I had never heard of “crate training” and when I did thought it would be most disagreeable for a puppy to be put in a cage. Robert thought the same so when I changed my mind I had to satisfy him and Bertie. What made me change my mind?
My goddaughter’s mother recommended it saying her dogs looked on their crate as home. I wasn’t convinced; Bertie looks on the kitchen as his home and is at liberty to prample around there. Bertie’s manners are almost faultless. He is punctilious in introducing himself to other dogs, their owners and children. At the weekend he was keen to be shown how to use a skateboard by a child. I didn’t take a picture because Schulz got there first.
An authoritative Chinese wotsit said, authoritatively, that Bertie would have to be trained and, in her experience, the best place to start was with the owner. When left alone in a kitchen he would jump onto the table and worktops – he must be trained not to do this because he would hurt himself jumping down again. While this would have been food for Bertie is was food for thought for me. Then two Labradors told me, kindly, that a crate was essential and that her dogs loved escaping into their den. She recommended putting a roof on and making it a special place for Bertie, feeding him there and giving him treats. This is the upshot.
Bertie loves it, not least because he can have a drink without getting out of bed – who wouldn’t?
Such a gorgeous dog Christopher – there’s nothing like an animal who loves you unreservedly. The cage is an excellent idea whilst Bertie gets over the jumping up stage and by the look of the photo he’s very happy. I am loving your daily blogs. Best wishes Penny (Richard’s former PA at Wig Specialities)
If I had that bed I would stay there all day as Bertie seems to do.Do we have any action shots of Bertie yet? Exuberant with ears flying.
We haven’t had any shots of Bertie smiling yet.