How much crate time?

[kassabella]

Linda that sounds a good idea. Another idea, what if you teach him to come out of the crate.
Another idea maybe your Mum can use a treat or a ball or something he loves to get him out of the crate and control him. Gems and all the other B.C owners I have talked to say their dogs love to retrieve, so I utilised that desire as a treat as it worked better than food to stop Gems jumping on children.

To stop Gems jumping up at us and especially litle kids. I trained her to drop a ball or whatever she had, then take a couple of steps back so I could bend down and pick it up without her jumping and splitting my lip. If it wasn't close enough I taught closer, then she would run back a few paces. If she didn't go back, no play and she learned very quickly. My lip wished I had learned as quickly. lol.

I recently learned I should have taken the toys away at night or they are non stop as Gems was.

At first with Gems I thought what the heck am I doing wrong with this dog. She doesn't stop. Then I read a man comparing energetic dogs and said Labs have lots of energy and will stop when tired......Border Collies never get tired.lolol.

[Milesmom]

Linda, m I have no experience with border collies, but I don't think that is ane excessive amount of time, especially at night. I don't know about your mom's condition, but Ferrari might be a bit too much for her for a very long time. Although, if SHE INSISTS on letting him out, she'll need t learn how t manage him so she doens't get hurt.

[Luvmydog2much]

I don't think its too much. I think the routine of it is more important than the actual hours of time in there.

My almost 6 month old is crated from 830-430, with one break at noon from the dog walker. Its a routine, and she's in the crate most mornings before I ask her too.

[MicksMom]

I, too, don't see anything wrong with your system, Linda (other than the guilt you're feeling. ) I like the idea of teaching Ferrari to come out of the crate instead of your Mom having to reach for him. If she needs to put a leash on him, maybe a kennel type lead would help. If, like me, you aren't keen on the slip collar idea, Mendota makes one with a martingale collar.

[3TailsWaggin]

Mom doesn't have to reach in the crate for him, he comes out and goes in on his own The problem is, when he comes out he is overjoyed and exhuberant and jumps up on her. If he catches her skin with his nails, her skin rips. I've told her to put her hands up under her armpits and turn away from him. He won't jump up on her back (He wants to get his face in "our" faces, as all dogs do).

Of course the jumping issue is a work in progress and I may never break him of it (Ruger has ALWAYS jumped up on people, I could just never break him of the habit... consequently when I don't want him to jump, I simply stand on his leash . Remington is not a jumper and never has been. Ferrari is a jumper.

Again, thanks all for the feedback. I had a talk with mom and told her I will not be upset or mad if she simply crates him when I'm not there. I don't expect her to feel frustrated, afraid, or be worried about him.

We've had two pretty good days. Mom seems happier knowing I'm not upset with her, etc. Ferrari is perfectly fine. In fact, since so many of your responses were affirmation of what I already do... I no longer feel quilty putting him in his crate while we eat at the table either (he is a very fast food snatcher!) I was keeping him on a leash at the table, but he "hasn't earned the right" to even be at the table yet, so he's in the crate while we eat, then he gets let out. It's not punishment, it's just his place while we eat.

Thanks again for all the good thoughts, etc.

[kassabella]

I wonder if jumping is a Border Collie thing when excited. Gems is horrible for it. You think she is sitting quietly and boof...black eye or split lip.I also wonder if they are more in tune with us and pick up the fears thus getting them excited.

Erns and Tessa go to the crate when we eat or I am tired and can't be bothered watching the food while I prepare it. I don't think crates are a bad thing.

Glad it is working out for you and your Mum.