Annie’s Mailbox: Crating the dog is creating strife

Dear Annie: Six years ago, our daughter left her dog with us. We’ve grown to love “Lassie” and would never give her back now. But she wears down the furniture, scratches the floors and leaves lots of hair all over.

Last year, we were blessed with grandkids, so now our living room is gated off from Lassie. We keep her in a large crate, which is very comfortable and that I refer to as her “apartment.” She seems to like it, so when she is not playing outside, I put her in the crate so she doesn’t roam the entire house.

Well, my husband is having a fit. He says I am cruel to “cage an animal.” I now sleep alone in my bedroom while my husband and Lassie use the rest of the house. My husband has no interest in my feelings on the matter and refuses to consider a compromise. What do you think? – Can’t Stop Crying

Dear Crying: According to the Humane Society, crating a dog is a perfectly appropriate way to train the animal not to destroy the house. The crate becomes the dog’s “home.” Even so, it is not recommended that you leave the dog in the crate too many hours at a time, because all animals need exercise and human interaction, and you don’t want the crate to become a punishment. The point is to train Lassie not to scratch the furniture or do other destructive behaviors.

But a certain amount of wear and tear is to be expected from any animal companion. If you are trying to prevent Lassie from leaving hair around the house or wearing down the furniture through normal usage, you are being unfair. Of course, your husband is being equally unreasonable by banishing you to the bedroom while he cavorts with the dog. Tell your husband that you are willing to rethink the issue if the two of you can discuss it with a dog trainer and both promise to abide by the professional advice given.