Crate size and puppy essentials

• 08-24-2007 9:12 AM

  Natasa Joined on 07-26-2007 Corpus Christi, TX Posts 4 Points 0

  Crate size and puppy essentials Reply Contact Hello everyone,   my husband and I are looking to adopt 8-10 week old miniature schnauzer. We would like to have him crate trained but don't plan on keeping him in the crate much when he gets to adulthood. My husband works from home so there is almost always someone here. I am completely lost on what size crate I should get? Some say 30", 26" in lenght.. but others worn not to get one thats too big because it will defeat the purposes of crate training. We are totally lost! Also - is it better to get a plastic one or wire one? I have gathered that those soft sided and wicker ones are not good for the puppy.   Also - what are some puppy essentials that you recommend from your experience? We just want to be ready when our new furry bundle of joy arrives

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• 08-24-2007 9:18 AM

  In reply to Natasa

  erica1989 Joined on 02-21-2007 Clearwater, Florida Posts 2,738 Points 260

  RE: Crate size and puppy essentials Reply Contact You want him to be able to stand up, sit dow, lay down and turn around. Type of crate is your preferance. Casey has a wire one, but I cover the top with a sheet to make it more den like. He is very happy in there. He has a larger crate, because he is already crate trained and house trained - he knows to go outside. Once your pup is completely trained, you can go to a bigger crate to give him more room to play and do whatever he wants to do. You'll need lots of puppy chew toys - pups LOVE to chew. He will be mouthy, so you will want a  toy you can easily carry with you to redirect his chewing from your hand to his toy.   Have lots of fun! And pictures are a requirement! =]

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• 08-24-2007 6:29 PM

  In reply to Natasa

  Natasa Joined on 07-26-2007 Corpus Christi, TX Posts 4 Points 0	RE: Crate size and puppy essentials Reply Contact hmm so how big is that? does anyone who has mini schnauzers know? Since i don't have the puppy with me yet and can't predict what size he will be in few months it is so hard to tell how much room he will need.   anyone else with any other puppy-must-haves?
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• 08-24-2007 6:32 PM

  In reply to Natasa

  iiartisanii Joined on 07-30-2007 Cary, NC Posts 127 Points 115

  RE: Crate size and puppy essentials Reply Contact Size 200 Vari Kennel is terrier sized, so as long as he stays the size that a Mini should, he will fit comfortably in the 200 vari kennel. The dimensions are online at any pet supply store or you can go to Petco/Smart and measure it yourself. If you buy a wire crate with the same dimensions you can get a crate divider to make the crate grow with him so he won't have any accidents.

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• 08-24-2007 7:40 PM

  In reply to Natasa

  orangedog Joined on 09-10-2007 Canada Posts 325 Points 100

  RE: Crate size and puppy essentials Reply Contact I only use plastic crates as my dogs much prefer them, and the only brand I trust is Vari Kennel (the dogs managed to break out of other brands somehow). The 200 Vari is what my friend with an adult Miniature Schnauzer uses, though as a puppy, she had the 100 for her. I'm not sure what the dimensions are for either size, but I'm sure if you looked it up online you'd be able to find out. As far as other must-haves, you need to have good chew toys! My puppy couldn't live without her Kong or Nylabones. She chews on both all the time. She also has various stuffed squeaky toys too, but only for supervised play or else she tears them apart. Then of course you need a leash, collar, shampoo, stainless steel (or ceramic) bowls, etc. but those are pretty obvious.

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• 08-24-2007 8:09 PM

  In reply to Natasa

  stormyknight Joined on 12-16-2006 Posts 246 Points 25

  RE: Crate size and puppy essentials Reply Contact I would not recommend a wire kennel as my mini schnauzer was not only able to get the darn thing unlatched, but she also chewed the drywall through the bars. DH was not happy about that. [&:] As far as other puppy essentials, a Kong is a must have! Actually a few Kongs are helpful - stuff 'em and freeze 'em so you always have one when you need it. Other chew/teething toys are helpful so that they have something to channel his/her mouthing on.

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• 08-25-2007 8:00 PM

  In reply to Natasa

  janet_rose Joined on 09-10-2007 DFW area, Texas Posts 3,749 Points 330

  RE: Crate size and puppy essentials Reply Contact stormyknight: I would not recommend a wire kennel as my mini schnauzer was not only able to get the darn thing unlatched, but she also chewed the drywall through the bars. I prefer wire crates, but the strong ones, not the weak ones that you are talking about.  See the Kennel Aire crates and Gorilla Tough crates at www.drsfostersmith.com.  One of the Kennel Aire crates even has 1" mesh.  That is the one I have for car travel.  Try eBay for cheaper prices.

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• 08-26-2007 9:30 AM

  In reply to Natasa

  Natasa Joined on 07-26-2007 Corpus Christi, TX Posts 4 Points 0	RE: Crate size and puppy essentials Reply Contact THANK YOU!  thank you very much for your responses
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