The right Dog for us.?

[Jesse Lopshire]

I have to weigh in on the crate training. It might seem cruel to YOU because humans cannot imagine being kept in a crate for a few hours but to a dog who was introduced to a crate properly it isn't a big deal. When a crate trained dog is put in a crate they are more than likely just going to lay down and take a nap until you get back. It isn't cruel as long as you make sure the crate is large enough and that your dog was properly introduced to it. Crates aren't just there to protect your home and belongings from a bored dog. They are there to protect your dog. When we are gone we cannot control what our dogs do if they are loose in the house. A dog may get into something that is harmful. There is no such thing as a dog-proofed home. No matter how hard we try there will ALWAYS be something for a dog to get into. I feel better leaving my house knowing that my dogs are safe in their crates and that I won't come home to find that my dog has gotten into something that could harm him.

And just so you know, Cocker Spaniels CAN catch frisbees, jump in the air, and swim. You seem interested in Whippets. While they can also do all these things I have not seen very many Whippets who enjoy frisbees or swimming. However, any breed can enjoy these things. Just remember that you might even end up with a Labrador who hates water and won't retrieve a ball. Breeds have general tendencies but each dog is an individual.