Okay, so I'm in the process of getting all of the things that I need for my new puppy. I plan on crate training him and I was wondering which type of crate is recommended? I'm looking at the wired crates that have the dividers you can put in the middle so I don't have to upgrade in size as he grows. But, I know some people use the pet taxi type crates. Which one should I get? And would medium work, or should I get a small?

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Kasi and Tie-Son

Hi Kasi and welcome to the BT forums!

When I got Sam he was 8 weeks old I got the smallest wire crate they had. Very similar to this product you can find in the store using the link above (I went to dog beds, then searched for crates):

MIDWEST Life Stages 1636DD Fold and Carry Double Door Dog Crate (36"L x 24"W x 27"D)

I never used dividers, between the dog bed and toys, there was really no room. Sam is now 6 months old 19 lbs and uses the same crate. You only want it to be big enough for them to stand, sit and turn around in. It might seem cruel be the enclosed, tight quarters really gives them comfort.

The one thing I wish I would have done sooner was documented when his potty times were. Typically, they need to go about 15 minutes after eating or drinking ( a young pup might need to go sooner) and about 15 minutes after playing or excercising. Get on a feeding and potty routine as soon as you can and potty training will be a lot easier.

Good Luck!!

Couldn't have said it any better!

Also, I'll vouch for the Life Stages crates. I've had one ever since I first got Jake and it has been instrumental in his training. It did have one drawback though: the crate tray was so cheap and flimsy that I caught Jake ripping it to pieces and EATING it! A little googling turned up a heavy-duty tray and now I couldn't be happier.

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Boston Terrier Forums

Okay good, a wired crate was what I was leaning towards. I will definitely look into the Life Stages crates and a separate tray to replace the cheap one with.

And about keeping a record of pottying, I actually just read something that told me to do that. That is another must-do for me that I'll try my hardest to keep track of.

Also, on the potty training topic. I read somewhere that you shouldn't keep a blanket or anything in the crate with them until they are potty trained because they'll go on the blanket. Is that true? My house tends to get a little bit chilly and I'm afraid that if I don't have a blanket in there and keep all sides except the door covered with something that he'll freeze.

Thanks for the help!

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Kasi and Tie-Son

Hi Kasi!

That never happened with Sam, though I'm sure it could be a possibility. When I first got Sam, there was a dog bed, something very similar to this one in the BT store:

Quiet Time Pet Bed for Dogs & Cats - 24" x 18" Natural

and a towel that had been rubbed on his mother to get her scent. After 5 days or so I removed the towel and replaced it with a nice soft blanket (a smaller blanket...kind of toddler size if that makes sense). Because the tray has pretty much always been covered from the get go, it has never cracked or given me problems (which they can crack).

Again, he has never gone in his crate, but he also never went on his potty pads either! It's trial and error...just stick to it and be patient. Sam still uses his crate, and doesn't get free roam of the house. He is usually confined to where we are. Anytime I open the whole house up to him...he finds a spot to go. He still has an occasional accident be we have taught him to ask to go out by jumping up on the slider door and tapping the glass.

Good Luck!!!

Well, I ordered my crate and it came today. However, I'm looking at it and I'm thinking that it might be a tad bit too little. It's an xs, I probably should've gotten a small. It's dimensions are
22L x 13 W x 16H". Should I return it and get a crate that's one size up from that one? Or do you think that will work? I'm really trying to keep from having to get a whole new crate when he gets to his full grown size.

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Kasi and Tie-Son

I would get the small. We still use ours. I think the xs is the smaller breeds (up to to 12 lbs or so full grown). Hopefully, it's not too much of a pain to return. Good luck!!

Yeah, I think you're right. I don't mind if it's trouble, it was my fault anyway! lol. Thanks for the help!

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Kasi and Tie-Son