We are currently trying to decide on a crate for our upcoming pup. So far we have decided that we want to go with plastic crate instead of a wire one. I feel that the plastic one will contain shedding more and give the dog a little more privacy in their den. However one of the main problems with the plastic kennels is that they dont have any sort of divider to make the crate smaller when they are a puppy (for crate training). As of now I have plans to make our own divider out of wood.
Now onto crate sizes… We are thinking either a 42″ or 48″. The puppies parents are not particullary huge so I think we may be able to get the 42″.
Does anyone have any suggestions on plastic vs wire, size, or how to construct a divider? Any tips would be helpful!
Welcome! My name is Jason and I am a first time dog owner as of September 2010. I have been doing extensive research on dog training/behavior, and I hope you will follow me through this amazing journey of raising a dog.
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We used wire. If you are just using crate until housebroken they are not in them that long. He/she should be done before you need to take a divider out – so get a smaller crate. If you intend to leave him/her in crate, while you are at work, different matter.
Hi –
We purchased to 42″ crates from Craigslist. You’d be amazed at how many people buy these things and either never use them or only use them once. Our puppies (11+ weeks now) still share one crate, but the idea is that each will have their own.
We have two aussie shepherd/cattledog mix puppies.
I am definitely going to check out Craigslist for a deal
Thanks!
I would recommend a wire crate. Easier to make smaller while a pup, he will grow very fast. Also you want to see your pup while in the crate, if you place food or play toys, puppies should never go unsupervised.
If you want quiet time just place a blanket that has your and the pups smell on it over the crate, he will be very content.
cheers…
The main advantage I see to the wire one is that it the size can be changed easily. Ill try the blanket idea
Thanks!
Jason congrats I got my GSD female from a rescue at 8 weeks old. Anyway, a plastic one can be made smaller by putting a plastci box or a reg. box inside I used an old oven rack (I had a large one for her so it would fit at 80 lbs. she loved her crate and would go in for naps)I used plastic ties to keep it in place. I have been trying to figure out how to make dividing barriers, I want the technology that they use on barriers for dividing your car, to keep the dog in the back and not jumping into the front of the car, metal grids with pressure rods to keep it in place, bottom and top, but a smaller scale for the crates, I don’t know if it’s been invented yet and wish I had someone who used tools, or knew how, I’m just a dog trainer not an engineer, or handyman, the closest I’ve come is the oven rack with ties.. One thought please do socializing with your pup I know everyone says not to get them around anything until all shots are done but upon researching and reading I am sure you have seen it is important for them, I used PetSmart, all are not the same tho, check the trainer see if they know as much as you, check if they’re knowledgable, area is clean and if you get along with them,plus it’s indoors, they use clickers and +R, and check if they sanitize and disinfect their training area which is enclosed, and everyone must show proof of shots and an exam(from vet) before entering, I used it for my girl to socialize in a low low low risk area, it was great, being a rescue, her background was byb, so I had to hit the ground running to make sure she didn’t have any hidden agres tendencies or anxiety/temp problems, plus needed the social atmosphere, ppl of all ages and race and looks, sounds smells sights.
Good luck on your new pup.
Sorry must have missed this comment! Thank you for the info on making a dividing barrier. I cant believe no one has manufactured one yet. And I will certainly be doing a lot of socialization! Thanks again.