto, SE, Narvik Black, Alpaca full leather, Rear Headrest Entertainment System, 6 CD, 18 HSE Wheels, Privicy tints

Resistance was futile!

Click image to enlarge

 Former Mod/Member, with the most post & Chicken George Arch nemesis

Good one CW

nice one

My daughter took hers on a cockapoo walk in Scotland on Sunday, most of them came originally from a breeder in lincolnshire where she got hers,