crate training questions

[hooley]

I have been doing as much research as possible on crate training a puppy. I won't have mine for about another month, but I have a couple of questions. Is a plastic crate better than the metal? Will she chew on it? It just look more like a den than the wire. Also, if I get the wire to keep her in for a couple hours a day (with a closed off area for her to run around and mess in) is it okay to put her in a plastic one at night so she can be next to me in bed?

Sorry it is so long. Thanks for your help.

 

[Scorpio]

I'm not sure about the plastic crates. I used a metal one myself. They can chew for sure. Make sure its sturdy. You can have more than one crate for sure as long as you keep to the same routine so she knows at bedtime where to go. Not sure what you mean about a crate where she can run around in?? Some crates come with dividers so you can make them bigger as the dog gets bigger. They should have just enough room to lie down and turn around. You don't want them messing in their crate and for a couple of hours she should be fine.

 

[Tulsa-Dan]

Save yourself some grief, worry and $$. Go with the metal (heavy duty wire) crate. No, don't use both. Pick one and that is the pup's "safe place." End of story.

 

[pinkpuppy]

We have two crates: one big one for day time (plastic), and another smaller one in our bedroom - also plastic. The reason we have two is because Chloe arrived on a plane. The smaller crate (it's really medium size - much bigger than a cat crate - maybe triple the size?) has been very useful; we use it in the car and have taken it to "grandparents' " house when we stayed over night. I realize that she will soon grow out of it (at 12 weeks she can still comfortably stand in it) - but our plan is to allow her to sleep beside our bed on a pillow (it's already there - and she naps on it), and to use a harness in the car. Chloe is potty trained (hoping not to jinx that one ).

Thus, if you think you want to get 2 crates, I would suggest that you get one smaller one. (For travel -because they grow really fast and a harness has to fit properly - it makes sense to first transport in crate and wait till the pup is bigger to outfit with a harness - that way you only by say 2 - not every size!) .... But that's just my opinion and it has worked for us.

There is a pic of Chloe in her big crate in our gallery :D .... Good luck with your decision!

 

[schipman]

We use the large metal crate with adjustable divider. If the crate is too big they can still go potty in it. Too small and you will have an uncomfortable dog. The adjustable one is nice for small puppy that will grow VERY FAST. We draped on old blanket over the top to make it more cozy and den like when pup was small and removed it later when she wanted to be able to look around.

This is our second pup and crate is still good as new. It also collapsed flat for transportation in trunk of car. It cost about $100 when we bought it but seems to have been worth the money.

Good Luck

 

[Shortybut]

I use the plastic vari-kennel. I think it a matter of prefrence to which you choose. I find that the metal wire ones make alot of noise when the dog is in it. And when they turn around at night I hear it. I found with the vari- kennel and a waterproof crate pad. There is less noise. I actually have both my crates in my room where I sleep. Most importantly when starting out with the pup leave only enough room for them to lie down and turn around, use dividers if necessary. Also to help with the potty training if you can't watch the pup crate her. They need to be surpervised like a hawk. The minute your back is turned. They will pee or get into something.

 

[craZ4HERKIE]

Kudos to you for doing research before you get your pup!appicon...I myself have always used a heavy duty metal crate...I like the slide out tray...makes cleanup easy if they have an accident.However, it does make a lot of noise when he moves around...but then again....He'c only crated while I am at work!