Crate Question

[KYuke022203]

I bought a crate for Riley's initial training, but now I'm starting to rethink my decision....I bought an enclosed crate for him, but I'm wondering...should I have gotten a wire crate instead? What kind of crates do you all use and what are you suggestions? I bought the crate at PetSmart and have already assembled it, but it hasn't been used and I still have the reciept if I need to take it back.

Thanks!

Kristen

[Imon]

I have an open wire crate for Otto - if it is cold in the winter, I drape a beach towel over the top and 2 of the sides at night. In the summer, it maximizes air flow to let him stay cool.

We got the size that would be used for a Golden Retriever, so it's pretty roomy for him and he brings his stuff in and out of it himself. When it got very hot, he dragged out the "lambswool" bedding that was in the crate, left it in the middle of the living room and went back in to sprawl on the cool metal bottom.

His travel crate has solid sides on 3 sides for security. He doesn't like it as much (it's also smaller than his regular crate).

[Sonnysmom]

For Sonny's crate training I bought a wire cage and placed it in an area of the house where he could see us whenever he's in it. I preferred it over the plastic crate because he has a decent amount of room to sprawl out (now that the divider is out) and he can see what's going on around him. Good Luck! I'm so excited for you, take tons of pics because they grow so fast!!

[KYuke022203]

Thanks so much Mary!!!! I have a camera ready and raring to go!!!! I can't wait to share Riley with all of you!
So do you think I should take back the plastic crate?

Kristen

[Pugdawg1]

I used the regular ole plastic crate but then again, I only used it for a few weeks. I think if I was going to plan on crating for a good length of time (or indefinitely, whichever) I'd get one of those nice open wire crates.

[KYuke022203]

Well, now I'm a little bummed. I talked to my hubby about my crate concerns this morning and he said it wasn't necessary to take the plastic crate back and that it would be just fine for Reiley. "We do have air conditioning in the house K, " is the last thing he said when he ledt for work this a.m. and I understand where he's coming from, but also too, he doesn't know that much about Pugs (not saying that I'm an expert). I don't know what to do! I'm just worried that he'll get mad if I try and take the plastic crate back to Pet Smart and get a wire one. Has anyone used a wire crate long term and was successful? AH! Why can't simple things just be simple?!?!? :-|

Thanks,

Kristen

[lashwish]

Oscar has had a wire crate from day one & he loves it.

However, I don't really think there is a big difference between plastic & wire.

We drape a towel or sheet over the sides & back so only the front is open for his viewing out of. I read that this helps when they first start as they tend not to be distracted by everything going on around them & feel like they are missing out. It makes it more like a den. I'd say it definitely helped & hasn't come off yet. They even sell 'nice' covers to go on the wire crates.

His crate was huge when we first got it, but it came with a divider to make it smaller, though we never used it. They should only have enough room to get up & turn around, if there is a ton more room, they tend to poop or pee in a corner & defeats the purpose of crate training. He only had a few accidents in the early days & then he caught on. Also. I foolishly bought a nice zebra print cushioned bed for the bottom, but I lucked out as he doesn't eat it like he does everything else!
Hope that helps!

[jwestoverpug]

I think some dogs prefer one kind of the other. We have both. right now we're using the wire crates in the house, and the plastic ones for the car. Kittie and Willy don't seem to care, they like both, but Rudy hates the plastic one. I think she panics because she can't see out of it.

Really I don't think it will matter for a puppy. A lot of dogs really like the plastic ones because they are more den like.

Jesse

[KYuke022203]

Our house is air conditioned and he'll only be sleeping in the plastic one while he's a puppy until he's house trained. And I just called Pet Smart and the lady said they would take it back w/ the reciept...stressing! Riley is coming at 5:30 and I think I'm trying to make things as perfect for him as possible! I'm I just being a stress case? Is this normal?

Kristen

[crazypugmom]

I prefer the wire crates so the pugs can see all around but yet have a safe environment. As someone mentioned above, a blanket or towel can be placed over the crate during the winter if it feels drafty. I had bought the other type of crate back when mine were puppies but would get the wire crate if I decide to have a puppy again plus I would like to get one for my foster pugs.