Hi there So we have a puppy coming to us in about 10 weeks. This is the first time my daughters and I have had a dog. We have the space and a garden now so finally doing it! I would like some advice on having a crate please? My preference is a dog bed. Should we start with a crate and for how long? Thank you, Sue
I always crate trained my dogs. I have two labs. Zeke is 4.5 and Jake is 13 weeks old. Their crates are side by side. I feed my dogs in their crates, partly so I could feed my cats and not have anyone’s feeding time disrupted. I’ve been doing it this way for years. Believe It not, zeke still enjoys his crate. They both play in zekes crate, and Jake sleeps in his at night. Zeke sleeps with me though.
Hi Sue, welcome to the forum Congratulations on finding your first puppy! Using a crate in the early days can be a massive help with potty training. Teaching an older dog to be happy crated for short periods can also help with travel, and if they ever need to stay at the vet for example. But obviously you only need to do what you're happy with though. I used a crate for the first 6 months or so with my puppy, then ditched it in favor of a dog bed, for example. These articles on our main site might help you decide what's right for you and your puppy: Your Labrador: Crates And Crate Training Crate Training Your Labrador Puppy The Benefits Of A Dog Crate (There's some overlap between them, but at least you should end up feeling very well informed!) Good luck!
Hi Jean Thanks so much for your message. I have decided to buy a large crate which I intend to replace with a bed after a few months. I am guessing it is going to be a learning curve for all of us but as puppy will be sleeping in the kitchen I think it will be safer for night time. Thanks, Sue
