Crate help for puppy Duggie

[Rats and Dogs]

I have borrowed 2 crates, a large and a smaller one for my puppy. I was planning on having the large one downstairs with a blanket/vetbed, a bed, toys and water, so that Duggie can go into it for short times during the day, and building up to longer for when I have to go out. I was going to have the smaller one upstairs with blankets and toys in it, and it would be where he sleeps at night. :044:

However, I have been thinking about it - would having two crates confuse him or should he really only have the one? Or would he be ok being taken up to the other one when I go to bed, bearing in mind he may already be asleep in the big one? :010:

Also, should I give him a set bedtime, or just put him to bed when he is tired/falls asleep? :035:

I promised myself I wouldn't have any last minute panic about him coming, but here we are! :049:

Oh, one more question (for now!) can he have training treats such as livercake at 8 weeks old or should I just use his kibble?

I'm becoming rather excited now...! :078:

[Freckle Face]

I don't think there is any harm in having two crates. If you think about it, most dogs have more than one 'bed'.

I would put him into the crate eat time he falls asleep and he will get used to it and realise that this is where he should go when he is tired.

Not sure about the livercake thing, someone else will come along and answer that I am sure, but no harm in using the kibble.

[Gwen]

gosh Fiona, you are putting me to shame, you are so thorough. I realise now that I have been very lucky with Mali, she just slotted into our lives with so little effort from me. She only ever used her crate in the car - I brought it in on her first day and she was always scared of it so I never persevered. She has always had her bed upstairs and down.

I would think that a different crate upstairs will not be a problem. I hope it all works out but I reckon Duggie is going to be spending most of his time curled up on your knee ;o)

[MightyMouth]

I am no help....mine only ever travel in the car in a crate :076:

[jean]

rolo has his own special crate which he loves and wont let me put away, then they have the car one then theres a spare for holidays... liath and pepper sometimes go in rolos crate as they like it too, but they have ther own big bed.. which rolo sometimes tucks himself up in.

[Rats and Dogs]

gosh Fiona, you are putting me to shame, you are so thorough.
I think it's because when we got Gari we didn't know we were getting him, he was unexpected and we had nothing in for him. That's probably why I'm planning so much for Duggie, I've had time to get excited! :078: