i'm goin to have a new westie puppy next month,he'll be 10 weeks at that time
should i buy the crate or just the bed?which one is better for him to sleep?
thanks

A crate can really speed up house-training, and is usefull for keeping the pup secure if you don't want him under your feet. i.e. if you're cooking. Most dogs love their crate, it is their den and like a bed somewhere to go and sleep after all that play! :) The crate will also come in usefull if you want to take him away with you......I'd go for the crate every time :)

liberty

I totally agree, a crate is a god send! My litter of pups have just gone to their new owners, this weekend, once weaned they slept in the crate at night (even with the door open) and never complained about being shut in, during family meal times, or floor cleaning time..........which with a litter of 7 was quite regular. I've had comments from all the new owners about how good the pups are, going into the crate when tired etc. so I would recommend a crate any day for a new pup!

Hi
Just read your comments about using a crate, I am due to pick up my Bichon puppy in just over 3 weeks (not counting, not much) Do you put the bed in the crate? also paper whilst training? I have had puppies before but never used a crate so I am a little unsure how to use them. Any advice gratefully received.
Pauline

We started pup off in a bed - then got a crate a few weeks later. We didn't have any problems changing over from bed to crate - cried for a bout 5 mins at first then decided it wasn't quite so bad!! Its the first time I've used a crate and wouldn't hesitate using them again in the future. As long as they're used for the right reason they're fine. We call ours Dexters Den.

Hi Guest, would you like to e mail me and I can give you some advice re westies. I have done a puppy information leaflet for my new puppy owners, maybe the breeder you are getting your puppy from does this as well, if not , I can send you a copy of mine. Irene-Westyholm Westies

hi irene,
i just register:),could you send me the information leaflet??
thanks
Julia

HI guest,

I personally think a crate is better, sometimes if you are really busy it is best to pop a pup in the cage for his safety. They quickly establish the area as their own and learn that when they are in the cage it is sleep time. They cannot chew cables etc and they learn house training very quickly as when you open the cage lift him out right away and straight out to the piddle patch for him to pee.

You can also use the cage in the car for transport which is a safe and sturdy method of transport for him and he knows it is his safe area.

I would never leave a puppy or any dog for that matter in one for more that a couple hours. Bed time excluded as he should sleep most of the time.

Hope this helps. I have westies also and have found the cage method very successful.

Goodluck

Pam

Hiya
I have a 6 month old westie and we crated her for all of 5 minutes !! Being practical it is a really good idea, but it is personal choice.

hi lindsey,
we were the same with boscoe,after 5 minutes of him screaming and scratching to get out i thought sod it,at least any mess will clean up with the floor being laminate.he will have to go in today though cause he is going for his first jab and i'll be on my own so for safety sake i will put up with his noise,and just hope it doesnt upset him too much.
mel :)
p.s try to see you at michelles on saturday(is it 3pm ?)