It is always hard for me to tell my friends who LOVE and ADORE their dogs that they should not be kept in crates. I think this ad will help me get my message across.

I have a friend who always puts her puppy in a crate when she goes to work because he would otherwise make a big mess tearing up her furniture. But what usually happens is that he ends up crapping all over the cage and she ends up doing more work cleaning up dog mess off the cage and off him! It seems to me, it would be a lot easier to just puppy proof your house as much as possible and go from there.

Having an animal live with you is a HUGE responsibility!!!

Posted by: Jaclyn | November 2, 2007 12:04 PM

ive had plenty of dogs, usually the older they are the longer they can 'hold it', puppies shouldnt be made to sit in a crate for this same purpose, they need to relieve themselves every hour or so.

in all - crating is an isolating experience that can only reinforce antisocial behavior in an animal. not good.

Posted by: Stasya Berber | November 2, 2007 12:16 PM

This is quite possibly the most retarded thing I've seen posted on this blog. If someone tries to tell me I've mistreated my adopted dogs by crating them for the first year of their lives, they can stuff it. I suppose the author of this ridiculous flyer would prefer that people left dogs in shelters or on the streets (or let PETA euthanize them)if they can't be at home to puppysit 24 hours a day.

Posted by: kar_kar | November 2, 2007 12:20 PM

Let us all be clear. I have not posted an apology of any sort. I have nothing to apologize for. The post that is an apology is most certainly a cowardly impostor. Anyway, after a long day of bird hunting, setters and pointers often find great comfort in a cozy straw lined dog box. They don't live there, mind you, but dogs seem to enjoy cozy places like closets and under tables. I expect crating is very easy to overdo, though, but I am not an expert on this.

Posted by: Christopher Cochran MD | November 2, 2007 12:22 PM

So there you have it! I would say thats Right On! Some people just need a little education cause their too ignorant to get themselves!

Posted by: Carla | November 2, 2007 12:53 PM

I am so glad this article was posted because ever since I got my puppy I have been having to defend myself for not crating. I am going to print this article out and hand it to everyone who tries to convince me that crating is a good thing. Crating is cruel!

Posted by: Kelly | November 2, 2007 01:26 PM

This is a complete exaggeration. All of these points are only valid when using a crate is ABUSED.

To begin with - when starting with a crate you NEVER force a dog inside - you leave it in your house and the dog will CHOOSE to sleep there over a couch, etc. TO REPEAT: A DOG WILL CHOOSE A CRATE. The crate ONLY becomes a place of trauma and anxiety when the owner creates this fear – starting with by forcing a dog in the crate. It IS NOT intended to EVER be used as a place to "warehouse" your pet because you have 'better things to do'.

The real issue is owners that do not know how to humanely and properly train their pets or properly use the tools available - the crate IS NOT the source of the problem - the owner is. This promotes a solution of only affection and no discipline - an attitude that leads to many unstable animals. It even creates animal behavior prone to attacking people! If you do not want your dog on the couch it has nothing to do with how much you love him. As the “leader” of your dog and a good owner – you will enforce boundaries – just like you would with a humane child. With this type of exaggeration - you may as well also say that a leash is inhumane because it infringes the dog’s freedom.

I would have rather seen PETA make a statement about letting Perez Hilton promote buying trendy fake breeds of dogs from fake breeders instead of adopting from a shelter/rescue on his site... an audience of probably the most impressionable people on the internet… and a place where PETA also happens to advertise.

Disappointed.

Posted by: Anon | November 2, 2007 01:41 PM

This is true! I studied about train dogs and I had doubts about create, now I see that the crate is cruelty.

Posted by: liliana | November 2, 2007 02:25 PM

Sorry but you're just wrong on this one. Yes, crates can be abused and used for the wrong reasons; but with gradual training from puppyhood, dogs learn to feel secure and at home in their crates. I have trained many puppies this way.

Posted by: Scott Looper | November 2, 2007 02:27 PM

It is very true that dogs love cozy comfy little spaces that they can call their own and feel safe.

However, crating is not the solution. Crating is not giving them the option to have their own space but forcing them to feel like they've done something wrong and are being punished.

I have a dog bed set up on the floor of a closet in which the door is always open. My dog goes in and out as he pleases and loves his special spot. He goes in there when it's raining and he's scared, when he has a new dog toy and wants to play with it or if he just wants to take a nap.

Just like a child, dogs will learn the rules of the house over time. They will never learn if they are kept in a crate whenever you leave the house.

Posted by: hadleyj | November 2, 2007 02:51 PM

For humane info on training your dog, you can visit KP's dog blog on helpinganimals.com

Posted by: Mylie | November 2, 2007 02:57 PM

You can take the crate away from the owner - but anyone who uses a crate as described in this flyer - will still be a bad pet owner.

Posted by: Anon | November 2, 2007 02:57 PM

Christopher Cochran:
Already before I thought that you are suffering from SCIZOFRENIA but now I have the confirmation black on white! Your right hand doesn't know what the left one does - huuuuuuuh such a surgeon is the true horror!!!

Posted by: Little Drummer Boy | November 2, 2007 03:15 PM

cochran mc:
now you are really disappointing me because i thought that you have become a gentleman - anyhow - this 'impostor' is a real gentleman: chappeau outthere whoever you are: i bow my knee! Un vrai gentilhomme de la facon qu'on ne les trouve presque plus aujourd'hui!

Posted by: Le Petit Prince | November 2, 2007 03:33 PM

While there are certainly thoughtless owners that use crates inappropriately, the behaviour of my own dogs makes it very clear that crates are not cruel. My older dog, when he wants a quite nap, goes to his crate (left open for him) and sleeps there. My younger dog waits eagerly for opportunities to jump into and wait in the crate she travels in (for safety) in anticipation of a trip. Both of these behaviours are very common to other dogs as well. PETA would spend its time much more productively if it taught how to use crates considerately and constructively rather than on distributing what is demonstrably misinformation.

Posted by: Gary Green | November 2, 2007 03:46 PM

This article is absurd and ignorant. ANY system of confinement, even fenced yards and puppy-proofed rooms with dog walkers, can be abusive if not used in a correct way. Crates, properly used, can be wonderful for dogs.

