Crate or Not

Hi, As i have already mentioned earlier,we will be getting a pup in around 3 weeks time and i would like some help regarding crates. I have never used one before, preferring to give my dogs the run of the house, so although i understand the benefits ( Chewing etc ) I know very little about them.

Ideally what i would like to do is, just buy a crate that can be used until Maya is house trained, and then give her the freedom of the house. Any help/Advise will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Terry

Hi I have a crate for my pup and it's a godsend we use it as an escape because we have a 2 year old, also great for when you leave the house for a few hours knowing they are safe and can't destroy anything Marley loves it sleeps better in there than anywhere else, we cover it with a blanket at night and we don't hear a peep out of him

Emmahammond25 wrote:Hi I have a crate for my pup and it's a godsend we use it as an escape because we have a 2 year old, also great for when you leave the house for a few hours knowing they are safe and can't destroy anything Marley loves it sleeps better in there than anywhere else, we cover it with a blanket at night and we don't hear a peep out of him

Aw thanks for your reply Emma, i think you have just made my mind up for me So have you got a puppy crate, or do you plan on keep using it and have a large one ?

Luckily I didn need to buy one a family member had one large enough to hold two small dogs in so mines a big one and I think I'll probably continue to use it when he's older, only because you know they are safe in there when your out, that's if Marley wants to use it when he's older also the one I have folds down flat so it's great to take with you if you go away etc

Emmahammond25 wrote:Luckily I didn need to buy one a family member had one large enough to hold two small dogs in so mines a big one and I think I'll probably continue to use it when he's older, only because you know they are safe in there when your out, that's if Marley wants to use it when he's older also the one I have folds down flat so it's great to take with you if you go away etc

Thanks, i think i will get a large one then, and as you say If Maya doesn`t want to use it when she is older, that will be fair enough. And a large one will give her plenty of room to play etc if we leave her for short periods.

I personally never used crate for mia she was kept in one 24/7 but argos do a medium sized one
http://www.argos.co.uk/m/static/Product/partNumber/8705273/searchTerm/Medium+dog+crate.htm
http://www.argos.co.uk/m/static/Product/partNumber/2377968/searchTerm/Medium+dog+crate.htm

Also try eBay pretty sure they are slightly cheaper on there

Mia05 wrote:I personally never used crate for mia she was kept in one 24/7 but argos do a medium sized one

Thanks for the Link, I have seen some better ones on e-bay though i wouldn`t dream of keeping a dog in one 24/7, was that before you took her home ?

That's exactly what I've done.. I started off with crate training Zeus from 8 weeks to around 6 months. It was brilliant for toilet training, he learnt that within a week or so. We used to lock him in it overnight just to regulate his toilet and sleep pattern, then when he got old enough, we completely removed the door off the crate and now he uses it as his bed.

We even tried removing the crate after a while (as we've given him the 2 seater in the living room just for him) but he was lost without it. It's now sitting in my kitchen, without a door and whenever he wants his own time or wants to sleep in a nice comfy crate with a spongy mattress and fleece throw in, he goes there!

I'd definitely recommend one, especially when they're a pup.

goldie87 wrote:That's exactly what I've done.. I started off with crate training Zeus from 8 weeks to around 6 months. It was brilliant for toilet training, he learnt that within a week or so. We used to lock him in it overnight just to regulate his toilet and sleep pattern, then when he got old enough, we completely removed the door off the crate and now he uses it as his bed.

We even tried removing the crate after a while (as we've given him the 2 seater in the living room just for him) but he was lost without it. It's now sitting in my kitchen, without a door and whenever he wants his own time or wants to sleep in a nice comfy crate with a spongy mattress and fleece throw in, he goes there!

I'd definitely recommend one, especially when they're a pup.

Thanks for your reply, yes i will order one before we bring puppy home, i have read really good things about crates, but it will be a first for me.

Mia was crated 24/7 till 3 years of age when i rescued her

Tezzers wrote:
Thanks for your reply, yes i will order one before we bring puppy home, i have read really good things about crates, but it will be a first for me.

They're great for when they are young. When we used to leave Zeus home alone, we'd put him in the crate and he'd know to just sleep or relax.

