Crating Question?

[lilroxy]

We just got a new puppy, and my boyfriend and I disagree on the crating. He thinks that is mean, but I think that letting her run around is to dangerous. He suggested locking her in our bathroom but I don't think that is a good idea either. Any suggestions?

 

[RunningOra]

Crating is a good way of house training and protecting your puppy (and your home!)...keeping them in a room like the bathroom is also an option - it's up to you. But in my opinion, crating is not cruel or mean, it gives them a safe place where they feel secure (I always feed my puppy in her crate, and hide treats etc in there...she goes in quite happily and sometimes uses it as a retreat from the cat!). It's giving them their own space, while still being able to be in the main part of the house rather than shut somewhere far off from you. That's how I feel about it, anyway

 

[gmacleod]

How long are you considering crating her for? That is a BIG factor in deciding whether or not to crate. If it is for short periods - you're able to come home to take her out for a break and an opportunity to potty every couple of hours or so (initially that would be essential - as she grows up, the periods could be longer) - then crating can be a good option, and one that helps with your housetraining.

If you can't come home often though, then crating simply isn't an option at all. Not until she's old enough to be asked to hang on for however long it is (8 hours is the max for adult dogs) that you need to ask her to. If this is your case, then the bathroom is by FAR the better option, as you're able to provide newspaper or pee pads to enable her to relieve herself.

 

[suzyqdogsmom]

I've done it both ways. SuzyQ is the first dog we have crate trained and it was much nicer and easier on all of us. We kept her crate in the living room in front of a patio door that overlooked our yard and driveway and the street so she had something to look at. We would leave the door open when we were home and she often would go in and take a nap, and if she was scolded for anything she would run in there. It was her safety zone. Even if you can put her in a small place like a bathroom, if you are away very long they can and will find mischief (damaging mischief) to get into. I have had dogs chew the edges of cabinet doors, trim, tear up linoleum, and what fun toilet paper can be. If this is your first dog you will be amazed at the damage a puppy, particularly one who will be a big puppy soon, can do. Of course, she may not be that bad, but it's a real crap shoot whenever you leave them unattended. They may not like being crated at first, but I really don't believe it is being mean to them. They will figure out whichever method you choose, that you go away for a period of time and then you come back. Good luck with whatever you decide.

 

[spazsmom]

I use to feel guilty about leaving Spaz ( 6months at the time) in his crate while I went out and did errands, so one day I deceided to leave him in the bathroom so that he'd have room to walk/play. I did doggie proof it, but to my surprise when I came home he had gotten a hold of the toilet paper, and had chewed off, pieces of the door frame, scratched the door knob, and urinated on the rug. Now I crate him, if I have errands, but prior to that I take him for a walk/run. When I get home I make sure I take him on another walk or simply have him fetch the ball to burn up some of the energy he has.

 

[kmorales]

I personally think crating is better, you'll be surprised how much a boxer can destroy your home out of boredom, especially a pup. I have crated zoey since she was 6 weeks old and it was a big help with potty training. The only thing is that when I would be gone, she would pee in the crate, which is why I would put an old towel to soak up the mess, easier to clean. But it only happened till she was 3 months. Now at 11 months, she is fully potty trained and I dont use the crate anymore. Now I just baby gate her to the living room and boxer proof it, we just come home to a sprawled out sleeping boxer on the couch.

 

[Hi From NZ]

Well this week I thought I'd try giving Bruce the laundry room for chilling out in during the day, instead of crating him. The first day, he ate my back door, so I employed some bitter spray to keep his inquisitive wee teeth off it. So the second day he ate my ironing board. This is day three. He's in his crate.

As Gmacleod has pointed out though, you could really only consider crating if you're able to get home frequently to let your baby out to pee and poo, as they HATE soiling their crates (it's their den, remember, think like a wolf!). Hopefully you're in a position to do so?

I'm glad I tried the non-crating option out but while Bruce is this age (3 months), it's simply not an option for me. You could try different options too (especially to settle any domestic, errr, debates )and I'm sure you'll discover quickly too what works for you and your dog, and what doesn't. Good luck!

 

[lilroxy]

Thanks for the great advice from everyone. It is so helpful. I think that we are going with the crate. We have my neighbor to let her out a couple of times a day so it is working out great. She is in love with her Kong. Thank you everyone.

 

[JSFandAxle]

I crate axle during the day. 8-3 and he does fine.

Just as long as he gets a good exercise before he goes in. (meaning running in the backyard or etc.) And a walk at night!

Its good cause he does get into anything. And i dont loose anything he tears up.

 

[boxmom]

I think you are making a good choice going with the crate. I felt the same way you BF did about it before trying it. When we got Fred earlier this year we got a big 4 foot by 4 foot kennel. It has worked out great. We have it in our living room, and it really doesn't look as bad as it sounds. He has plenty of room in there to fully stretch out and walk around. Good luck with your pup.