Hello Beautiful People... I am back again with one huge question about sleeping and crating. I am going to get Eddy to my home on May 9th and he will be 9 weeks old then. As I said in the last topic, I will be back to schooling for only 4 months. And I will have a lot of people (roommates and girlfriend) who can take care of him while I have gone (Tuesday-Thursday 4 hours, and Friday 8 hours). I bought a huge crate, toys(I will use a divider), kongs, bed, and bowls for him and it feels like pretty much everything looks ready here.... However, there is a huge unsolved question I cannot decide yet. it's about sleeping and crating.. I want to use a crate for sure since I learned that it will be very helpful in terms of house training. but I also want to let him sleep with me besides my bed in my bed room. what I am worried about is if he is able to see both of the crate and his bed as his room"s". I want to locate the crate at the busiest area which is our dining room. There will be mostly always some people who can watch and play with him and it's very closer to his toilet area (backyard). and at night time, he will be moved (not the crate) to my room and stay&sleep with me. My concern is that he might want to go back to his sleeping area in my bed room during daytime as that is the place he always sleeps, not in the crate. my confusion is from two concepts. 1) its crate should be in the busiest areaa (e.g. Family room or Kitchen) 2) A young puppy (8 weeks ~ 2 months)should sleep with its owner as they are too young and need to be taken to outside for wees very often. so... my question is the busiest area is not my bedroom, and I cannot sleep in kitchen, which results in that I have to use two different areas for his sleeping and crating. what do you guys think?... do you think my plan would work?.. I think there should be some people who locate the crate in the family aream but they would have to let the puppy sleep in bed room as there are too young to sleep on their own. how did you guys do that?.. And, I have to say here people in this forum are very helpful and supportive. I cannot express how appreciated I felt in my last topic. Thank you so much.
Re: Two different areas... Crating and sleeping Maisie sleeps on the bed with me overnight. Since we're in an open area, she could go on the bed during the day if she wants to sleep. She never, ever does. She never even asks to go on the bed (she can get up there herself but prefers me to lift her up). She sleeps on the floor, her dog bed, the couch, her crate, wherever. You'll have to teach that crate is a space for sleeping during the day (it's not automatic or them to go to the crate, at least not for a lot of pups) and do crate training, but if he slept on the bed with you, I don't think he'd care if he slept in a different place. They're not like humans, they sleep in lots of different places. However, you'd want to make sure he wouldn't get up in the night, walk down the bed, wee, then walk back up to where he was sleeping. This is why I didn't have Maisie sleeping with me on the bed right away. However, she seemed to instinctively understand not to pee on the bed/her crate, even when they were bigger (the floor and her dog bed she would pee on, but not my actual bed or her crate.
Re: Two different areas... Crating and sleeping Yes, he'll be fine so long as his daytime bed is where everyone else (especially you) is. But remember, all pups and dogs are different. Once he's here you will learn together what is best. My Tatze adores her crate, Gypsy hated it from the start - I tried hard with all the suggestions given, no joy. So I had a puppy pen for her. Another example, Gypsy loves being stroked, she's like a cat and rubs up to me and between my legs. Tatze doesn't, she wants ear tickles and tummy rubs - no back strokes
Re: Two different areas... Crating and sleeping Have you thought of getting a smaller crate for the bedroom for the first weeks. I used to take Juno's crate upstairs each night for the couple of weeks so she was near me and easier to scoop up for those night time trips to the garden. She then had the crate in the kitchen during the day as her chill out space although she did take a liking for the cats bed! I used the 24" crate until she was 16 weeks, but that of course depends upon the size of you pup.
Re: Two different areas... Crating and sleeping Don't forget puppies need LOTS of sleep during the day and needs quiet away from the hustle and bustle of life. I would have the crate in a quiet place and have the pup loose in the room with lots of people, they can keep an eye on him and then pop him in the crate when sleepy.
