[Kenswing]

Originally Posted by Abby10

Our dogs always had crates too. When we had our first one, we would keep the door open and she would lie in it even when we were all just sitting around watching TV. Unless hubby or our son was lying on the floor then she was right there snuggled up against them. Our second one would automatically go to hers when she sensed we were leaving the house. I would call it NOTHING but their doggie cave. I definitely think it is how you train them from the beginning. Ours never jumped up on the furniture either, nor would my husband ever allow them to sleep with us. Maybe that would make us not real dog people to some, but our pets were always well behaved and well loved.

The SPCA where we got one of ours told us if you set the example from the beginning as to who was in charge, the pack leader so to speak, most behavior issues would be short lived. They were right. Not much different than having a kid in that respect. And just like Tal said they sure can pick on stress and anxiety quite easily. They are truly amazing creatures.

All this talk is doing NOTHING but make me want to get another. My husband came home one Saturday from his ministry work not too long ago and told me one of the people he works with there breeds the various "doodle" mixes. Although she sells them for thousands, she offered him one from the litter for free. I felt myself getting excited about the prospect when I asked him if he really wanted one and he said "no, not really". So I responded, "good, then I'm going to pretend I never heard you say that"........ That's the closest I've come as of late.

We've debated about getting a dog off and on for several years now. Right now it just doesn't make sense. With me being gone a lot during the summers and how much we like to travel it just wouldn't work. Plus I don't feel like fencing our property. Maybe when we get to TV and have you guys to puppysit for us we'll get NOTHING but a new member of the family..