Hi everyone. I'm new here. Just registered, but have been surfing the Leerburg site for about a year. Learning a lot, but now have a question I haven't seen.
I have three dogs-pekingese F 16 mos, chihuahua F 9 mos, and a gsd M (maybe-he's from the pound) 4 mos.
They all have their own Varikennel. Question is - when they're not in them, do I keep the doors closed or allow free access? I've been keeping the doors closed as they seem to have "issues" when the doors are open and one wanders into another's kennel.
Another question - on board etiquette - if I have multiple questions that aren't on target in a subject, should I ask everything in one post in one place, or should I go post under the correct subject.
Sorry if that's a dumb question. I don't usually post on message boards.
Thanks in advance to everyone!

Roz,
Welcome to the board!
This is just my opinion, but if the dogs show any issues, such as theft of toys or "wandering", as you put it - I'd keep the doors closed. You might as well prevent trouble if you can, that's always the best policy with multiple dog ownership.

Posting the questions in the correct forum will get you the fastest answer! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Hey Roz -

Welcome to the forum .. I'm fairly new here too. When I first got on, I wrote this huge post with all my questions (BLAM) blurted out. I must have sounded insane! The kind people told me, just break them up and insert them in the proper forums.

This is wise for two reasons. First, people don't have time to answer everything. And people who are knowledgeable will frequent certain forums. Second, people who have the same problem/questions later on can search a particular forum. Your issue might help someone else in the future, so its better to have it "filed" in the right forum.

We have two pups. And we keep the crate doors open. We manually do not allow the pups to enter each other's rooms. (they get an "eh-eh" and a disapproving look) They genernally don't have an issue with it. But our GSD does not take kindly to it from his younger sister (Spitz) if she tries it. She is indifferent, but then again, she's a Spitz.

What we found out was, when we leave the door open, in due time, they go in by themselves and sleep. Its nice to not have to coax them into their crates.

Three dogs huh? Man, you're brave.

Lots of luck!
David Chau

Hi Will and David. Thanks for your input. My husband and I are discussing trying to keep the kennels open and seeing if we can manage the dogs. We figure if there isn't anything in the kennels then they would lose interest in marauding each other's.

UGH! It wasn't supposed to be a three dog household. I can see eyes rolling now. A year ago we put down our akita/shep x. Hubby didn't want another dog. I've had large dogs since I was 12 so I started going thru withdrawals. (I get the feeling I can find sympathizers on this board.) Talked him into two little dogs (better than none.) Well, someone's decided to go in and out of our yard lately and I had some stuff stolen so hubby said - time for another big dog! Enter Bruce (GSD from the pound) into the picture.

I understand it will be a lot of management. Little dogs aren't too thrilled. They actually have to behave now! (SIT! STAY! DOWN!) They're the first little dogs I've ever owned.

Thanks again. More questions later.