Crate/Feeding

[charlesnbeth]

My 8 week old boxer puppies Elvis and Priscilla are doing ok...Today was a rough day I was off work and I did not keep them crated today but when they would fall asleep I would put there in there. I cleaned up pee alot and poop once. My question is should I keep their food and water in one side of their crate at all times? I use one side of their crate as their sleeping spot and one side as their feeding spot and where I keep them when I am not home. On their bed side I keep a bedding down for them but when they are on there other there is nothing down for them.

I am just trying to figure out all this crate training thing and trying to to give up. My husband is deployed and I am hoping when he comes home in the next couple of months they will be trained.

Also I noticed them digging outside is there anything that can be done about this?

 

[EAO76]

You should not free feed (leave food down all the time) they need to eat regular meals. But you can leave water in the crate (although it will probably get spilled so I don’t know how helpful it would be) Are you crating them together? If so then you need to get an additional crate. They each need their own.

 

[charlesnbeth]

You should not free feed (leave food down all the time) they need to eat regular meals. But you can leave water in the crate (although it will probably get spilled so I don’t know how helpful it would be) Are you crating them together? If so then you need to get an additional crate. They each need their own.

Oh No they have their own crates. I once they get up the mornings I let them out and while they are out I fix their food/water.Then while I am getting a shower they have the chance to eat. Then once I am done with my shower I let them back outside till I am ready to leave for work which is about 15mins or less. Then I bring them in and place them back into their crate. But should I lock them in the crate with their food or just show them thats its available to them.

 

[vickilamotta]

I never left food or drink in the crate. It needs to be associated with sleep and rest. And certainly less mess for you to clean up.

 

[EAO76]

How many hours are you gone for? At 8 weeks they need at least three meals a day but it’s never a good idea to just leave food down. They need to learn to eat it when it’s given not pick at it through out the day. If you are gone a long time then they may need water but I would get one of the no spill bowels or a rabbit bottle.

 

[charlesnbeth]

So should I put down the food and water in the crate or should I be putting it where my other dogs eat and drink?

If I put in oneside of their crate sould I lock them in there till they eat?