A Ditherer's Diary (again)

Naomim

How funny @EssexHebridean our cav was completely food oriented. No one's picnic was safe in the summer, all recall disappeared!

So obviously all my mind is on puppy at the moment. Have any of you crate trained? We never did before but thinking it's a good idea.

redofromstart

We have with one who liked it, his special place.  It meant that the older dog got a break from the puppy.  Doesn't work for them all though, our lurcher hated it.  She likes to be with someone all of the time, ideally leaning on or sat on you and it would be really rather mean to cage her.

moving_forward

We crate trained all of ours. They were small dogs mind. It gives them somewhere safe from other pets and a den of their own. When pups we used a great big crate designed for bigger dogs with enough room for a puppy pad incase of accidents. Bed area always had a blanket over to create a cave. Then when used it it they got smaller them size crate which was only locked when they needed to be kept safe e.g. workmen/women in. They had a foldable canvas one for when away. Now we don't use crate as dog has special place under the stairs in day and other beds for night. 

WinterWarrior

Dog says crates are cages…no, no, no!  I tried with a huge crate, the cats got in it, her toys went in it, treats and food went in it, I sat in it to show her how safe it was, she said not on your nelly, so we packed it away and that was that! We did however have great success with a baby gate. Our bedroom was her safe space and I baby gated her in on a night so she didn’t fall down the stairs.Then on the very odd time I had to leave her I would gate her in so she was safe, couldn’t bark at the door, chase the cats if they didn’t want to be in her room, or set the alarm off. Baby gates are king! 

moving_forward

We used a baby gate when our other dog sadly no longer with us would wet the bed (our bed) every single time he was allowed upstairs 😱

Naomim

We will need a baby gate for the stairs and to protect the shoes in the hallway! 

I was thinking maybe of a large playpen. Ideally for a sleeping and safe space but they have no top so a large bouncy puppy might try to jump out. The layout of our house is different to when Oz was a puppy and all open plan now so I need to think of something. 

moving_forward

I wonder if you could rent a crate from the vet to see if it works.
They must do doggy play pens that are designed for bigger pups

Naomim

I have found one on Anazon with good reviews from people who have labs and other large breeds. Can add and remove panels.  I think MrM might be more open to a pup having more space.

moving_forward

That's good news

dawnybabes

We used a crate and tbh our dog goes in it on her own accord.  Our last dog was almost suicidal when we packed the crate away, took months to get over it !