Re: Two different areas... Crating and sleeping All dogs and owners are different and sometimes its a bit of trial and error. I have had 5 dogs and never had one sleep with me. I just set the alarm clock and got up regularly and then increased the gaps between getting up until they could cope. This never caused any problems and they all coped well. They have all been crated in a hallway between kitchen and family room. Not the busiest area as I think they do need peace and quiet sometimes. This again has worked well. I think your dog will generally adapt to how you want arrangements to be, so do what you feel is best. You can change your mind if you need too. Enjoy your new pup Emma and Meg
Re: Two different areas... Crating and sleeping Hi there, we've got Dexter who is now 2.5 years old. Our set up was the crate in the utility room -a room off the kitchen which was separated by a child gate and the solid door ,although I can't remember ever closing him off from us. He also had a bed in our lounge,our downstairs is completely open plan.Our case was slightly different as Dexter was older ( 5 months when he came to us) and had been crate trained AND I was adamant that he wasn't going upstairs nevermind sleeping on our bed ( more of that in a minute : ) He got to know all his different areas....at night time he was first shut in the crate,then as he got older the door was left open but the child gate closed.during the day he knew his place to go was his bed in the lounge with us or by his own choice he'd take himself off to his crate.Dexter never went upstairs until he was about 18 months...this took training and patience and if I didn't have the time to stick to it ie I needed to jump in the shower quickly to go out and he wasn't settling in either of his places,I would pop him in the utility room behind the gate .At 18 months he made it up onto our bed ;D and that is where he sleeps with us every night now.he wouldn't dream of going up there on his own thoough,even if he is alone in the house he will choose a place downstairs,he knows the bed upstairs is only for nighttime and by invitation only ...so as your puppy gets older he will get to know the routine of your house and what is 'allowed/expected' You can help him to understand that your bed is just for when you want him there he will know when he is allowed there .I tend to agree with Stacia and have the crate in a quieter place for the puppy to have a bit of a haven .... Best wishes Angela
Re: Two different areas... Crating and sleeping Cooper (13 months) has had a crate in the family room from day one (8 weeks) and this is where he slept from day one. At night I set the alarm for every two hours, got up and took him out for a wee or poop. Little by little I extended the time as he grew older. He was also crated if I had to leave the house for an hour, when I showered, etc. He loved his crate, was housebroken quickly, and now is decrated. He sleeps on the sofa in the family room. I would not have wanted him in my bedroom as a puppy....they will wee anywhere, specially on carpet....well, anywhere! Never have had him on my bed....even now....but that is a personal choice that we all have to make. I would find a spot for your crate where your puppy will be during the day when you need to crate him (no one is home) and where he will sleep...I wouldn't have two separate places right now. As your pup gets older then bring him into your bedroom. But that is my personal opinion....doesn't mean its the right one for you. Good luck and enjoy your puppy....they grow up very fast!
Re: Two different areas... Crating and sleeping [quote author=Boogie link=topic=10552.msg156253#msg156253 date=1428911266] Yes, he'll be fine so long as his daytime bed is where everyone else (especially you) is. But remember, all pups and dogs are different. Once he's here you will learn together what is best. My Tatze adores her crate, Gypsy hated it from the start - I tried hard with all the suggestions given, no joy. So I had a puppy pen for her. Another example, Gypsy loves being stroked, she's like a cat and rubs up to me and between my legs. Tatze doesn't, she wants ear tickles and tummy rubs - no back strokes [/quote] Yep.. I will need to see how good he is with being crated, being alone, holding his bladder and stuff. thank you so much. By the way, it's a funny dog acting like a cat haha..!
Re: Two different areas... Crating and sleeping [quote author=Edp link=topic=10552.msg156269#msg156269 date=1428916263] All dogs and owners are different and sometimes its a bit of trial and error. I have had 5 dogs and never had one sleep with me. I just set the alarm clock and got up regularly and then increased the gaps between getting up until they could cope. This never caused any problems and they all coped well. They have all been crated in a hallway between kitchen and family room. Not the busiest area as I think they do need peace and quiet sometimes. This again has worked well. I think your dog will generally adapt to how you want arrangements to be, so do what you feel is best. You can change your mind if you need too. Enjoy your new pup Emma and Meg [/quote] Thank you very much for your supportive advice. I think I am just too worried and want to be absolutely prepared, which is not possible. I start with my idea (sleeping with me and being crated in the living room or kitchen) and then gradually switch over to your idea as he grows big enough to hold his bladder longer. maybe 3~5 months.
