Ray Lincoln - Caged Love: Suburban Dogs and the Crate Training Conspiracy

Caged Love:

Suburban Dogs and the Crate Training Conspiracy

A scientific and emotional expose on the most widespread abuse of dogs in society today, and one of the last taboos that dog lovers still fear to confront. Caged Love reveals how Americas acceptance of excessively crating/caging dogs contributes to a variety of extremely serious problems that increasingly affect all of us. What you read will shock you

by

Ray & Emma Lincoln

Authors of The Cure for Useless Dog Syndrome

Other Books by Ray & Emma Lincoln

The Cure for Useless Dog Syndrome

Awesome Puppy ( coming soon)

Dog In a Box (coming soon)

Caged Love: Suburban Dogs and the Crate Training Conspiracy

By Ray & Emma Lincoln

Copyright 2011 by Ray & Emma Lincoln

Published by: Awesome Book Publishing

P.O. Box 1157

Roseland, FL 32957

First Edition

All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any

manner whatsoever, without written permission from the

Authors.

ISBN: 9780984053858

Library of Congress Control Number: 2010934524

Disclaimer : This book is intended to provide general information about the negative effects of excessively crating/caging dogs and general advice about positive alternatives for training and housing. The authors, the publisher and Awesome Dog Professional Training do not offer any specific advice or treatment plans in this book for individual cases, and this book is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a veterinarian, qualified behaviorist, etc. for the care, training or treatment of readers dogs. DANGER: Its not safe to suddenly open a crate or cage without a safe plan and allow a dog (or especially a young puppy) out if the animal is in immediate danger of injuring or killing itself - for example, by chewing on exposed electric wires or ingesting chemicals. First, make appropriate plans and arrangements to protect the dog, which could include dog-proofing (removing hazards); proper supervision & behavior training; and keeping young pups in safe areas. CAUTION: There is danger of death or extreme physical injury if people release crated dogs that are behaving aggressively without first taking appropriate safety precautions. The authors (and Awesome Dog Professional Training) advise readers to evaluate each situation carefully before they act to keep humans (especially children), and animals safe, to consult local experts and make decisions based on their best judgment. For safety, the authors (and Awesome Dog) recommend adults supervise young children whenever theyre with dogs; and not force young children to physically manipulate dogs while theyre crated, caged or tethered. This book doesnt offer specific advice for individual cases, since safety precautions differ depending upon many factors. Owners should make decisions for housing their dogs based on the safest alternatives; and/or consult qualified local professionals. The authors, the Publisher and Awesome Dog waive any liability in cases of injury to humans, animals or property.

This book is lovingly dedicated: by Ray to the memories of Alfie & Killer and by Emma to the memories of Lola, Boss & Baby- our beloved canine relatives who raised us.

Table of Contents

Part A: the Worst Abuse of Dogs Today

-Definitions of dog crates, excessive home dog crating and puppy mills -The shocking truth about how many hours many suburban families commonly cage dogs in their homes -The extreme damage the practice can cause List of physical, emotional and behavioral symptoms that result from excessive crating -How to tell if you, or people you know, are crating excessively, and whether your dog has been damaged by excessive crating in his past -Crating mythology vs. facts -The truth about who makes owners crate their dogs Quick ideas for immediate improvement

-How belief in the practice of crating/caging dogs hurts quality of life and endangers families -The scandal of puppy mills in America -How excessive crating/caging causes unprecedented behavior problems, particularly aggression and lack of healthy bonding with people The financial cost of behavior problems for the average family -The risk of injury and death from dog attacks Notable exceptions where temporary crating may be necessary for safety

Week-by-week breakdown of biological, social and functional development for both wolf pups and puppies The lifestyle of growing wolf pups and the true function/ timetable of the den Scientific studies proving how environment during puppies developmental milestones influences their behavior and abilities in later life, particularly their ability to bond with people Scientific studies showing maladaptive reactions in pups deprived of stimuli during critical early weeks Development of dogs brains, senses and confidence vs. fear -Evidence of dogs intelligence

-The truth about what actually happens each hour a dog is caged vs. free in the home This h our-by-hour recreated story of 8 month old German Shepherd Champ, his owners and their two children shows physical, emotional social (bonding) changes dependent on if the dog is crated vs. free -Based on scientific evidence and clinical observation in home settings. This chapter offers a condensed version of the authors novella Dog In A Box which excludes some if the more emotional/graphic ending scenes.

-How suburban life today, and the floor plans of modern homes have created a race of frustrated dogs The wild story of a familys homecoming with Bouncy the Labradoodle- the terror at 5:30 Statistics on our technical era and how easily families are distracted Specifics on how floor plan, electronic devices, and how family members spend time with each other affects modern dog behavior & quality of life The truth about the Real Estate Bubble, mini- McMansions and open floor plans

-The truth about Marley & Me , the worst dog in the world -Why dogs with bad manners are now so common Americas infatuation with celebrity dog trainers -Why average families struggle with increasingly serious canine problems -Huge expenses for intervention Extreme training devices used by average owners -Why the shift in popularity from old-school dog training by intimidation to positive/gentle methods has led some dog trainers to practice a different type of abuse

Part A: The power of multiplication and the dog training industry

-Growth and lack of oversight -Inside information about dog trainers work, their methods and the challenges they cant face -Why caging dogs has become a go-to solution for trainers -How to avoid being misled by a dog professional who demands you crate your dog for the wrong reasons

Part B: Extreme Quotes & Policy From Some of

Americas Favorite Dog People

-Disturbing (and darkly amusing) quotes that romanticize crating -Public information passed on by influential people and organizations (including some of the best known individuals in the dog industry) that feeds the popularity of crating.

-The size of the dog industry, its surprising reach & profit -Breakdown of how much profit comes from crating & behavior problems caused by it -Areas of the economy (including many outside of the dog industry) that profit from evading or misleading owners about cratingSurprising details about the benefit to entities including: manufacturers, retailers, book publishers, trainers, groomers, veterinarians, shelters and non-profits How unrealistic notions of pampering dogs fuel intense spending that is often facilitated by locking our pampered dogs up! -Dangerous worst-case scenarios public officials are already aware of that could affect our communities if the Crating Conspiracy continues

-Veterinary and behaviorist evidence and opinions on physical, emotional, behavioral and neurological changes in dogs from excessive crating How isolation acts as punishment in canine learning Symptoms of kennelosis an identified syndrome that occurs in dogs that have been overly caged or crated Veterinarians opinions of how symptoms manifest in shelter dogs Challenges rehabilitating puppy mill survivors. -Cage-rage Stockholm syndrome -Organizations and individuals who stand against crating Humane alternatives to crate-training offered as alternatives by veterinarians and behavioral experts