A note about the crate

We started using Porter's crate again about a week ago due to some chewing/scratching issues he was having while we were gone. He hadn't been crated at ALL for several months. We were relying on baby gates to keep him confined to the kitchen area, which worked very well for awhile until we started having some chewing issues. He seems to really ENJOY his crate. He goes in without complaint (eagerly, in fact, because he knows he gets a treat) and comes out all sleepy and happy, looking calm and well-rested, and never anxious or stressed. It's been a big success.

We've started leaving him in the crate in the morning and then out in the kitchen area restricted by baby gates in the afternoon. So far, so good. He hasn't had any chewing/trash digging/chocolate chip cookie theiving episodes, even when left out, since we went back to the crate.

I'm glad he's back in practice with his crate, too, so that when we take him with us out of town or visit friends, we'll have a spot to stick him and not risk some Porter toofy marks on someone else's cabinets!

Thanks to Sandy for the suggestion (how great is it that Porter's breeder reads his blog and keeps in touch?!), and to B for the emotional support and co-puppy-parenting! (It was a little sad to stick the guy back in his "cage," but the results for everyone have been very positive.)