posted 01-13-2004 07:44 PM         

Well, I would first decide whether or not you REALLY do want him to be in the crate at night.

If yes, then I would definitely invest in a larger crate to make his "quarters" as comfortable as possible. My two dogs too like to sleep with their back legs stretched out behind them sometimes. This position for some dogs is more comfortable. Therefore, to make things a bit more comfortable for him since he does like to stretch out his hind legs, try a larger crate.

If no, then it is up to you to decide where then you want him to sleep. Maybe in your kitchen (gated off if you want him to remain in there), maybe in your room on the floor with a dog bed, etc.

My two shih-poos slept in their crate at night only for a short time when I first brought them home due to some arranging that we had to do at the time. They really didn't seem to mind sleeping in their crate, but I knew and could tell that they would be much happier sleeping out of it. And quite frankly, I didn't mind either way; if they wanted to sleep in it, that was fine, and if they wanted to sleep out of it, that was fine as well. Now, they both sleep in my room, and are as happy as could be with it. The arrangement has worked very well for all of us!!!

Just my opinion on the issue!