Crate talk...

The pups were dead to the world, so I decided to chat about the crates here... The big crate in the corner here is normally Bella's. I left it in here hoping that the pups would just crawl in and sleep. No such luck. (They really do like to sleep on that old toy!) This is the crate we used for overseas shipping - much bigger than needed for a puppy, but I wanted the dogs to have lots of room to standup, or stretch out and it worked great.

This is the crate I put in the ex pen - for them to start exploring and getting used to. They will be locked in for a nap tomorrow... and carried around the house a bit in it. (Several times during the day - like a game...) Then I will progress to taking them outdoors in it, and into the garage, then finally the car - all scary steps, but easier for them if they do it with their brothers and sisters and get to go somewhere fun to play after... I'm a little slow getting started on this as I hurt my back a bit (all that darn snow shoveling! grrr!) Getting better now though.

They are going to the vets next Wed, for their needles and micro-chipping. I will need to get them comfortable with traveling in a crate in the car before that, but it does not take too long really - just short trips, to fun places... This size crate is good for the four pups together ( a bit squishy, but they like that) or one adult dog. I would recommend that all dogs be transported in a crate like this, when in the car - an airbag can crush a puppy, or they can turn into missiles in a car accident! This size is also fine for any domestic flights you might make. (Airline approved)

No takers for sleeping in the crate yesterday, but they were better today - will post more pics later... This is a good sized crate to secure the puppy in when you have to leave him/her alone as well. Not too big (so they will not be tempted to soil in it) or too small - they must be able to stand up, and turn around in it. It can also have the top removed and be made into a bed for the dog, if you prefer.
Please remember that it is tough to hold your bladder for too many hours, (how long can YOU last?) and do gradually increase their time, if you have to crate them while you work. I prefer to pen them in a room, with a designated "potty" area.