And, BTW, my dogs DO love their crates. They can most often be found there of their own free will with the doors wide open. Some even choose crates that would be considered much too small for them and ignore the much roomier ones I provide. The author of this article should do some research on the denning instincts of canines.

Posted by: Geraldine | November 2, 2007 03:48 PM

WHY IS CHRISTOPHER COCHRAN POSTING ON THIS BLOG?

Posted by: tao | November 2, 2007 03:51 PM

"Crating is not giving them the option to have their own space but forcing them to feel like they've done something wrong and are being punished."

This is exactly the problem on this issue - the crate when used properly is NEVER forced on a dog. The real issue here is IMPROPERLY using crates.

Posted by: Anonymous | November 2, 2007 05:04 PM

Unfortunately, not everybody has the financial means to have somebody dogsit every time they go to the store, work, etc. And many people do not want to leave their dogs outside, unattended.

That's where crating come in.

Obviously there is the possibility to misuse a crate ... but when properly used, it does not harm the animal.

Moreover, when dealing w/e.g. rescue dogs w/separation anxiety, etc., sometimes only a crate can help them overcome their anxiety.

I personally have seen foster dogs w/separation anxiety chew through electrical wires (risking electrocution or fire), destroy furniture, eat dangerous things (wall, etc.) and even jump through plate-glass windows.

I think crating a dog can greatly reduce potential harm ... again, if utilized properly.

It is not the same as chaining up a dog or crating up a dog 24/7.

There's a big difference.

Moreover, dogs should be accustomed to crating in case an emergency should arise i.e. flooding, fire, etc. -- where transporting the dog in a crate is necessary.

Posted by: Anonymous | November 2, 2007 06:11 PM

This is one of the most absurd and ignorant things I've ever seen on a peta site. Crating isn't cruel when done correctly.

Its your basic animal rightist lie to make it more difficult for us all to have pets. Peta doesn't care about your pet.

If you want help with your dog go to people that know dogs. KP is not someone that knows dogs.

Posted by: Al | November 2, 2007 06:48 PM

If crating is so horrible, then why do my own personal dogs (I do rescue, and have foster dogs here, too), why do my own dogs, who were not crate trained when I started doing rescue, CHOOSE to go into a crate. There are plenty of dog beds available to them, and yet they go into a crate. AND, puppies can and do get into things, even in what someone may view as secure, so I would much prefer to crate a puppy than come home to find they have chewed the door frame in the room and have died from the wood they ingested. People need to use common sense, including where they get their pets.

Posted by: Fred | November 2, 2007 07:19 PM

CCMD - anti-animal rights' activsts - posts on these blogs because he is an over grown juvenile delinquent who has nothing better to do.
So he is an attention-seeking loser, who has an over-inflated ego, and has a need to keep it pumped up with his stupid, nonsensical, juvenile metality-type comments to get his kicks.
I also am very inclined to agree with the poster who thinks he is a schizo.
And the last thing he could ever be accused of being is a gentleman, but definitely a coward.

Next: crating a puppy/dog is the most ridiculous thing for someone to have who really loves their dogs. It's nothing more than a gimmick somebody came up with for the almighty dollar, which makes it "convenient" for people who do not want to spend proper time with the pup(s) and have a more open, yet safe designated area of their residence.
A dog is supposed to be a member of the family and needs full socialization from puppyhood. So would the same people crate any of their family members, children, because it's "convenient?"
A bed for the puppy/dog would suffice very well to be his/her own territory.
Otherwise, to keep a pup in a crate is only training him/her that is what he/she is supposed to "love." So naturally he/she will respond to it.
I have had (and have) dogs all my life, and never would I ever consider confining them in a crate, as if they were a shelter or pet shop dog.

Posted by: Ariel | November 2, 2007 08:40 PM

Crating is dangerous. What if you werein a serious accident and couldn't get home for hours after the dog should be released. Worse, what if you're dead? Imagine how your dog would feel waiting and waiting for someone to let him out. Even if it's one chance in a million, I would never expose my dog to that risk.

Posted by: Kathy McCaughna | November 2, 2007 08:48 PM

Dogs love dens...they live in them out in the wild...crates are homes/dens to them when used correctly.
There isn't an intelligent person out there who can't see the difference between the correct use of crating, and abusing the use of a crate.

my dogs have loved their crates from the time they are introduced to them. They love their freedom and toys, and know when I have to leave, it is their "down time".

And all the better to play when I come home..and no one got hurt from chewing on cords or other nasties in the house...

foolish article!

Posted by: Chris | November 2, 2007 09:32 PM

"cozy straw lined dog box."

And they wonder why rednecks are called stupid?

Straw does not fully protect a dog from the elements.

And if you think it does, get your hillbilly ass out there and try it out.

Dogs don't belong outdoors 24/7, and is it any wonder that it is the hillbilly class that believes they do?

We must have the stupidest underclass in the world.

Posted by: kelly | November 2, 2007 10:49 PM

"I would have rather seen PETA make a statement about letting Perez Hilton promote buying trendy fake breeds of dogs from fake breeders"

agree with this, I have to say.

I used to like Perez.

How can you have respect for a man who gets ripped off by one of the sleaziest puppy mills in the country?

Posted by: kelly | November 2, 2007 10:52 PM

Thanks Kelly, you hit the nail on the head.

Posted by: Jarrod | November 3, 2007 12:24 AM

Do you leave a toddler alone, unattended? Of course you don't. Why? Because you know that toddler will eventually get into something dangerous. Same with that puppy.

You can't be home 24 hours a day. Left unattended a loose puppy can chew electric cords (dead puppy), get into your garbage (sick puppy) and/or chew furniture.

Only an irresponsible owner doesn't ensure the safety of their puppy.

Posted by: Gail | November 3, 2007 12:29 PM

"Dogs don't belong outdoors 24/7, "

Are you that stupid? All animals belong outdoors that's there natural domain.If it wasn't they would have figured out how to build a house instead of living in a hole or under a bush.

Posted by: Mars | November 3, 2007 03:57 PM

Thank you for publishing the article about the negative aspects of crating a dog. My husband and I just adopted a dog, and my husband wanted to crate train it. I wouldn't let him. I thought it was cruel, but my husband said that "dogs like their crates." Thank you for telling me I was correct. (I hate crates. They are mean.)

