gotta switch crate size. help please

[fordraceing_]

allright, kadie is 11 weeks old now and before we got her 3 weeks ago we got the largest crate we could so we could just divide it off. well everything we have tried hasn't worked. we tried a huge box with a sheet over it, she would get the sheet off or just climb on the box. we tride gates and crates and she can magange to get to the other side with only like 3 inchest from the top of the objects to the top of the crate. now this crate is HUGE. and we have tried everything. i know we should have got one of the adjustable crates but i can't find them anywhere around here.

now is it bad if i go and buy a smaller one that would be the right size for her now and then in about a month and a half she will be about 4.5 months old then i can just let her have this whole big crate then i can give the smaller one for my mom?


thanks,
joe

 

[boxer]

There's absolutely no reason why you can't buy a smaller crate, then shift to the larger one later LOL - the only reason people suggest buying a large crate at the outset and using dividers if needed, is to avoid the cost of purchasing a crate that will be outgrown.

With that said, does she pee in the crate if she has the whole thing? That's actually the only reason for dividing the crate in the first place - to discourage them from peeing in there. It isn't necessary with all pups - some take fairly well to their crates, and if they've also got owners who're able to take them out frequently to potty during the day, peeing in the crate may never be an issue

 

[fordraceing_]

well she did last night.

LOL i though you were soupose to use one crate size so they would get use to there crate and not have to get use to something new again LOL. well i guess i will try her with the whole crate for 24 hrs see how she does.

thanks,
joe

 

[cmarnell1]

I used the following to divide up the crate and it has worked so far...

I cut a piece of cardboard to fit in the crate and block the part of the crate I didnt want to use. Then i used zip ties to hold the cardboard to the crate. I put one every 4 inches or so through the cardboard and around the wire of the crate. I did this on both sides and on the top. It covers the crate so he cannot get around, over, or though the divider. Its been 2+ weeks and it seems to be working well, although I am probably going to have to replace the cardboard divider in another week or so.

 

[apollosdad]

that seems to be doing the trick for you, so maybe you won't have to invest in another one. if you do plan on buying an adjustable one, try looking on ebay or jbpet.com, they carry the life stages brand that include free dividers. are you having any problems with housetraining or having mistakes in their crate?

 

[fordraceing_]

allright

not going to adjust the large one i just want to know if its bad to buy a smaller one more her now? (my mom needs a smaller one for her little dog in her other house in about 3 months so its not a waste of money) just want to know if switching crates is bad.

thanks,
joe

 

[boxer]

I don't think there's any problem with switching crates. Lots of people use more than one, including at the same time (like having one in the bedroom for night time, and another in the lounge or wherever for during the day).

 

[Marybeth18]

Joe,

There is no harm in switching crates. I did when my Daisy was baby. The only harm was wasting my $$. Did you try the web for a Midwest crate - some come with a wire divider that latches on and can't be moved except by you. They are called Lifestages crates.
http://www.jbpet.com/Shopping/produ...oduct_id=181-0126&category_name=CratesFolding
I ordered Albert's crate and crate bed through JB and it took less then a week. You can pay extra and have it shipped quicker if you can't find a store near you that carries it.

 

[apollosdad]

i don't see anything wrong with switching from crate to crate. this will actually help them adapt to various ones. the whole priciple of crate training is to get them used to their den-like homes. if a smaller one will help you out right now, then go for it.

 

[Marybeth18]

Sorry, I didn't read this thread thoroughly enough :o.

There is a pet store near me that sells "nearly" new crates. Or, like Apollo's dad said, try Ebay, JB, PetEdge, etc.