Puppy's first crate

[Cherry Heart]

When setting up a crate for a new puppy, what exactly is a good lay out. I got my crate in the mail today (Thank you E-Bay!) and set it up as a trial run to see how easy to set up it was, actual size(WOW it's HUGE!), ect. My husband and I started wondering the most comfortable way to set up the inside. We got a 48inch Midwest 2 door with the divider and I know to use the divider so as not to give the puppy to much room, but as this will be my first pup I am not sure exactly what I should have in there. My common sense says a small bed (blanket or such) on one side of the area and a puppy pad or newspaper on the other end "just in case" of an accident. What do you suggest as I can't find a thread with these specifics at the moment.

Thanks
Cherry

[dmoniz]

The problem with putting pee pads in crates is that it actually teaches the pup to "go" in its crate, better to just have a washible blanket or towel that you can throw in the washer in case of an accident. Give the pup just enough room to stand up, turn around and lie down. Other good things to keep them occupied are digestable bones, kongs filled with yummy treats, maybe a favorite toy that he only gets when he is in his crate...

[hmeadq]

We take a sterilized bone and put cheese whiz or peanut butter in the end! HE loves it. A kong ball, the kind with all the splits in it, is great with cheese whiz or a little bit of melted cheese.

I discovered I cannot put stuffed toys because they are destroyed, but as a young pup they can be comforting.

(Gotta love eBay!)

[brunie's mom]

No puppy pads. The whole idea of the crate is that the pup does not want to mess in it's "den". The will usually start whining if they get uncomfortable and have to go...this is your signal..to get outside...FAST!!

I had a couple of crates when I brought my pup home. I had a smaller Veri-Kennel...about the size for 2 cats to fit in. This I took up and put beside my bed on the floor...and if he started getting uncomfortable or scared...I just put my fingers through the crate and talked to him. He was only in that for a week or 10 days. Once I knew that he was comfy sleeping in a crate...he graduated to a wire crate just off of our kitchen.

Baxter was always a good pup...never chewed any of his bedding, never destroyed any of his stuffed animals. He always had something interesting or two in his crate to play with or chew...but it seemed to change often.

Gina

[SABELLESMOM]

A blanket or pee pad absorbs the liqiud. That will make the learning process much longer. The pup "won't go in his den" if it makes his den uncomfortable. The area must also be small enough. Dens designed by dogs were cozy, not mansions.

I don't provide my pup with something to do. Sleep is what he/she should do in my absense. They quickly learn to self soothe, just as an infant does, if you allow them to develop the talent. I don't feed my pups in the crate. My problem is I'm concerned the dog will choke in my absense. (meaning I am not in the house watching)

Instead I play and provide plenty of chews and games and treats and love and training when I am home.

[Cherry Heart]

Thank you for your replys. I was worried that by not putting anything in the bottom of the crate he/she may get her feet wet/icky. I guess thats kind of the point though, part of the housebreaking process. Instead I will just get use to baby wipes and such to clean little paws who get ickys on them when I can't get him/her outside fast enough. My mind is just absolutly racing as I get my hopes set on getting my puppy in spring/summer (hopfully).

Thanks so much.
Cherry-

[RottieGirl86]

I used a few old towels until I realized Athena wasn't just destroying them - but eatting small bits of it too! ack! No towels to lay on after that! No plush toys unsupervised.

Best way - I was able to make sure she was taken care of every 3 to 4 hours max. Either myself or someone else would take her potty. A few times I came home at lunch to a messy crate! Nothing like cleaning up a 'mess' like that on lunch break!

I have a box of puppy pads - it doesn't work. Better to interrupt & escourt outside, then praise when they do their business where they should. Less confusion.