Posted by: Rebecca | November 3, 2007 06:12 PM

The comments would be more worthy if the original comments made any sense or had been written by a person with a brain...and the comments afterward are useless when people can't spell, and don't even know what PARIS Hilton's name is, in spite of her being on the news a dozen times a week...Perez Hilton indeed.
What a bunch of idiots.

Posted by: Cookie | November 3, 2007 10:46 PM

hahaha..... common sense is rare

Ariel

attention seeking loser must be your tag line since you always say it. If CCMD can make a comment, then by all means let him do it. If he doesnt agree with your socialist and extremist ideas, you shouldnt insult him. You know, he's here for the same basic reason (and what you do too): DEBATE. Before, you said "...commenting uselessly", but what is commenting? USELESS. So technically, you do the same thing.

Useless Useless Useless. All of this is useless.

Posted by: Caboose | November 3, 2007 11:22 PM

Oh one more thing Ariel:

SOCIALIST!!!1!11!1!!!!11!

Posted by: Caboose | November 3, 2007 11:24 PM

I have to admit, when i rescued my 5 beagles, i thought what am i to do. We bought huge crates, i mean three of them could fit in one. And use them for their bedtimes. I never thought till i read this, that they may actually hate sleeping in them. I always thought it was a place of solice for each of them. I placed chew toys and bones and stuffed animals in each of them, so that it would be more like "their" own personal space where they didnt have to share. Sometimes they paw at them to get in, and when i open the door they go in to lay down. ( i should mention when they do this i never lock the doors) Do you think i should stop using the crates like this?? Are my babies really miserable?

Posted by: Jessica | November 4, 2007 04:30 AM

I used to disagree with crating as well; but after my dog chewed through our WALL and our floor, we realised we had to do something. His crate was made comfortable with all his toys and his food and water were in it, and because he was a shelter dog he was already house trained. Now we dont crate him at all, he dosent chew because he grew out of it, and I dont worry that he wouldve choked on some poisonous dry wall or garbage..crating, like any other form of structure is only impactful and useful when used correctly, but they can be a lifesaver (literally!) not to mention our for our furniture!

Posted by: Courtney | November 4, 2007 07:35 AM

Thank you PETA! I have always sensed something is wrong with crates even when they were being heavily promoted years ago. I have 5 rescued dogs, and have always opposed crates. My dogs sleep and lie on the bed with me, they love it and this is how I show them i love them as friends and equals. I am so glad to see my favorite animal rights group and I both understand that dogs don't belong in crates, they want to interact, do things, play, or be with a human or dog companion. My dogs also have a dog door to a fenced back yard. I think every dog should have dog door so that when they need to relieve themselves, they can go whenever they need to. My dogs also like to go out the dog door just to sun themselves too. I always offer to put a dog door in for free at friends houses whom have dogs but no dog door. I know i can't "hold it" when I have to go, so how could they? I can't imagine the pain of having to "go" and not be able to. I also know i would go insane if i had to sit in a crate for even 2 minutes. Thanks for getting this info out there. People have been conditioned by this "crate fad" to think crates are normal or beneficial for dogs. They are just the opposite.

Posted by: vegan4animals | November 4, 2007 10:36 AM

Ok, I have trained dogs and showed them for years. I don't crate train, and they love their crates. I leave one open in the house and they go into it and sleep and curl up. I have school and work so i'm not home much, but I can leave them out. Puppy owners crate their dogs so they won't tear up the house. Puppy proofing you're home takes more time and money than cleaning up the pup and crate. I think this flyer sound paranoid. At shows my dogs are crated all day for the only reason that, what are we suppose to do? Let them run around. uh no. Crate become cruel when you use it to punish your dog. Or abuse them in the crate. I have heard many master dog trainer opinions on this, and i've heard it go both ways. I've done my reaserch and this is just my oppinion. Bash me if you want. I saw someone comment about breeders and how owners are the responsible ones. A GOOD BREEDER breeds to not only make high quality dogs for the show ring, but also to create healthy ones as well. (I'm sorry if this seems a little of topic it will be breif). I have worked for breeders and all dogs of breeding are tested for different diseases depending on the breed, so there is a reduces chance of those puppies getting the disease. BAD BREEDERS are people who create oops litters by not fixing they're dogs. Most GOOD BREEDERS will have owners of they're puppies signing contracts sayin the dog must be fixed if now shown, and if anything goes wrong to bring it back to them. People need to fix they're dogs and be responible. They may use a common excues "I dont' have the money" but you shoule have though of that BEFORE you bought the dog. also, unresponsible owners are the ones who abuse crates. Crates are not the source, unresponsible owners are.

Posted by: Bethanie O'Brien | November 4, 2007 01:49 PM

Ariel

Thanks for the thorough explanation, it was enjoyable.
The only "extremist ideas" are the ones that idiots subject us to with their utter stupidity about their anti-animal stance. These yokels come out of cesspools to share their garbage spit right out of their orifices. Stay well!

Posted by: Ana | November 4, 2007 02:32 PM

Peta is wrong on alot of things, this just clarifies their ingnorance even more. Crate training done properly is the most effective tool when raising a dog. Keep crating people....Peta has lost it.

Posted by: brad | November 4, 2007 04:23 PM

ANYONE WHO HAS KNOWLEDGE OF BASENJIS WILL AGREE CRATING IS NECESSARY. I LOVE MY BASENJIS BUT ONE OF THEM CANNOT HANDLE BEING LEFT IN THE HOUSE. THEY ARE NEVER CRATED MORE THAN 3 HOURS AND NEVER EVER WHEN WE ARE HOME. STOP GENERALIZING AND LEARN BEFORE YOU SPEW RHETORIC.

Posted by: SUZANNE | November 4, 2007 05:23 PM

ANYONE WHO HAS KNOWLEDGE OF BASENJIS WILL AGREE CRATING IS NECESSARY. I LOVE MY BASENJIS BUT ONE OF THEM CANNOT HANDLE BEING LEFT IN THE HOUSE. THEY ARE NEVER CRATED MORE THAN 3 HOURS AND NEVER EVER WHEN WE ARE HOME. STOP GENERALIZING AND LEARN BEFORE YOU SPEW RHETORIC.

Posted by: SUZANNE | November 4, 2007 05:23 PM

kelly,

My dogs live inside, but after a long day of harvesting/killing/murdering quail/pheasants/ducks/doves, they do enjoy a cozy dog box. I am a southern white male. I am smarter than you. I am more educated than you. I probably make more money than you. Who are you calling underclass, you racist bigoted grain fed idiot?

