Mat in crate?

[patton_jr]

I've got a crate and a mat for inside the crate. However, I was told this weekend, by someone that had a dog, not to use the mat till after my girl is potty trained. That even though I have the size of the crate small enough so that she can only stand, turn, and lay, that the mat will make her go in the crate. So, the advise I was given was to take it out and have nothing inthe crate other than the hard plastic bottom it came with and a toy.

Is this info correct?

[TrishB]

I always had a mat in my pup's crate. He never made a mess on it. As long as they realise that's their bed - they should be okay.

Now a tiny puppy (8 weeks), should have a smaller space - to encourage the 'this is my bed' line of thought. If they have too much space - so that they can mess in one end and sleep in another, that's too much space.

I prefer a mat so that they:
a) Like going in there
b) Don't get a chill
c) Don't get pressure spots
d) Encourages the 'my comfy, clean bed' instinct

Pups don't like to mess in their beds. If you work with that instinct - potty training is a breeze! That's why crate training is so effective! :D

[Rottnlove]

I've always used a blanket in Xena's crate without a problem. I agree with Trish. It makes it more comfortable for the pup. In hot temperatures, the dog may not want a blanket. But if it's colder weather, I would use a blanket and a stuffed toy with the mother and littermates scent on it for extra comfort. :D

[whitney greenway]

I wish that I could use a mat in Dru's crate, but she would pee on it in a heartbeat.

No mats here.

[JD102175]

We can't have a bed or anything in Brodie's crate either.He destroyed a "Chew-proof" dog bed in just under 48 hours. Darn dog!!! lol.


Jaime

[austin]

We can't have a bed or anything in Brodie's crate either.He destroyed a "Chew-proof" dog bed in just under 48 hours

I had the same problem, but have had great luck with cheap woven straw rugs from Target. I get a rug that is larger than the plastic tray, stretch it over the top of the tray and duct tape the ends to the other side. That way there are no loose ends for the dog to grab and chew and you don't have to listen to the sound of toenails on plastic-ugh!

[Rottnlove]

Originally posted by JD102175
We can't have a bed or anything in Brodie's crate either.He destroyed a "Chew-proof" dog bed in just under 48 hours. Darn dog!!! lol.


Jaime

Jaime,

I only used an old blanket that I didn't need any longer, so I didn't care if it got all chewed up or messy. (I don't use those expensive "chew proof" beds, LOL) I launder her blanket twice a week and although it is shredded, it still works well! She loves it in her crate. She only chews on it when we play with it together.

I guess having a blanket in the crate hasn't worked well for everyone. I would suggest trying out a blanket for a few weeks and see how it works for your new pup! :)