Re: Two different areas... Crating and sleeping [quote author=Stacia link=topic=10552.msg156268#msg156268 date=1428916052] Don't forget puppies need LOTS of sleep during the day and needs quiet away from the hustle and bustle of life. I would have the crate in a quiet place and have the pup loose in the room with lots of people, they can keep an eye on him and then pop him in the crate when sleepy. [/quote] Yep.. that was my first option, but I dont think there wont be a super noise during daytime either. If it is too much for him, they might be able to use the restricted area I just invented in my room for his sleeping .. thanks!
Re: Two different areas... Crating and sleeping [quote author=Dexter link=topic=10552.msg156291#msg156291 date=1428926278] Hi there, we've got Dexter who is now 2.5 years old. Our set up was the crate in the utility room -a room off the kitchen which was separated by a child gate and the solid door ,although I can't remember ever closing him off from us. He also had a bed in our lounge,our downstairs is completely open plan.Our case was slightly different as Dexter was older ( 5 months when he came to us) and had been crate trained AND I was adamant that he wasn't going upstairs nevermind sleeping on our bed ( more of that in a minute : ) He got to know all his different areas....at night time he was first shut in the crate,then as he got older the door was left open but the child gate closed.during the day he knew his place to go was his bed in the lounge with us or by his own choice he'd take himself off to his crate.Dexter never went upstairs until he was about 18 months...this took training and patience and if I didn't have the time to stick to it ie I needed to jump in the shower quickly to go out and he wasn't settling in either of his places,I would pop him in the utility room behind the gate .At 18 months he made it up onto our bed ;D and that is where he sleeps with us every night now.he wouldn't dream of going up there on his own thoough,even if he is alone in the house he will choose a place downstairs,he knows the bed upstairs is only for nighttime and by invitation only ...so as your puppy gets older he will get to know the routine of your house and what is 'allowed/expected' You can help him to understand that your bed is just for when you want him there he will know when he is allowed there .I tend to agree with Stacia and have the crate in a quieter place for the puppy to have a bit of a haven .... Best wishes Angela [/quote] Thank you so much for all your story about craiting.. haha I think I will start with two different areas just like you. But I might be going to locate his crate into the kitchen which is a bit more quiet place instead of living room. I hope this would work for me and Eddy..
Re: Two different areas... Crating and sleeping [quote author=MaccieD link=topic=10552.msg156258#msg156258 date=1428912630] Have you thought of getting a smaller crate for the bedroom for the first weeks. I used to take Juno's crate upstairs each night for the couple of weeks so she was near me and easier to scoop up for those night time trips to the garden. She then had the crate in the kitchen during the day as her chill out space although she did take a liking for the cats bed! I used the 24" crate until she was 16 weeks, but that of course depends upon the size of you pup. [/quote] Thank you very much for your comment. I dont think it's really worth buying one more crate only for few weeks as labs grow too fast. But I am looking to get a plastic box or basket for his sleeping area next to my bed, which is a sort of restricted area. I arranged my bed and desk to make a room for him and it seems like a cozy room for him.
Re: Two different areas... Crating and sleeping [quote author=Yvonne link=topic=10552.msg156293#msg156293 date=1428929878] Cooper (13 months) has had a crate in the family room from day one (8 weeks) and this is where he slept from day one. At night I set the alarm for every two hours, got up and took him out for a wee or poop. Little by little I extended the time as he grew older. He was also crated if I had to leave the house for an hour, when I showered, etc. He loved his crate, was housebroken quickly, and now is decrated. He sleeps on the sofa in the family room. I would not have wanted him in my bedroom as a puppy....they will wee anywhere, specially on carpet....well, anywhere! Never have had him on my bed....even now....but that is a personal choice that we all have to make. I would find a spot for your crate where your puppy will be during the day when you need to crate him (no one is home) and where he will sleep...I wouldn't have two separate places right now. As your pup gets older then bring him into your bedroom. But that is my personal opinion....doesn't mean its the right one for you. Good luck and enjoy your puppy....they grow up very fast! [/quote] Ok.... what about a restricted area besides my bed in my bed room? I changed the arrangement of my furniture and made a small room for him. I put some blanket or something else in case he wees. I will of course set up my alarm every two hour to take him out... and put him into the crate during daytime. oh my god sorry about too much questioning lol.. it's hard... too hard to make a decision.