Posted by: Christopher Cochran MD | November 4, 2007 06:18 PM

sometimes when im away from my dog (5 years old) for 5 or 6 hours we HAVE t keep it in a crate becuse it pees and poos ALL OVER OUR HOUSE!! wehave tried many trainers but eveyone says thatthrer is NTHING we can do!! does that make ME a bad owner?? >:[

Posted by: heather skelton | November 4, 2007 06:48 PM

Well, as a PETA advocate and supporter, I must say I am somewhat disappointed at the viewpoint PETA has taken with this issue. First of all, I find that many of the points in the flier are one-sided. Second of all, crate training is still recommended by veterinarians and knowledgeable animal behaviorists as a training tool. I am a vet tech and also work for an animal behaviorist and we all recommend crate training as a successful way to potty train a puppy and help with some behavior problems. We DO NOT advise owners to use crates us punishment our to keep them in there for prolonged periods of time! We advise owners to use positive reinforcement with the crates and leave them open so the animal feels comfortable going in and out BEFORE they are put in there with the door shut. Having a dog crate trained is also a useful tool if there ever were an emergency and the dog needed to travel via crate, or be boarded, or receive medical treatment at a clinic in which the dog would have to be in a cage during the treatment. Please do some research about how, when, and why crate training is recommended before you make up your minds.

Posted by: Mollie | November 4, 2007 07:30 PM

My first dog chewed through an electrical cord while I was away from home for literally only a few minutes.

After that terrible experience I've learned to rely on a crate for the dogs safety and my peace of mind.

Posted by: Relmond Hoffman | November 4, 2007 08:20 PM

Mollie's absolutely right. A one-size-fits-all approach is almost always wrong, as it is in this case. How on earth would I have gotten my dog to England if she hadn't been used to a crate? To shove her in for the long plane ride when she wasn't used to it would have been cruel.

On the other hand, we haven't used it since we arrived here, except when she's had to be hospitalized.

Posted by: KathyF | November 5, 2007 04:25 AM

cookie, quick hint: google search perez hilton BEFORE commenting.

Posted by: rojo | November 5, 2007 05:19 AM

..."I am more educated than you. I am smarter than you. Who you calling underclass, you racist bigoted grain fed idiot?" CCmd(?) to kelly. More educated? Smarter? I think not.
"...you shouldn't insult him. You know he is here for the same reason you are..." Caboose to me about ccmd. (see paragraph above) Need I say more?
Now that I got the garbage out of the way, time to take out the trash...

Posted by: Ariel | November 5, 2007 08:18 AM

Well this just happens to be one of those times that I do not agree with Peta...now don’t get me wrong crates like anything else in this world can be used in the wrong way...I did crate train my two girls Chloe & Roxy...I tried the no crate thing with Chloe at first she would not house train she peed everywhere.....once I got a crate within the first week she has never once not let us know she has to go outside. They do not spend days upon days in a crate they only spend the moments that we are not home in one. That happens to be two days a week...I work 2 days a week my hubby works 40 there are only two days out of the week that they must stay in a crate during the day while we are not home. The only other time they are in a crate is when we have to leave the house. Most of the time our dogs go where we go....we revolve our activities around our dogs we are always at the dog park....some dog social event...etc. Do I feel like with the amount of time they are in a crate I am abusing them NO! They regardless of what the little ad says go in their crate by themselves when they want to sleep.....I can understand targeting people that make the crate like a chain a 24/7 haven for dogs. So now does this mean you go after every humane society that uses crates or boarding place, or vet? Let me tell you compared to most dogs mine are extremely fortunate. They are loved, fed good food, taken to the vet, up to date on their shots....and allowed to live life around us in our home not outside on some chain, or in a fenced in back yard to face the harshness of the weather. As far as the leave your dog with a Kong theory puppies and both of mine are under a year have the attention span of a two year old sorry but when what ever is placed inside of that Kong is gone so is the appeal...the appeal then becomes my walls, my furniture...ect...I work hard to have the things I have, and I work hard to provide for the dogs that are part of my family....Am I wrong because I do not want the dogs to chew on dangerous objects such as electrical cords...or things that could choke them while I am away? Peta you really have to watch out here this is a touchy outlook as I agree that dogs should not be permanently placed in crates all the time...I also see that there are many people out there trying to do the best they can for their animals and to say that it is abuse because they crate them when they leave their home is unfair. Would you rather my dogs still be in a pound caged up, facing death? Or would you rather for a couple hours out of the week they be placed in a crate so that they do not harm themselves and everything around them? As for you dog walker theory yes I have thought about that myself but unless the dog walker plans to stay at my home the whole time I am gone what good will that do when I come home and my dog has chewed the wall and choked on the pieces after the dog walker left and before I got home? I love my dogs and trust me after seeing the condition of others I know that they are well cared for...and just as they are lucky to have us we are lucky to have them...This is way over the top when you are judging people that care about the well being of animals!!!!

Posted by: Dana | November 5, 2007 08:32 AM

Hi, Ana! : )
I am going to carry over a part of your comment that was on another forum, which I addressed in agreement - but I don't think was posted.
"Resilience, courageous, and compassionate..." your words to describe a/r's activists as not being "thin-skinned."
Apparently sewer water has sought its own level with the newest(?) commenter, caboose, aligning itself with ccmd.
Bringing this around, both continue to fail to understand that a/r's activists do NOT get offended with attempts at insults, as I mentioned several times. I have also mentioned a few times that a/r's is NOT a debatable issue because cruelty, killing, torturing, abusing, and exploiting animals - as WE know - are not issues that can be debated, therefore, I do NOT debate, especially as if I were to compromise.
Therefore, since the attention-seeking losers with their juvenile deliquent mentality don't like comments by a/r's activists and are not interested in learning about animal rights, then, DUHHHHHH, they are only on here to keep proving repeatedly that they are attention-seeking losers who have nothing better to do than to make useless attempts at undermining the resilence, courage, and compassion that us a/r's undeniably have in order to stand by our cause.
Virtuous attributes can NEVER be conquered. We are NEVER going away. In fact, as WE know a/r's activism is growing stronger and stronger every day around the world - and that is because of our RESILENCE and COURAGE. Those unbeatable attributes, plus compassion, are a combination that the anti's do NOT possess, and most likely never will. So bringing this around to my continuous point: they are attention-seeking losers who, yes, I agree - come out of their cesspools to share their garbage spit right out of their orifices which - I will add, are their anal orifices.
Keep fighting the good fight, Ana, because as we KNOW, GOOD ALWAYS WINS over evil!
ps: no doubt that the anti's will need an interpreter in order to digest my comments due to their lack of reading comprehension.

