I still prefer to keep my dogs as house dogs they live as part of my family and I dont think Id ever change that. I still feel its down to how *you* are around them and how *you* train them, there are plenty of kennelled dogs that lead a miserable existance, and I would hate for anyone to read this thread and come away with the idea that maybe kennelling their dog is The solution to a problem they may be encountering . Im not for one minute saying thats what you are saying Penel, but peeps read things differently sometimes I think ALL dogs regardless of breeding need their own space where they can chill out undisturbed, whether thats a quiet corner next to the Aga or under the coffee table

Incidentally I was up at Steve's this morning Penel , and had a cuddle of all the male dogs lol, had a special squeeze of Mau's dad all his dogs are very happy, waggy babes I told him how well Hattie was getting alone He was pleased to hear about her

Me too Julie - that isn't what I am saying at all - and I won't be kennelling my dogs either. However I have an extremely quiet household, no kids and very few visitors (Penel no-mates ) so for my dogs life is quiet at home anyway. I just think that modern life doesn't suit some dogs thats all !

Glad to hear you thought all Steve's dogs were happy - I'll email them some photos of the Hatster !

Just dragging this up again. Fascinating reading, food for thought.

As I write, Jess is stretched out on sofa behind me (while I'm on the floor ) and Charlie is on a sofa in the other room, darker and cooler, often where he chooses to be, sometimes all night.