My own forum experience. Don't talk yourself into a hole. It's extremely easy to do around here. I didn't take the time to get to know the community and now I'm shunned by all but a handful of members...dog forums don't seem to be very forgiving because of how jaded they get. Sometimes, you just can't explain yourself properly over the internet because there's no body language or vocal inflection to change the mere words into your actual intent. Non-vocal cues comprise up to 93% of communication with the remainder being the actual words used, according to a UCLA study.

That said, back to the topic. I have a 13 year old dog and a near 10 month old puppy. I didn't crate my old dog when he was a pup, I tried to just confine him to an area, and he'd destroy anything his teeth could get a hold of. It took him several years to grow out of it. My puppy is insane and a seemingly bottomless pit of energy. If I left him uncrated he'd go ape dookie. I have no doubts that he'd be quite destructive if left to his own merits. I'm a fairly busy person and can't watch him constantly, so I put him in a crate for his own good and my sanity. I highly recommend crating from my own experience. If what you do works for you, more power to you. As long as you aren't harming the animal, raise it how you want to live with it.

Scott, I honestly hope that you don't feel "shunned" here, you and I got off to a rough start but you know that many posters, including myself, appreciate your input here.

 Quote: scott garrett

My own forum experience. Don't talk yourself into a hole. It's extremely easy to do around here. I didn't take the time to get to know the community and now I'm shunned by all but a handful of members...dog forums don't seem to be very forgiving because of how jaded they get. Sometimes, you just can't explain yourself properly over the internet because there's no body language or vocal inflection to change the mere words into your actual intent. Non-vocal cues comprise up to 93% of communication with the remainder being the actual words used, according to a UCLA study.

Scott, We all agree and understand the subtle nuances which can be missed on the net... Take it from one who has "stepped on her twinkie" as often as not on this forum, this is a pretty forgiving bunch. Any of us can come across as unintended, but it is with the consistant, overall well-meaning posts which ease the sting of the "oh crap, I didn't mean it to sound like that". You are more than welcome on this forum!

Thank you both. I now feel the need to say that I wasn't being emo or fishing for compliments, just talking.

And now I'll take my own advice and go throw my newspapers.

So... What's a "twinkie" and how do you step on it? I mean, is it like a leash, or a training collar, or a toy? How do you use it?

I'm so confused. But if a "twinkie" will help me work with my dogs...

Any port in a storm.

They're yummy and it's a sad day when you step on your own.

So, a "twinkie" is a training treat?

When I work with my mutts to try to get them to track I some times step on a training treat, now and then... Have I been using "twinkies" and never knew it?

I wish I was more hip or hep or whatever.

You can learn a lot here, if nothing else but the correct way to discuss and describe training stuff. "Twinkie." Well... The guys may give me a bit of grief but if it's the correct way to describe a legitimate training approach...

You learn some thing new every day. You just gotta ask, I suppose.

 Quote: mike arnold

So, a "twinkie" is a training treat?

When I work with my mutts to try to get them to track I some times step on a training treat, now and then... Have I been using "twinkies" and never knew it?

I wish I was more hip or hep or whatever.

You can learn a lot here, if nothing else but the correct way to discuss and describe training stuff. "Twinkie." Well... The guys may give me a bit of grief but if it's the correct way to describe a legitimate training approach...

You learn some thing new every day. You just gotta ask, I suppose.

Hey! Family forum!

No twinkie talk!

I am so easily led astray.

But a crate is the way to go, even if one has a big kitchen and works at home, I theenk.

The crate can provide an excellent time management and scheduling tool. And it need not be forever but it is a way to introduce a modicum of control when needed.

And many dogs seek the security of their den.

Two cents... But I'm even more confused now than before.

I can live with my stuff being chewed up... after all, it's just stuff.

I can't live with my dog dying of a bowel obstruction or poisoning...