The Whippet Files: Crate games / chase the squirrel

[@robinblackmoor8732]

I never had a dog that I had to crate. What causes that to need to be done? My dogs just live in the house with rest of the family. This seems like a training issue.

[@artlu100]

@@robinblackmoor8732 mine travel in crates in my van and spend time in them at shows.. helps if they’re happy in there and don’t find the experience punishing.

[@robinblackmoor8732]

@@artlu100 oh. My dogs are regular. They don't go to shows. Mostly they travel to parks, to run around.

[@artlu100]

@@robinblackmoor8732 before I discovered agility, my dogs were never crated either. Having their own, safe space to relax in is invaluable when out at, what can be, a stressful environment.

[@robinblackmoor8732]

@@artlu100 Yeah, I guess it does make sense for a show dog. I did not think of that.

[@deborahfield521]

Dogs don't belong in cages

[@kima.6611]

Crate training is essential for puppies. You never know when you're going to have an emergency and the dog will need to be crated for transport or it's general safety. Fire, earthquake, car accident and your transported to the hospital, hurricane, tornado, whatever. The last thing you want is for your adult dog to suddenly find itself in a crate and freak out.