Posted by: Ariel | November 5, 2007 09:03 AM

I am also very disappointed with this article.

I have a 7 month old beagle. He slept in a crate for the first few months and then outgrew it. He went several months being confined to the kitchen when I was working (I only work 10-20 hours a week so he isn't alone much), and sleeping in the kitchen at night. Because of my stupidity, he almost died because he got into a cupboard and ate some cleaning products. He also chewed a huge hole in my kitchen floor, that I cannot afford to replace for my landlord. I am very fortunate that my puppy is still alive. I bought him a big crate last week and I do not think it is cruel for him to spend 4 hours in it every few days for his own safety, I think it was cruel of me when he was left in the kitchen where he could get hurt.

Posted by: lyn s | November 5, 2007 10:38 AM

I suspect my comment will not appear in your comments section, as I am in disagreement with a hard stance against crating. (I don't know where Mylie got her information, but it may be that crating just doesn't FEEL right.) That is true for humans, but we can't confuse what is comfortable for us with what is comfortable for dogs. Dogs evolved from wolves, who do live in dens and enjoy closed in places that feel safe and secure. This behavior especially is evident when a dam is about to whelp pups. She will look for the quietest, most cave-like space she can find - in the back of a closet, under a bed, etc. I have several dogs - many sleep with us and some sleep in their solid-sided crate. I never hear a peep from them - they sleep comfortably all night long. Now, I also don't have them in crates during the day unless they are being potty trained. They come and go as they please, however, I will go into their sun room during the day and find them happily napping in their crate by their choice. They have the choices of being out on the deck, in a fenced 25x70 gravel yard, or a fenced 25x70 grass yard, or roaming around the house. They have doggie doors to come and go as they please. I don't believe in OUTDOOR dogs. If you want a dog, then keep it inside and be home most of the day, or make sure the dog you have, if purebred or mixed, is of the temperament that is comfortable being separated from people. If a dog has been especially bred for companionship, then don't adopt it unless you're home! They need their people!

Posted by: Jeri | November 5, 2007 10:39 AM

Hello Ariel:

Always enjoyable to read your posts. Killing does not take much intelligence to accomplish; any yokel, lout or member of a hate group can do the same. When anyone has to throw their purported intelligence/education at anyone in order to feel superior, there lacks character and self-esteem. Declaring being a white southern male are fighting words for Northern blacks and other ethnic groups. Seems I have read that on several white supremicists' sites.
But you are right, animal advocacy is growing most especially among the youth who are the future of this nation and the world. A college student went in search of me on Friday in order to tell me he had become vegetarian. Reading the autobigraphy of the Mohandas finally convinced him to take the leap and he is overjoyed with his decision. Of course he is Latino, poor and an undergraduate student but he is very insightful and intelligent.
I, like you, have great faith in the integrity that animal advocates display. It takes a base nature to enjoy killing and ending the lives of beings that do you no harm. Only those with highly developed sensibilities can develop compassion for all beings not just the human ones.
Keep fighting the good fight and stay well! Peace! :)

Posted by: Ana | November 5, 2007 01:31 PM

Wow Ariel, straight from a socialist.

Telling us what to eat/wear/drink/do isnt evil?

Posted by: Caboose (neutral, blue army. Blood Gulch Outpost Alpha) | November 5, 2007 03:58 PM

If a northern African American is incensed because I am a southern white male then they are as bigoted and prejudiced as kelly. You folks are some of the most elitist people I have ever encountered.

Posted by: Christopher Cochran MD | November 5, 2007 05:39 PM

I see that Caboose has decided that "socialist" is a bad word (it isn't), and is throwing it around as the new attempt at insulting the a/r people (just like the worn out "hypocrite" comments we were getting from the bad steve et al in the past). BORING!

Caboose, have you heard of "Thou Shalt Not Kill"? - hmm, though I am not religious, I am aware of the 10 commandments, and am aware that most countries have laws against murder. So, if I am to interpret either the Bible or a particular country's criminal code, then it would seem that the church and/or the state is TELLING people what to do. Wow, that's pretty evil and socialist, telling people that they are not allowed to kill others. I guess I better have a meeting with my son's school principal, for telling the children that they are not allowed to hurt others! To think that school principals could be so socialist by telling the children what to do. I should also complain that I am not allowed to send any food in my son's lunch that may have nuts in it - obviously the school has some nerve telling me what my son cannot eat at school.

I can only hope that most people reading this blog can see how idiotic this sounds. People do have the right to engage in certain activities without state interference, but helloooo, that does not give everybody the right to do whatever the heck they want.

Posted by: Michele | November 5, 2007 09:39 PM

You think you are better Ariel? F ing socialist.

Posted by: Caboose (neutral, blue army. Blood Gulch Outpost Alpha) | November 5, 2007 10:16 PM

If you meet a fireman, ask which would he prefer to find in a life or death rescue situation:

A frightened, snapping dog loose, but cowering behind/under a large piece of furniture.....

or one in a crate which can be easily slid/carried to the nearest safe exit?

Posted by: Relmond Hoffman | November 6, 2007 04:05 AM

Schulz is a lively, playful and energetic, sometimes adrenaline driven 10 yrs old German Sheperd, slightly oversized by some Siberian blood in his genetic past. He has never been in a crate, never will be in one. At very early an age, he lost interest in slaying pillows and plaids. Never damaged furniture seriously. Never had furniture been more important than Schulz, by us. He never gave trouble even to those people he openly dislikes. He will never wear a mouthgard either. A policeman once asked why did Schulz wear no mouthgard. We answered that he could well wear one himself, if interested.
A crate? If you cannot handle it with a dog, just leave this to whose who can. A crate, give me a break.

