Crate Training and Crate Size

[unejam]

Hello. I am in a bit of a pickle. I need to bring a crate overseas on the plane, but the one I bought is too big to be checked in. I was wondering if I could get a smaller crate that would be used for crate training until my new 8-week old puppy is housetrained. What size would that be? Currently, I have a 26x36x28 crate that I can return. Do I need the crate for the dog's entire life? Thanks!

[dogsbydoug]

Some dogs need a crate for their own safety (and the safety of your home too!) - some don't. We have a foster here who is what we call an opportunistic feeder - if she thinks it is food, she'll eat it! That said, she cannot be left unsupervised for every long as she'll FIND something to eat - silly girlie!

How big is the pup - what does he weigh? You'll want to make sure the crate is airline approved, and if you can, take him to the store with you to find a crate for him - 26x36x28 is a very large crate for a puppy unless you have a divider panel to make the crate smaller - but that's not gonna get him on the plane with you, now is it!!

A smaller, plastic airline approved crate is what you need - how long will you be overseas? Remember you'll need another one to get back to where you are coming from (if returning) and the dog will be larger, so you'll more than likely have to purchase another crate.

Hope this helps!