J
My puppy is a 9 month old Puggle, about 21 lbs. He won't get much bigger than that (maybe 3 lbs more). His current crate is 24" long. While he can lay somewhat comfortably and just about stand, he cannot stretch out completely and his head hits the top a little when he stands. He seems to be OK in this size crate, but he stays home for about 4-5 hours during the day. I feel he should be able to stretch out and be fully comfortable if he's going to be crated that long. He is well potty-trained, as he never goes in his crate or in the house. I was thinking of upgrading to a 30" or 36" crate. What do you think???
Answer
I have a 30 pound Cairn Terrier Mix. When she was 9 months old, she weighed about 25 pounds and had the same size crate. It is too small. Since he is potty trained, too big of a crate really isn't an issue anymore. I would recommend upgrading to the 36" over the 30." That would give him plenty of room to spread out and be comfortable while you are away. 30" really isn't that much bigger.
I have a 30 pound Cairn Terrier Mix. When she was 9 months old, she weighed about 25 pounds and had the same size crate. It is too small. Since he is potty trained, too big of a crate really isn't an issue anymore. I would recommend upgrading to the 36" over the 30." That would give him plenty of room to spread out and be comfortable while you are away. 30" really isn't that much bigger.
How do I set up the dog crate when crate training?
mkt
I read I should put the bed & food/water at one end, toys in the middle, at the other end & use a puppy pad/newspaper for going potty.
HOW would all of that fit in a 36 in crate??
Do I get a dog bed for the one end or would ittake up too much room?
Answer
Courtney is right in that the crate should be just big enough for your dog to stand up and turn around (I do give mine a little extra room because he sleeps fully stretched out, and he's a dachshund so he is extra long) But as far as putting a puppy pad down, be careful. If I understand what you (and Courtney) meant by 'puppy pad" then do not use one!
If this is the type of product you are referring to, do NOT use it in the crate.
http://petco.com/product/13120/Nature-s-Miracle-Quick-Results-Training-Pads.aspx?Nav=189&cm_re=product-_-naturesmiracle-_-072508
These kinds (not this exact kind, but these basic type) of puppy pads are designed to make the dog want to urinate on them (they are lined with pheromones and often are slightly scented like grass (so the dog can smell it, not us) and it attracts them to use it as a toilet. If you use these kinds of pads in the crate, the dog will never understand going potty outside. (well, never say never) but it will make your potty training 10X harder. Imagine if you were potty trained to go in the toilet sometimes, but then sometimes you were supposed to go when you were in your bed. Confusing! (And you would have understood the words your mom/dad were using.) If you think that the dog will have accidents, then you should line the bottom of the crate with newspaper or what I do is I use an old bed sheet that I no longer wanted that I just leave in these for my dog and if he does have an accident (which hasn't happened for about 3 months now. Knock Wood) I just take it out and wash it. It is a lot easier/ more cost efficient than puppy pads.
Oh, and food should been taken away after eating the last meal (don't let your pup graze all day) and water needs to be taken away at least 1-2 hours before bedtime (unless it is unbearably hot) to make it easier for you to learn your dogs 'elimination' times so you can take him outside for easy of potty training. If your dog has a constant supply of food and water, then you dog will have a constant supply of pee and poop.
Good luck training! and Enjoy your new puppy!
Courtney is right in that the crate should be just big enough for your dog to stand up and turn around (I do give mine a little extra room because he sleeps fully stretched out, and he's a dachshund so he is extra long) But as far as putting a puppy pad down, be careful. If I understand what you (and Courtney) meant by 'puppy pad" then do not use one!
If this is the type of product you are referring to, do NOT use it in the crate.
http://petco.com/product/13120/Nature-s-Miracle-Quick-Results-Training-Pads.aspx?Nav=189&cm_re=product-_-naturesmiracle-_-072508
These kinds (not this exact kind, but these basic type) of puppy pads are designed to make the dog want to urinate on them (they are lined with pheromones and often are slightly scented like grass (so the dog can smell it, not us) and it attracts them to use it as a toilet. If you use these kinds of pads in the crate, the dog will never understand going potty outside. (well, never say never) but it will make your potty training 10X harder. Imagine if you were potty trained to go in the toilet sometimes, but then sometimes you were supposed to go when you were in your bed. Confusing! (And you would have understood the words your mom/dad were using.) If you think that the dog will have accidents, then you should line the bottom of the crate with newspaper or what I do is I use an old bed sheet that I no longer wanted that I just leave in these for my dog and if he does have an accident (which hasn't happened for about 3 months now. Knock Wood) I just take it out and wash it. It is a lot easier/ more cost efficient than puppy pads.
Oh, and food should been taken away after eating the last meal (don't let your pup graze all day) and water needs to be taken away at least 1-2 hours before bedtime (unless it is unbearably hot) to make it easier for you to learn your dogs 'elimination' times so you can take him outside for easy of potty training. If your dog has a constant supply of food and water, then you dog will have a constant supply of pee and poop.
Good luck training! and Enjoy your new puppy!
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