Posted by: Gian Paolo | November 6, 2007 09:03 AM

there is nothing wrong with putting a dog into a crate. my wife brought home a pug puppy a little while back and he was always pissing and shiting in the house whenever he pleased. most of the time when he did it he had just been brought in from being in the yard. so when he came in the house for the night he went into the crate and quess what now he has the whole house to move around in at night because he no longer relieves himself in the house. crating is not cruel it is not inhumane it is one of the best ways i have found to house break a dog because it works.

Posted by: claude | November 6, 2007 12:17 PM

Michele
You are still socialist(not a bad word, just a variant of communism) I dont advocate abuse or murder, nor do I agree with PETA on some issues.

Only idiots (not you) relate religion to life.

Posted by: Caboose (neutral, blue army. Blood Gulch Outpost Alpha) | November 6, 2007 04:42 PM

Michele
You are still socialist(not a bad word, just a variant of communism) I dont advocate abuse or murder, nor do I agree with PETA on some issues.

Only idiots (not you) relate religion to life.

Its different than with what you said because there has to be some order, but PETA telling us what to eat, drink, wear (not a fur advocate either), and maybe do is too much!

Posted by: Caboose (neutral, blue army. Blood Gulch Outpost Alpha) | November 6, 2007 04:45 PM

Michele
You are still socialist(not a bad word, just a variant of communism) I dont advocate abuse or murder, nor do I agree with PETA on some issues.

Only idiots (not you) relate religion to life.

Its different than with what you said because there has to be some order, but PETA telling us what to eat, drink, wear (not a fur advocate either), and maybe do is too much!

Posted by: Caboose (neutral, blue army. Blood Gulch Outpost Alpha) | November 6, 2007 04:45 PM

Michele

Socialist is not an insult, but rather a variant of Communism.

Well there has to be some rules in society for order!

But when PETA wants to get their way and goad us into being vegan and believing what they say, and telling us what to eat, drink, wear (no fur advocating here), and maybe do, it's to much!!
That's why I say socialist.

Posted by: Caboose | November 6, 2007 04:53 PM

My dog LOVES his crate. He goes there when things get a little crazy at our house (which it does, with 3 dogs & two toddlers). He also will whine & look at his crate when he wants to go to bed. Not all dogs that are crated are neglected in those kennels. But, my dog's also about 10 pounds, and I think it's harder on larger dogs to be confined.

Posted by: kim | November 6, 2007 06:14 PM

Excellent comments, Michele, especially supported by excellent TRUE examples!

Posted by: Ariel | November 6, 2007 07:49 PM

sorry for Nov 5, 2007 10:16 pm. ;(

To make it up to u, here is a RvB quote:
"Help me! I cant find my solar powered internet enabled blowdryer! I have a lot of moistness that I need to desmoisten! Also, I need to do it while I am webpaging about moistness."
-Caboose. Red vs Blue Technology PSA.

Posted by: Caboose (neutral, blue army. Blood Gulch Outpost Alpha) | November 6, 2007 09:34 PM

I cannot believe that PETA would ever condone anyone OWNING an animal. How can you live with yourself if you have any pets? It just doesn't make any sense to confine an animal at all. They are not people. And they should not be controlled.

Set them free, open your door and just let them go. It will be beautiful to see them running free, living their lives in the wild as they were meant to be!

Posted by: Mazie | November 6, 2007 11:34 PM

Mazie,

You used the words no one should “own” a pet. I agree with you on that just not in the way you think. No one should ever use the term “own” when referring to a pet....pets are not owned they are not property they are instead part of the family...We do not treat our animals as property they are an extremely important part of our family. Now on to the rest I can imagine our little babies wanting to be placed on the streets to run free as strays....just don’t think that starving on the street is a pretty picture in your “let them run free” theory....dogs are not wild horses!!! As for this crate thing I expressed my beliefs on this above....Our dogs are puppies...puppies chew because they are teething. Like I said before what situation fits best sitting on death row in the pound or spending a few hours two days a week in a crate while I work? I think more energy needs to be place on dogs that are chained out 24/7 barely receiving food or water...or spay/neuter which is the non lethal solution....instead of focusing a lot of attention on our dogs being in a crate a couple of hours a week....I can think of many worse things at this point that are abuse...our dogs do not need for anything, and besides the few hours a week we are gone they get 100% of our attention our world revolves around doggie social functions, doggie parks, and walks. Right now as of this minute there is an animal control officer that has starved his female boxer, and left her behind when he moved...when she was taken from his property she weighed 35 pounds when she should have weighed 55-65 pounds just to see her was extremely sad & sick. This officer spent a total of 35 minutes in jail...pled guilty...the judge then let him off with time served (the whole 35 minutes) he never paid a fine or the first dime....he is still an animal control officer.............There are much more issues such as this that are considered neglect & abuse....my girls are healthy, well fed, warm, loved, and cared for to the extent most dogs are not..they have everything a doggie could want...and we have to spend hours upon hours trying to make me feel bad for crating my dogs, because for one I want them alive when I come home, and two I want to have something left when I do...........they have toys, kongs, chew bones....there toy box is full, but just like kids they want to chew on the things that are not theirs...walls, chairs, couches, electrical cords...ect....my one girl gets much more entertainment trying to chew up the toy box instead of the toys............I work closely with an animal rights group....I volunteer a lot of my extra time to helping animals........I am working on a will to include my dogs care after I am gone, but because I put them in a crate (keep in mind a crate they go into when the door is wide open on their own) I am now an animal abuser..........GET REAL!

Posted by: Dana | November 7, 2007 11:58 AM

Mazie,
Yes, it would be beautiful to see (domesticated) animals running free, living their lives as they were meant to be. However, this is not a perfect world in which we can set them free. Although they can survive at best with their natural instincts if let alone, they would unfortunately still be victims of the horrible atrocities that some of cruel mankind would inflict upon them, including vivisectors confiscating them (as they do anyway) for excruciatingly painful, nonsensical experiments. And some domesticated animals would be victims of the weather elements.
We don't refer to ourselves as "owners." Rather, as responsible care-takers of the animals who are furry members of our families. One might say that they have been entrusted to us.
It really bothers me to have to keep my cats indoors, while knowing how much they would love to roam outdoors. But cruel humanity doesn't give them or me the option to risk their lives and health.
Now what animal rights' doesn't condone is harboring non-domesticated animals and calling them "pets." For example, tigers, snakes, any wild animal who has been taken out of their natural habitats. Then we have the circuses, which we don't condone animals taken out of their natural habitats for the purpose of exploitation for the almighty dollar. After the wild animals have maxed out their $$$$$ potential, if the the circus owners don't kill them, they abandom them. Then non-profit wildlife animal sanctuaries take them to live out the rest of their lives as naturally as possible. Thank you for your input.