The main thing you have to remember is that never use the crate as a punishment. If your pup is misbehaving, pick him up and put him in another room for a few minutes as a time out, but never put him in the crate as a punishment. They'd always associate it with that and then would never go into the crate. Always be sure to give plenty of praise and treats when you first try to put him in the crate so he associates it with a happy place.

goldie87 wrote:

Tezzers wrote:
Thanks for your reply, yes i will order one before we bring puppy home, i have read really good things about crates, but it will be a first for me.

They're great for when they are young. When we used to leave Zeus home alone, we'd put him in the crate and he'd know to just sleep or relax.

The main thing you have to remember is that never use the crate as a punishment. If your pup is misbehaving, pick him up and put him in another room for a few minutes as a time out, but never put him in the crate as a punishment. They'd always associate it with that and then would never go into the crate. Always be sure to give plenty of praise and treats when you first try to put him in the crate so he associates it with a happy place.

Yes i understand that If i am honest i normally just use my tone of voice if there is any mis-behaviour. Not that it always works But any punishment is the last thing on my mind.

If I was starting over I think I would get a crate for nights and when the pup needs to be out the way for whatever reason. The other advantage is that you can use it as a safe haven as they get older, it kind becomes their space

-Ian- wrote:If I was starting over I think I would get a crate for nights and when the pup needs to be out the way for whatever reason. The other advantage is that you can use it as a safe haven as they get older, it kind becomes their space

I just ordered a large one off e-bay, and we will make it nice and cozy for Maya Yes that is how we will use it Ian, i have no intention of keeping her in there unless she is sleeping at night, or as you say, we need to leave her for a short length of time. Most of the time she will be playing with me, being Trained etc. And i still plan on taking her outdoors in my arms, until she is fully inoculated, to get used to the great outdoors.

The good thing is, going forward with the likes of firework night it becomes their safe haven especially if you put a cover over the top.

-Ian- wrote:The good thing is, going forward with the likes of firework night it becomes their safe haven especially if you put a cover over the top.

Yes, we can make it into a nice den for her Ian and thanks for your replies. As i have said i have never used a crate before, but it certainly seems as though they are well liked, by dogs and their owners.

I did crate train Millie when we first got her as we thought she'd be fragile and need a bolt hole when the others start playing (Millie is deformed, but has turned out to be not exactly fragile). The important thing is to make sure the crate is a wonderful place for them, with lots of good associations. Make sure it's in a welcoming place, i.e not by a draught or anything, and build up food associations. I used to feed Millie in there and, on the few occasions I left her in there it was with a chewy treat of some sort.

Even if you decide later on not to use the crate as much, it's always a good thing to have taught them.

LizP wrote:I did crate train Millie when we first got her as we thought she'd be fragile and need a bolt hole when the others start playing (Millie is deformed, but has turned out to be not exactly fragile). The important thing is to make sure the crate is a wonderful place for them, with lots of good associations. Make sure it's in a welcoming place, i.e not by a draught or anything, and build up food associations. I used to feed Millie in there and, on the few occasions I left her in there it was with a chewy treat of some sort.

Even if you decide later on not to use the crate as much, it's always a good thing to have taught them.

Thanks for your reply Liz. I plan on using the crate exactly as you describe. Somewhere where Maya will feel comfortable, and can go hidey if she wants. We won`t use it just because we can though, and she will have all the freedom she wants/needs.

Am i right in thinking that since Maya was born in a crate, and lives in it with her mum and siblings, she will be well adapted to one when we bring her home?

I know she will have to get used to her new home when we get her here, and i understand i will have to teach her that the crate is `her space` but what i am trying to ask is, apart from the transition to her new home, will she think that a crate "is the norm" For living/sleeping in. ?

Tezzers wrote:Am i right in thinking that since Maya was born in a crate, and lives in it with her mum and siblings

I do hope the bitch was in there by her own choice.

You may well find that Maya will be fine with it straight but, as with anything, work on the assumption that you will have to start from scratch.

