The crate question!!

[cissy k]

For those of you who crate, what type of crate do you think is best, one with a hard top or the open metal wire kind?

I am not sure whether the dog feels more secure in a "den" like atmosphere or one where she can see you and the room better.

Also, did most of you buy just one crate or did you get a smaller one for the first year and then get a larger one once grown?

We are planning to get a pup who should be about 50 pounds full grown. But I have read many articles advising not to get the crate too large or the pup may eliminate in it. What have you all found to be best?

Thanks!

[blueteal]

I have two one medium and one extra large.
They are both the black wired crates...
Denver still uses his extra large and the other is
in the garage waiting ....................

[emilee]

we use a wire crate -- i think they have better air circulation and are easier to clean. you can always put a blanket or something over it if your dog likes to feel more enclosed. plus the wire crates fold down for easier transportation. we bought crates based on the adult size. the crates came with a divider that can be moved as the pup grows and eventually removed altogether -- this keeps the pup confined to an area of the crate that is the appropriate size.

-em

[CherylB]

Originally Posted by emilee

we use a wire crate -- i think they have better air circulation and are easier to clean. you can always put a blanket or something over it if your dog likes to feel more enclosed. plus the wire crates fold down for easier transportation. we bought crates based on the adult size. the crates came with a divider that can be moved as the pup grows and eventually removed altogether -- this keeps the pup confined to an area of the crate that is the appropriate size.

-em

Exactly what I would have said!

[Maureen]

great answers...I agree!
I guess for me I like the wire so I can see and so my pup can see! But the cleaning issue is also a plus with the pull-out tray if housebreaking isn't all the way done.

We bought our first crate in 1989 and there was no divider so we used a box. But those dividers would be handy so you can buy one crate, ideally.

[sdrudge]

Beau was used to the airline kennels. We got him a black wire crate so that he could see Cacao in hers. And if we would crate them they were together with out being in the same cage. So they both have the wire cage. We like it.

[cissy k]

Thanks for the advice....I would not have known to look for one with a movable divider!!! Perfect. Thanks so much

What kind of bedding do most of you put in the crate?

I put an old blanket in once I knew Maya was potty trained. A lot of puppies chew though so you may want to just go with out.

[Maureen]

oh good point about the bed/liner!
SKIP the cushioned beds until your pup is past a year old or past the chewing stage. Otherwise it will be just like a big project for him/her to destroy and chew! We send our puppies home with fleece blankets that aren't stuffed.

[cissy k]

More great advice!!

[Jac]

Ditto on all of the good information...one caution, if you will be gone, remove your pup's collar while he is in the crate.

[deepnite10]

my only caution..

i heard a yelping and i came running to the crate..Toby had
been trying to chew on the wire cage and got his teeth and muzzle
caught between the bars..

[Maureen]

OH YES!! Be sure your puppy is safe and it's just a whiny cry of not wanting to be there. Crate injuries can happen.

[Jac]

Ooooh, good point...that and paws getting caught in the spaces.

[amyg]

We got Wrigly at 3 mos & although he wan't housebroken, he never had an accident in his crate, & was left for 5 hours from the start. We got one crate for our bedroom,where he slept until he could be trusted not to have accidents at night. That one is a large size crate - 36" and I knew he'd grow into it. In fact, at almost 6 mos old, he's almost too big for it. We also recently got a larger 42" crate for downstairs, where he stays while we are gone during the day. We got a Midwest wire crate. IF you want to spend the extra money, it's nice to have the double or triple doors.