Posted by: Ariel | November 7, 2007 03:08 PM

Whoah! So much crossfire over a simple question (Then again, I may have added to it ;(. )! I dont fully disagree with PETA, but the stance against meat and other traditions (not tradition such female genital mutilation) I disagree with.

Posted by: Caboose (neutral, blue army. Blood Gulch Outpost Alpha) | November 7, 2007 04:13 PM

I am not any lower than you are just because of what I may have said. Cheerio

Posted by: Caboose (neutral, blue army. Blood Gulch Outpost Alpha) | November 8, 2007 10:12 PM

Let them free? Now THAT is cruel. Dogs were created by humans, and they need to be cared for by humans.

If you cannot crate a dog, how will you travel with it, safely? I'm sure dogs don't like flying through windshields, or being strapped to seatbelts.

Posted by: Jen | November 11, 2007 07:53 PM

I have been a supporter of PeTA for years. But this, I must disagree with.

I'm sure the author of this flyer is correct that many people use crates incorrectly, for the convenience of themselves, and that many people are using them in line with their unrealistic expectations of their young puppies.

However, my family's dog, who was adopted from a shelter over 11 years ago, really DOES love his crate. He came from an abusive home in his puppy-hood, and suffered from severe separation anxiety if left at home even for brief periods of time. (He was never alone for long days-- for the first 3 months he was with us, there was an adult & kids who were not working at all or in school, and so were home most of the time to give him love & attention and take him to doggie training classes.)

His crate IS his den, his safe place. He goes in without complaint, NOT only when we tell him to go in, but when we are home, and the door is open. Often he'll stay snuggled in there, even when he's being called by someone who would love to invite him on their lap or throw a toy for him. Even when no one is home, if his crate is unintentionally left open, he'll still be curled up in there contentedly upon his peoples' return.

This is the most loved dog you could imagine, and his anxiety levels have decreased dramatically since we first brought him home, as an mistreated, anxious, aggressive little dog. We love him unconditionally, and he returns the favor. PeTA usually has it right on, and there certainly is some truth in this flyer, but they really miss the mark on a lot of their points in this one.

Posted by: dogsbestfriend | November 12, 2007 06:43 PM

THANK YOU for this posting....I just printed it out to hand out at work to new puppy owners. ( I work at a large vet hospital. I teach all new puppy people that dogs don't live in cages!!!
When asked about my own dogs I tell them I have 5 dogs that all but one are rescues and were adults and I do not own cages, never will. My puppy ( who is now 5) never used a crate, and my other dogs were not housetrained using cages. My dogs have free reign of the couch or chair of their choice...bedrooms are off limits as one likes to nest in the comforters, but at night they can sleep with us if they choose. During the day they are free to walk around ( not turn around in a cage) they can jump up and down, look out the window, watch TV, interact with each other, bark, sniff, pee on the floor if they have a problem ( I do not correct if they have an accident, you don't just go to the bathroom set times a day)they can play with toys or not, play with each other or not. What kind of life is it to sit in a cage and stare at the walls for 10-12 hours and no wonder they are hyper when the owner gets home, then they are corrected for being hyper and put back in the crate to sleep the night. Might be a reason why you see dogs at shelters. I have co-workers that keep their dogs crated and only allowed out to pee 3 times a day and play, then back in their "den" or "cave" funny but last time I saw a cave it didn't have a locked door. A place to sleep is one thing, a cage with a locking door is another. If people took the time to teach and play and care with their dogs, I am sure dogs would be more loving and relaxed. So THanks again for the info and be sure it will get passed out to all new dog owners and puppy owners.

Posted by: Claudette | November 12, 2007 06:47 PM

I'm glad I just read your article about crating dogs. I just got a 15 week old Shit Zhu. Everyone keeps telling me to put her in a crate to potty train her.I don't like crates, and my dog is happier in bed with me.When she is ready she will get the hang of it and learn how to tell me she has to go out.Mean while she will not be in a crate. Rose

Posted by: Rose | November 12, 2007 09:52 PM

This is the silliest thing I have ever seen! If you really believe that crating is inhumane than you have either seen it done wrong or know nothing about dogs!

Posted by: Riannon R. | November 12, 2007 10:54 PM

CAN I JUST SAY YOU PEOPLE WHO EXPLAIN THAT A DOG NEEDS TO GO INTO A CRATE WHILST THEY WORK IS UTTER CRUELTY TO ME. I HAVE A LABRADOR AND YOU CANNOT GET A PUPPY WHO IS AS DESTRUCTIVE AS HE IS. THIS IS BECAUSE HE IS TEATHING, THE SAME WAY AS A BABY DOES,AND BECAUSE WE DONT PUT OINTMENT ON THEY GOTTA CHEW CHEW CHEW. ANYTHING THEY CAN GET THERE HANDS ON. THEY DONT UNDERSTAND THAT YOUR SHOES, SOFA KITCHEN CHAIRS ARE OF VALUE THEY JUST NEED TO CHEW THERE TEETH THROUGH. IF YOU CANNOT PUPPY SIT UNTIL THEY ARE OLD ENOUGH TO BE LEFT HOME ALONE YOU SHOULDNT HAVE ONE. HUMANS THINK BECASUE THEY ARE JUST DOGS THEY DONT NEED THE SAME ATTENTION AS A BABY DOES WELL I BEG TO DIFFER. I FIND THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE DOGS ARE THE WORST PEOPLE TO UNDERSTAND THEM. ESPECIALLY WHEN THEY VERBALLY SHOUT ABUSE AT THEM. A DOG IS A DOG IT DOESNT UNDERSTAND HUMAN CONVERSATIONS. ANYONE WHO CRATES A PUPPY/DOG SHOULD GET IN ONE THEMSELVES AND SEE HOW THEY WOULD FEEL. YOU DONT CRATE A BABY OR CHILD SO DONT CRATE A PUPPY/DOG. IF YOU FEEL YOUR HOUSE WILL BE SPOILT THEN DONT BLOODY BUY A DOG. MY DOG IS APART OF MY FAMILY. I WAS AWARE OF THE MESS AND DISTRUCTION HE WOULD CAUSE SO I MOVED THINGS OUT OF HIS WAY AS NOT TO SELF HARM. THEY ARE VERY SOCIABLE ANIMALS AND VERY LOYAL. UNLIKE PEOPLE. MY DOG IS ALOUD TO ROAM FREELY AROUND MY HOME WHILST I AM OUT DURING THE DAY OR NIGHT. I AM WILLING TO HOOVER HIS HAIRS UP AFTER HIM AND CLEAN UP HIS MESS. NO HASSLE TO ME. HE GIVES ME PLENTY SO IN RETURN I DONT MIND CLEANING UP AFTER HIM AFTER ALL HE IS WELL WORTH IT.
YOU WOULDNT CRATE A BABY SO DONT CRATE A PUPPY.
IGNORANT AND CRUELTY COMES TO MIND!!!