Re: Two different areas... Crating and sleeping Of course you can put him in your bedroom in that area you arranged. But remember that the puppy can get up from the blanket or bed and move around in your bedroom! And their bladders are very tiny and cannot hold on to their wee. I just found it easier for my puppy and myself to have him in the crate (where they try not to soil because it is their sleeping/daytime area) and get up and take him out. But, please, you have to do what is good for you. This was just the right thing for me. I realize there are so many things going through your mind right now. Don't worry, all will be OK. It is a learning experience....we are all still learning!And this Forum is the best thing that ever happened to a first-time doggie person! I had NEVER had a dog in my life and a puppy adopted me! I can assure you that it is a lot of hard work but so very rewarding. My puppy is the best thing that happened to me! And yours will be the same for you.....
Re: Two different areas... Crating and sleeping Hi I had a crate in the kitchen and a travel fabric crate in the bedroom, carrying a heavy crate up and down would have been a nightmare!! She was happy in both , until she grew too big for the bedroom crate and now she's back in her crate in the kitchen. Bella had to be crated as she would get up early and wee indoors if not. Good luck ;D
Re: Two different areas... Crating and sleeping When Charlie came home, I had him in a pen in the kitchen from night one - I did this because this is what my mum had done with new puppies. I wouldn't do this again. I think that it's too traumatic for a puppy to be taken away from its mum, siblings, into a strange home, and then be left alone for the first night. Reflecting on this, I don't think it's sensible. So my next pup will be in a deep sided box by my bed with my alarm set and I'll get up to take him outside. Then I'll move him to a crate over a few nights. Unless he settles because I already have a dog to keep him company, that would be fine. But I wouldn't leave an 8 week old puppy alone at first again.
Re: Two different areas... Crating and sleeping Having a smaller crate for the bedroom and a larger one elsewhere for daytime is not such an expensive idea. The smaller crate can be pressed into service in the car for safe transport. I bought Molly a soft 'donut bed' and put it in her crate and always used the command "go to bed". This readied her for when she was decorated. I moved her crate around the house a bit to see how she would respond. She seemed quite happy wherever I put it. Don't forget lots of toys, especially food dispensing toys like Buster Cubes and Treatballs. It gives them something to do, other than get into mischeif and chew up things they shouldn't. For the first several months Molly rarely used a feeding bowl, everything came to her either via play or training. There was, and still is, always water available.
Re: Two different areas... Crating and sleeping [quote author=Yvonne link=topic=10552.msg156339#msg156339 date=1428946529] Of course you can put him in your bedroom in that area you arranged. But remember that the puppy can get up from the blanket or bed and move around in your bedroom! And their bladders are very tiny and cannot hold on to their wee. I just found it easier for my puppy and myself to have him in the crate (where they try not to soil because it is their sleeping/daytime area) and get up and take him out. But, please, you have to do what is good for you. This was just the right thing for me. I realize there are so many things going through your mind right now. Don't worry, all will be OK. It is a learning experience....we are all still learning!And this Forum is the best thing that ever happened to a first-time doggie person! I had NEVER had a dog in my life and a puppy adopted me! I can assure you that it is a lot of hard work but so very rewarding. My puppy is the best thing that happened to me! And yours will be the same for you..... [/quote] You are totally right I am just worried about too many things as he will be my first puppy. I think he wont be able to walk around and wee in my bed room as the "room" i made is totall restricted.. A young puppy cannot come out, but I can see and touch him by reaching my arm. Thank you so much for your understanding and concern. and I am sure he will be the best thing that happens to me..
Re: Two different areas... Crating and sleeping Thank you very much for all helpful comments. It seems like generally dogs dont mind having two dens for daytime and night.. I think I will use some part (as specious as crate) of my room as his "room" for night and put his crate into the kitchen for daytime. The "Room" is not just an open area but it is more like a penned area. so he wont be able to walk around and wee in my bedroom. I will have to see how he does with this plan but I am sure we will figure out the best way for both of us thanks guys!!
