Is the a reason that the dog is locked in the cage for so long during the day/night?

If there are integration issues between cat & dog you would be better to address them rather that avoid tackling the issue by excluding the dog in a box.

From reading the words written it paints a sad existence for the dog.

I am guessing you have not read all the posts, Meg is not going to be kept in the crate for as long anymore, but i will continue to utilise the crate.

I am intersted about how you would you integrate a resident cat with a new Dog?

I believe by using the crate the cat has the confidence to enter the house and they can meet in a controlled environment.
Many people tackle issues with their Dogs by using crates... This is an issue i am trying to tackle.

Whoops - I had not read that when I posted my post immediatly after it, my post after that was posted 1 min after your post above so I must have been have been writing my 01:16 post as you posted the above & did not see it, I was responding to your previous posts not the above clarification.

OK got the real picture now, your first few posts illustrated a different picture & thats what I was writing about in 01:16 post.

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Operant symbols

+P = Positive Punishment
-P = Negative Punishment
+R Positive Reinforcer
-R Negative Reinforcer