Posted by: LISA FOX | November 13, 2007 08:59 AM

I am happy for those of you whose dogs can go for any length of time by themselves throughout your homes. Mine cannot. She has separation anxiety (she's a beagle/lab mix so obviously she's hyper) and despite getting long walks every day and being an older dog now she still gets into everything the moment I leave. I was against the idea of a crate in the beginning and thought them horrible. I was wrong and so, I think, are you. My dog never had a problem with being house trained and was in fact completely house trained as a puppy before I ever got a crate. I needed the crate because she was destructive to herself and her surroundings. Do not think I was worried about my belongings, I was not. She means everything to me and is way more important that possessions and always will be. But. She was hurting herself by using her teeth to pull up the fake tiling of the floor and jumping up and tearing at the walls... finding wires I didn't know were there or even tearing through the walls. We went to the vets a lot. Then, I got a crate and gradually she came to not only like it but chose to go there anytime and THAT is when I started to close the door to the crate and leave for maybe fifteen minutes at a time then come back and praise her. She was safe, she did not hurt herself and I even left a recorder going to make sure she wasn't whining or barking in it the times I was gone. She wasn't. She is never in it for more than four hours at a time (and that is rare) and she is never made to go in it for punishment. this ad is irresponsible for cases like mine, if not for other cases. there are going to be dog owners with dogs like mine out there that now will simply give up and take their dog to the pound because you say crates are inhumane. That is not right. Shame on you.

Posted by: Emma | November 13, 2007 11:43 PM

Lisa

Turn the fucking caps lock off!

Posted by: Caboose (Combine Slayer) | November 15, 2007 08:59 PM

I'm really dissapointed to see Peta waste energy on this issue. Attacking people who crate their dogs just gives the general public and people who truly do care about animals an excuse to see Peta as crazy instigaters who will pick a fight with anyone, which invalidates Peta and their supporters. People are definitely not ready to hear something like that, when the majority still think it's ok to eat animals for food, or wear them as clothing. It sounds really off the wall to fight something that when done correcty, IS NOT cruel! Only a very wealthy person would be able to spend every minute with their dog, or could pay someone when they couldn't be there. Most people have to work full time to support themselves and their dogs! So in that case, crating your dog is a much better option than tying him up outside, or leaving him unattended in your house where they could hurt themselves. Crate training does have to be done properly, and there is certainly the opportunity for it to be cruel, but people who would leave their dogs stuck in a crate for 10 hours obviously do not care about their dog in the first place. We shouldn't bother harping on them about the crate when in reality animal services should be taking the dog away from them. People who are crating responsibly would really take offense to being told they are abusing their dog. Dogs should all learn that being in a crate is not a scary thing, because sometimes they may have to be in one (traveling, overnight stays at the vet, etc.). I am lucky my dogs do not have seperation anxiety at all, but any animal that is left alone will get bored, just like children, and it's much safer for them to be in a crate with their toys than roaming the house chewing on things that could hurt them. My dogs do love their crates, they go in them and sleep or play all the time. I find it very insulting for someone who must have such a wonderful life that they can spend all their time hanging out with their dogs, to tell me I am abusive because I have to work for a living and want to keep my dog out of harm's way when I am not home.

Posted by: rachel | November 17, 2007 03:50 PM

There is not a doubt in my mind that crating the strays I foster for a few hours at a time is less humane than letting them potentially hurt my cats or dog or leaving them outside in the heat or cold. When I get a new foster dog, my own dog is generally protective of her old crate and jealous of the foster dog using it. Just as TV should not be used to babysit human children, crates should never be used to relieve responsibility. Additionally, CRATES SHOULD NEVER BE USED FOR PUNISHMENT.

Posted by: Elise | November 17, 2007 11:00 PM

I am very disappointed that PETA is wasting their time on this issue when there are clearly more important issues to be addressed. Crating is not cruel if done correctly, and never for punishment. Now i realize there are people who use crates the wrong way; however, you cannot assume that all people who crate their dogs are cruel and inhumane. What do you suggest people who work all day do? Would it be better to let the dogs run free in house where they can run the risk of getting into something that could be harmful to them? I crate responsibly and am offended by the implication that I am being cruel. My dogs are part of my family and treated as such.

Posted by: Jewels | November 30, 2007 10:40 AM

Create training isn't bad, whats next going to zoo and euthanizing all the animals because their not in their natural habbitat? I'd prefer to see a dog in a create thats in the warmth of someones home then seeing one thats been hit by a car and laying dead on the cold shoulder of a road.

Posted by: matt | November 30, 2007 10:42 AM

UM,.. Different Subjuct,... I have been taking care of my neighbors crated dog/dogs for 5 years!!! He has had 2 so far,.. They both were WACK JOBS!!!! One was a mut and the other is a pure bred,.. Crating stops the activity that Is needed to keep the brain young!!! I have 2 dogs , both are muts / half breeds. I love them both and I have had dogs for all my life/ 13 years. I know that The most inportant thing for my dogs is a good days exersize and lots of love. My Friend and I just went up to my neighbors house to take care of their pure bred dog, their mut having passed away at the age of 5. We both thought it is so sad about crating dogs it really shortens the life of your loved ones!!!! yup

Posted by: Nadia | February 29, 2008 10:32 AM