Marley was kept in a crate with the other pups and his mammy too they had a lovely set up for them, their own room with a baby gate so the crate was left open for them all also had a bed outside the crate, but when we brought him home because he was a little scared and not used to us or the house he slept in bed with me till he settled in I then moved him to the crate and he was fine now I get up every morning to the best welcome and kisses

LizP wrote:

Tezzers wrote:Am i right in thinking that since Maya was born in a crate, and lives in it with her mum and siblings

I do hope the bitch was in there by her own choice.

You may well find that Maya will be fine with it straight but, as with anything, work on the assumption that you will have to start from scratch.

Yes she was Liz, the door was open and Bella ( Mum ) was free to come and go, as were the pups. I think it was used just like i plan on using mine.

Emmahammond25 wrote:Marley was kept in a crate with the other pups and his mammy too they had a lovely set up for them, their own room with a baby gate so the crate was left open for them all also had a bed o:D utside the crate, but when we brought him home because he was a little scared and not used to us or the house he slept in bed with me till he settled in I then moved him to the crate and he was fine now I get up every morning to the best welcome and kisses

Our crate was delivered today, so i am just waiting for the mattress now, and i will make it lovely and cozy. I will ask the wife if she will assemble it tomorrow, while i watch TV. Only kidding, i will watch her putting it up, not telly.

Seriously though, we go and visit Maya again tomorrow, and i am dead exited.

Maisie managed to climb out of her crate we muppets put it up upside down Maisie climbed out the top the wee cheeky thing!

Maisie wrote:Maisie managed to climb out of her crate we muppets put it up upside down Maisie climbed out the top the wee cheeky thing!

Ah, the great escape

haha that's great, sounds like you'll make it a pleasant place for her terry aw lots of pics

Emmahammond25 wrote:  haha that's great, sounds like you'll make it a pleasant place for her terry aw lots of pics

2015-06-24

Well, i assembled the crate today and it just needs furnishing now. The mattress should arrive tomorrow, then it will just be a case of getting pillows, blankets, toys etc, with the exception of a Kong, which i already bought.

As promised, here are a few more pics of Maya, Taken today.

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Watching the cat


Camera Shy


Thats Better Maya

Aw lovely pics they all got lovely markings ain't they

We caged from day one and never had a problem. It was only used overnight or when we were at at work. But we're lucky enough that I come home at lunch time and it's only 3 days per week (2.5 really because Lynn has a half day one of those days I work). I wouldn't cage if we were out all day 5 days per week.
Now that she's older we've taken the cage away and she has a normal bed but we know she'll be comfortable in the cage when she goes to the dog sitter, like this weekend when we're at a wedding all day.
Pete

I crate Buddy at night with a cover over it - he sleeps soundly from 10.00pm to whenever we get up -no accidents - he goes in the crate when I go to work for a couple of hours until I go back at lunch and then goes back in again for two hours until hubby is home- if someone is in the crate is open and he is free to go where he wants and sleep where he wants- he often chooses the crate.. it is not covered at all during the day.He has been in the crate since day one and he has no issues with it at all -once he has stopped his chewing and nipping stage we will try him with the door open of a night but as I have an open plan kitchen and lounge I need to be sure he will not chew any of the electric wires of the kitchen appliances before he is left on his own ( he likes the fridge plug which is floor level! ) he has a blanket he lays on when we are home which starts on the floor and ends up on the sofa! Crates used correctly are a helpful tool for training

Emmahammond25 wrote:Aw lovely pics they all got lovely markings ain't they

Yes They are nice Emma, There were 4 more pups running around as well, 7 in total. Maya has got some Blue spots around her head ( Dad is Blue and White )

Lynn&Pete wrote:We caged from day one and never had a problem. It was only used overnight or when we were at at work. But we're lucky enough that I come home at lunch time and it's only 3 days per week (2.5 really because Lynn has a half day one of those days I work). I wouldn't cage if we were out all day 5 days per week.
Now that she's older we've taken the cage away and she has a normal bed but we know she'll be comfortable in the cage when she goes to the dog sitter, like this weekend when we're at a wedding all day.
Pete

Yes i certainly wont have Maya in hers for any length of time. Usually there is someone home most of the Time, so mainly i plan to use it just for her den, sleeping in etc, the door will be left open all the time, with the exception of bedtime, and if Maya doesn`t like it, well, she can sleep in our bed.

