we are shortly homeing a retriever size puppy and wandered about the use of puppy cages.
can anyone advise me on the size i would need and any hints on using it.
thankyou

I don't know what others think, but I usually recommend the larger cages for dogs of this size. Depends on how long you intend to use it really ... if you plan to contain the dog through the chewing stages while on its own etc. You should use the kennel as the dogs own personal space, never use it as punishment. Leave the cage up during the day so that the pup can go there to escape and sleep. This way the dog will be happy to go into the cage when you want it too because that is its safe retreat. Hope this helps, though I am sure there are much more experienced people on here who can help more :)

Bear in mind too that IMHO the sizes often recomended by the manufacturers are just a bit on the small size....always introduce the crate as a place of fun and refuge and so do it slowly, gradually build up the time.

Give toys and stuffed Kongs etc in there so the pup gets used to it beinga nice place.

Abov eall, don't crate your pup for too long.....some people stick the dog in a crate whilst they go out to work.....NOT suggesting for one minute this is your intention!!!

Have lots of fun with your new addition to the family

Lindsay

go and buy december your dog theres a two page guide on cage training

You will need one that is 27 inches high by 3 feet long by 2 feet wide. this is the size I use for my Elkhounds, which at a pinch will take two for short periods (show loo break, or travelling). I would imagine that is the smallest you could use when it is full grown. The one they do in Argos is 31inches by 24inches by 24 inches high, when you have a pup it seems that it might be big enough, but it isn't, not tall enough, I know someone who made this mistake with my breed, and the dog was fine resting, but standing its ears were bent, so that it couldn't stand comfortably. Elkhound bitches are within an inch of 19 1/2 at the shoulder.

you can search this forum for lots of useful info on crates. You need to go on search and then put 'crates' in. there is lots of advice-in the end it's up to you- we all find our own way.