Crate training and xpens...!

BarbV

BarbV

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Sooo...new puppy coming home next week.

I've been debating inside my head the whole crate training thing. I did it religiously with my last two puppies. Worked well and never second guessed it. Dog was 2 months old....can do 3 hours in crate, etc. 3 months, can do 4 hours, etc.

The breeder that I'm getting my pup from seems to think that's wrong. And that no pup should be crated for 3 hours at 9 weeks old.

Now I'm second guessing myself

I'm very fortunate that I do have the luxury of defining my work schedule to a point which allows me to work from home much of the day.

So in my improvised world, I have in mind a crate in an xpen. Dog will be crated when I'm away, but when I'm home but cant watch him, he will be in his crate/xpen.

I have hardwood floors and thought I would line is xpen with a rubber mat.....Something like this

http://www.amazon.com/Best-Step-Interlocking-Flooring-Anti-Fatigue/dp/B00BN3OTQ4

What do you think? Does this make sense? Have any of you done something similar?

Thanks in advance
 
BarbV said:
Sooo...new puppy coming home next week.

I've been debating inside my head the whole crate training thing. I did it religiously with my last two puppies. Worked well and never second guessed it. Dog was 2 months old....can do 3 hours in crate, etc. 3 months, can do 4 hours, etc.

The breeder that I'm getting my pup from seems to think that's wrong. And that no pup should be crated for 3 hours at 9 weeks old.

Now I'm second guessing myself

I'm very fortunate that I do have the luxury of defining my work schedule to a point which allows me to work from home much of the day.

So in my improvised world, I have in mind a crate in an xpen. Dog will be crated when I'm away, but when I'm home but cant watch him, he will be in his crate/xpen.

I have hardwood floors and thought I would line is xpen with a rubber mat.....Something like this

http://www.amazon.com/Best-Step-Interlocking-Flooring-Anti-Fatigue/dp/B00BN3OTQ4

What do you think? Does this make sense? Have any of you done something similar?

Thanks in advance
Click to expand...

Barb, these pads are exactly what I have under my pen. I love them. They totally cushion the floor (which is tile in my case) and keep puppy comfortable and the floor clean. I put a rubber-backed whelping pad over mine. It's washable and stays put with the pen on top. I think it's a great system.

As for 9-week old puppies not being able to stay in crates for 3 hours, that's crazy. Ours are overnighting in crates at that age and the crate is dry. During the day if you're not home, a puppy should be fine in the crate for that length of time...providing he's had some crate training at the breeder's.
 
Thanks Ann

They seemed perfect and glad that I'm not going to be the guinea pig

I think I will for for it. I like that they are interlocking so I can expand the space as pup grows and improves his house training.
 
Callan's New Den

Oh, yes, I am definitiely nesting like an expectant mother......

Here is Callan's den!

- Xpen
- Best Step 4 x 4 interlocking foam mat
- Soft sided crate, back 1/3 blocked off by a cooler covered with a towel.
- New non tip bowls
- And new toys, of course! View attachment 6943



I'm killing myself here! To freaking anal!
 
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I really like your soft crate. Can you block it off to make a smaller space? I'm already thinking about what I will need for my puppy in a few months.
 
Looks really good!

Just one thought... you might want to consider leaning a piece of plexiglass or something between the pen and the wall... your baseboards look very beautiful and very chew-able. :wink2:
 
Judyg951 said:
I really like your soft crate. Can you block it off to make a smaller space? I'm already thinking about what I will need for my puppy in a few months.
Click to expand...

I did block it off....I put a small plastic cooler covered with a towel. Maybe you can't tell from the picture. I cut the space down about 1/3. Just enough for him to sleep lying down, but not pee in his crate at night. As he gets older, I will expand the space.

The crate is only 30 inches, but that's plenty big if you combine with an Xpen. Unless you plan to crate forever, that is. without a pen. Otherwise, then for a Sheltie I would recommend 36 inches. The pen is to allow him to eat without being hounded by Indy, to drink during the day while I'm working at home or elsewise occupied. The crate is purely for nighttime and when I'm out of house.

Then during the day, when I can supervise him better, he will have the bigger space, and a private space to eat without Indy try to eat his food.
 
BarbV said:
I did block it off....I put a small plastic cooler covered with a towel. Maybe you can't tell from the picture. I cut the space down about 1/3. Just enough for him to sleep lying down, but not pee in his crate at night. As he gets older, I will expand the space.

The crate is only 30 inches, but that's plenty big if you combine with an Xpen. Unless you plan to crate forever, that is. without a pen. Otherwise, then for a Sheltie I would recommend 36 inches. The pen is to allow him to eat without being hounded by Indy, to drink during the day while I'm working at home or elsewise occupied. The crate is purely for nighttime and when I'm out of house.

Then during the day, when I can supervise him better, he will have the bigger space, and a private space to eat without Indy try to eat his food.
Click to expand...

Thank you!
 
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