smudge95 wrote:I crate Buddy at night with a cover over it - he sleeps soundly from 10.00pm to whenever we get up -no accidents - he goes in the crate when I go to work for a couple of hours until I go back at lunch and then goes back in again for two hours until hubby is home- if someone is in the crate is open and he is free to go where he wants and sleep where he wants- he often chooses the crate.. it is not covered at all during the day.He has been in the crate since day one and he has no issues with it at all -once he has stopped his chewing and nipping stage we will try him with the door open of a night but as I have an open plan kitchen and lounge I need to be sure he will not chew any of the electric wires of the kitchen appliances before he is left on his own ( he likes the fridge plug which is floor level! ) he has a blanket he lays on when we are home which starts on the floor and ends up on the sofa! Crates used correctly are a helpful tool for training

Hiya Carol, That is exactly what we will do. Used Mainly just for throughout the night for sleeping safely. When i say safely, i mean just like yourself, we have sockets all over the house at puppy level, and most of them have things plugged into them. Like i said in another post, there is usually someone at home most of the time, so Maya will never be lonely, just want her safe at bedtime, and on the very odd occasion we may have to leave her.

She sleeps in a crate now with her mum and siblings, but they also have the freedom of the house when the owner is with them, so i am hoping she will be adapted to being in a crate, even if it`s just to sleep. And just to conclude, if Maya doesn`t likey, well she can kip with me and the missus, and the crate can go.

hi the first night I had buddy he cried and I found that putting a hot water bottle wrapped up in one of my t shirts in the crate for 20 mins before I put him in and then taking the bottle out leaving the warm T shirt in helped him settle he thought he was still on my lap( used it for my daughter when she was a baby too -not in crate obviously but ...) now he is fine with just getting in - does like his Kong during the day though or he moans...

smudge95 wrote:hi the first night I had buddy he cried and I found that putting a hot water bottle wrapped up in one of my t shirts in the crate for 20 mins before I put him in and then taking the bottle out leaving the warm T shirt in helped him settle he thought he was still on my lap( used it for my daughter when she was a baby too -not in crate obviously but ...) now he is fine with just getting in - does like his Kong during the day though or he moans...

That is a really good idea carol. When i visited yesterday i asked the owner to put her blanket ( Maya comes with a puppy pack ) In with the mother and siblings a few days before i pick her up. That way the blanket will be scented, and it should give Maya some comfort and security. Failing that i will try the hot water bottle method.

Well i have to say that after bringing Maya home today, and introducing her to her new surroundings and family, i sat down with Mays on my Lap, and after giving some loving assurance, and cuddles i placed her on the hearth rug where she started to sleep.

So before she nodded off, i got a few puppy liver treats and tempted into her crate for the first time. At first she came back out straight away, so i let her have a wander, then placed some more treats in her crate, and i have to say she absolutely loves it.

We have it at the bottom of the stairs, and i just sat on the bottom stair, talking to her nice and gently, and then this happened

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That was about 90 minutes ago, and Maya is still sleeping now Door is wide open, so she is free to come and go as she pleases. Gotta say i am well impressed at the minute, as i was unsure if she would take to it.

Perfect. As is she.

LizP wrote:Perfect. As is she.

Thank you Liz, she is a little cracker ! When i picked her up at lunch time i was going to carry her home, ( About 2 miles ) But her little claws kept catching on my top, so i decided to get a taxi instead, so it wouldn`t be uncomfortable for her.

She is still out of it now Must be daunting for them though leaving mum and going to a totally new place. But i have the feeling she will soon settle in and start giving me a hard time.

she will soon have you eating out of her tiny paws..they are lovely the first few days as they are finding their feet then they start with that mischievous look that only a staff can give you - " I didn't do it..and if I did you still love me any way so it doesn't matter " look... have fun and enjoy her she is lovely

smudge95 wrote:she will soon have you eating out of her tiny paws..they are lovely the first few days as they are finding their feet then they start with that mischievous look that only a staff can give you - " I didn't do it..and if I did you still love me any way so it doesn't matter " look... have fun and enjoy her she is lovely

Thanks carol, Love her to pieces And i am well prepared for what may lie ahead.