1 or 2 crates

[natas]

Chopper and Sasha love to hang out with each other. They are both in the middle of crate training. However I was wondering what you guys think about getting one very large crate and putting them in together while me and the gf are at work. Is this a big no no? I figured it would allow them to hang out and be entertained while we are gone.

 

[sashamom]

Ours have one big crate....maybe it would encourage them not to go at all! Not sure as we did not get the big crate until ours were already potty trained!! I love it though....they snuggle and keep each other company!

 

[mancin]

I keep mine in 2 crates, but right next to each other. They can still keep each other company, but each still has his own space. I wouldn't feel comfortable leaving them both in one crate in case a fight broke out, but that's just me.

 

[sandy's mom]

We have 2 crates.
They need time away from each other.
I think it makes their relationship a little stronger.

 

[gmacleod]

Definitely two crates. It's not such an issue with puppies, but from adolescence onward, I think it is better and safer to crate your dogs separately.

I don't personally believe that being crated together will have the slightest impact on how much they bond with you versus each other (actually, I think that's a bit of an old wives tale at the best of times ). But as they grow up, they do need their own space. Primarily it's a safety issue - should there be a disagreement in the crate (quite likely if you also leave toys/kongs/food to keep them entertained whilst in the crate) then there is nowhere for one dog to back off to and a minor disagreement can easily escalate into a full-blown fight. And still no way for one dog to back off...

IMO it's better to be safe than sorry, and you can always crate them right alongside each other for company.