I will be getting a miniature schnauzer puppy soon, but I am confused as to which crate is best. I will be crate training the puppy from the start, in the car and at home. What is the best kind of crate to get? An open wire crate or a larger airline type carrier crate? Please clarify what is best to use!

I have an airline type on for my mini Dashchund. I've asked people about crate sizes and they always say for pups go for smaller crates. As the pup doesn't like to lie in their own mess they're less likely to mess in there and they house train quicker. And they're much calmer too as they aren't constantly jumping around in the cage. My Dashchund's cage is a bit on the small size now but she does like it, she feels really safe in it. She's in it from 8.45 - 1.00 and then 2.00 - 4.00 and then during the night. I've never had my 2 BC's in crates but I feel crate training young Ella has been stress free and she's a much calmer puppy!

Hi, The plastic type carriers are lighter for you to carry and give more of a "den" effect , and are great when the dog is actually shut in for travelling or overnight and quick trips to the vet. BUT when used for every day, with the door often open for the pup to go in and out during the day, I find that they chew round the edges, so they dont last very long. Also for car travel in hot weather there is not enough air flow imo in a plastic one and a wire crate is preferable. I would go for a lightweight wire cage, about 22"x 15"x15" with a removable metal tray. Stock Nutrition do a very good range, the budget cages are very reasonable. If you want to protect the dog while travelling in case of a RTA then get a heavier duty stronger one + some bungee clips to secure it. It will last for ever .

Hi
I brought my Bichon pup home on friday night (Molly), I bought a wire crate from argos, £38, plenty of room for bed & some space left tor paper, I have never used a crate before so I am learning at present. The problem I have is we put her in her crate as we go to bed, first night we responded as she cryed then realised she would get the hang of us going to her when she demanded so second night left her to cry when we first left her, trouble is she settled then woke up a couple of hours later, do we respond incase its toilet time or do we leave her I really dont know, she then woke again at 3am, I got up & took her out, quick cuddle & she cryed again, settled then woke up at 5am, hubby got up & stayed up, can anyone offer advice please... Regards Pauline.

Leave her Pauline, you want her to settle down and sleep through the night and not wake you as she feels is necessary. Try putting a blanket over her cage so she can't see out and make sure she's got lots of nice bedding in there to sleep in.

Hi
I tried a hot water bottle last night, the breeder gave me a piece of blanket, she has water & a toy. Do i need to get up at all through the night? she is 7weeks, I thought maybe she would need to go out at least one through the night or am I wrong? Pauline

Hi Pauline,
When I first had Dylan (now 4 months old), I slept next to his crate (downstairs, not in my bedroom) for a few nights. When he whined in the night, I took him outside. When he had done his business, he went straight back into his crate. No cuddles or fuss at all. This way he learnt that the only thing he can wake you up for is if he need to go outside. After a few nights, he was sleeping through until *early* morning :)
I didn't put any paper in his crate as I didn't want him to go in his crate. I wanted him to learn to go outside only.

HTH,

Sarah