Crate Training/ Using Divider

[raisingboys]

We ended up purchasing a new crate for our new puppy. Our older Boxer had two crates that she grew into, but they looked horrible really. They were more than 10 years old and rusty in the pan. Back then, they didn't even have the dividers as an option to purchase.

Well, today I sent the breeder a last minute update and to confirm the time on Wednesday that we would be there to get the puppy. I told them we have everything in place and we ended up with another crate. They told me that they are NOT A FAN of the crates with dividers and would go over this with us.

Now, what? LOL. I am sure they will tell us why they do not like them, right now only one can speculate.

I have the crate set up ready to go and thought it would be good.

Those of you that used the dividers, did you have any problems?

What would the downside be of using it?

I am worried the breeder will say, " DO NOT USE IT."

I guess I could come back and say, " I am not a fan of the food you feed to your puppies." -Just kidding even though I am not, I wouldn' t be rude.


Any tips, suggestions, or experiences would be great.

 

[jrackow]

I'm by no means an expert; we've only had our first boxer puppy for about a month now. But, we bought a crate with a divider, and Mojo LOVES it. He hated his other, smaller crate. He would cry and cry when he went in it. When I brought home the full sized one, I set it up in the living room with my husband and I acting really excited about it, giving him treats while we were setting it up. He was very into sniffing it and seeing what was going on. After we set it up, I put the divider about 2/3 of the way towards the front so that he only had room to stand/turn around/lay down. I wrapped a towel around the divider so that he can't see the empty back part, and I put a comfy fleece pillow in there, and some toys. Mojo loves it! He walked right in and layed down, and goes in there all the time, now. I've already had to move the divider back about 4 inches, b/c he's grown so much. It's really easy to use, and we love it. It's such a MAJOR difference from his smaller crate. I think the fact that it's taller and wider is what's doing it, rather than the crate that was smaller all around.

 

[Caney Creek]

I haven't a clue why they might not like a divided crate :confused: Sounds like a great idea to me, now you won't have to buy another one in a few months!

 

[tbone]

Maybe just listen to whatever they have to say, smile and nod. Take your pup home and use your new divided crate :D

Please update with their reasoning...

 

[johann]

Maybe they're worried he'll get his foot caught under the divider?

We used a divided crate with Johann and it was great. Saved us from having to spend a fortune in different sized crates.

Have fun getting the new puppy!

 

[BxrMommieNAZ]

Maybe just listen to whatever they have to say, smile and nod. Take your pup home and use your new divided crate :D

Please update with their reasoning...

I gotta second this. In the end he is YOUR pup and you need to do what you are comfortable with and what fits in with your family and your budget, etc.

 

[ikonxone]

We have our crate divide and nixxon has no problem with it. we also have a pad in it so we don’t have a gap at the bottom if that could be a problem. Right now the divided crate is perfect because both of my dogs fit into the one crate with the divider. I am also curious about the reasoning.

 

[Cali Koa]

We used a crate divider too, it was great. You'd spend a fortune on crates if you didn't and its so easy to slowly increase the size. I can't think why they'd have an issue with that. I agree with tbone - listen, smile, nod, then take your puppy home.

We just removed Koa's divider this weekend, he's 6 months old and hasn't had an accident in ages.

 

[OurFirstPup]

We bought a 42" size crate, and never used a divider in it. Our 8 week old puppy has never had an accident, she holds it until she is taken out. Since she only sleeps in her crate at night and is crated while we're out, she doesn't use it as her "den" or anything at this point, but she doesn't mind it.

 

[raisingboys]

Thank You

Thanks to ALL for sharing your personal experiences and tips. I can't wait to hear the breeders' reasoning why we shouldn't use a divider crate. Its a little too late to really worry about it now. Everyone we know that has acquired a new puppy in the last couple of years uses the divider type.

I am just trying to do the right thing for this little one.

If buying the wrong type crate is the worst thing we do as a family, BOY DO WE HAVE IT MADE! LOL.

The tip about nodding and putting on a huge smile sounds just like a tip I might have to use.

I will post what the breeder told us. We pick our fawn girl up tomorrow afternoon!