Dog Community

Need a new crate...opinions please

Posted : 5/4/2006 11:56:55 AM

So, for Peyton I started out with a smaller crate that a family member wasn't using anymore before I needed to buy her a bigger one. Well, now is the time for the bigger one. (Gosh it seemed to literally happen overnight that she didn't fit anymore!) So I am debating between a typical crate and an ex-pen that I can set up as a crate but she'll have more room in. She's now 15 wks, and I'm going to get her the one she'll have forever.

I'm just wondering if she really "needs" the extra room while I'm gone. She sleeps in her crate fine, but she does not like to be in it when I'm around (ie: cleaning, showering, or when I have to have a little break and try to get some work done) so I'm wondering if the ex-pen will make her more comfortable? I'm still working with her on being in her crate when I'm around, and I've asked my vet for advice and he said that some dogs just never want to be in the crate when they can see their owner out and about. (My parents golden/lab retriever is this way also.) So I'm wondering if it's a breed thing. At times she will cry when I put her in her crate and leave for work, but usually by the time I'm at the end of the driveway, I can't hear her cry anymore.

christina

Posted : 5/4/2006 1:45:52 PM

Hi Shenne -
We leave our puppy confined to the kitchen when we're not home, but there is a crate in the kitchen that Winston used to sleep in. Long story short, a few months ago, he figured out how to unlatch the crate and he wanted to sleep with us. We then bought a smaller crate to put in our bedroom and I bought the "bumpers" for the crate, and it came with a cover. I found that when the crate is covered, Winston loves to be in it, it's like his own little cave. So now when I leave him for the day, I cover the big crate in the kitchen with a sheet and he loves being in there, it's private and he can sleep without any distractions. I don't know if it would work for your furbaby, but if they can't see you, they are less likely to cry. If you are able to confine your pup to a bigger area when you are away, you may not need a huge crate, but if it's your only option, you just don't want to make it big enough so that she can't poop in one side and hang out on the other side. As for the ex-pens, I have my doubts that it stays standing, I am paranoid that it can be knocked over or the dog will jump over it, etc. so I don't have any experience wth them. Does that make any sense? I hope this helps....Good luck!

Shannon Henne

Posted : 5/4/2006 4:31:29 PM

I was thinking the same thing with the expens. That's my hesitation. Plus, I know it's not evil to put her in the crate whie I"m gone. Heck I'm gone for a max of 5 hours! I think I'm just going to stick to a crate and I will give the cover a try as well, thanks!

Ryan Finkbiner

Posted : 5/4/2006 7:52:39 PM

I use Petnation's Port-a-crate e-series for Lucy. It is heavy canvas and has zippers on top and on the front. It works very well for us as it can go with me easily. It is easy to collapse yet strong enough to stay up. It is also light and easily cleaned. Best part is, there is plenty of room for her. It is very versitile.