No room for a crate for a puppy - but a nice little corner. Also collar advice please

[notimefortv]

Hi,

I will be picking up my little Bichon Poo puppy in a few weeks and have been looking into all the training options and have seen lots of advice about using a crate. However, my kitchen (which is where the dog would sleep etc) really doesn't have a space for a big crate but does have a nice little corner where I was thinking of putting her bed. Was then going to put a stair gate across the door. We have a cottage - the sort with a large lounge diner then smallish kitchen and bathroom at the back.

Initially didn't like the idea of a crate but have now come round to it but really can't see how this would fit without us tripping all over it it or putting it in the lounge, which I don't want to do.

Do you think I can train her just as well without as this would be most ideal?

Also - do you put a collar on them as soon as you get them home for a little while each day until they are used to it?

Will check it all out with vets and puppy training school too but am sure there are some experts on here that could help.

Thanks.......

Can't wait to get her - just need to think of a name - we are liking Britney - our PUP Princess!

FYI - I have 3 children so life is gonna get a little bit more crazy - but lovely!

Bichon poos are v small aren't they? If so, you'd only need a 24inch crate, which wouldn't take up much space at all.

We have a 24in for our mini schnauzer puppy (also bought a 30in for when he's bigger, then 24in one will be used for hols if needed)

I think they're fab, and essential if you have young kids. Ours is a great place to escape from DS (wish I could escape in a crate from him sometimes)

It's also making house training much easier - no accidents at all at night, and only the odd wee (once every 2 days max) in the living room cos it's a hike to the back door. He's only 9 weeks We haven't used paper or pads.

I put a collar on Max on day 2 at home, he fussed for 5 mins then ignored it. I always take it off when he goes in his crate so it doesn't get caught.

Name! Britney the pup princess cute but would your DH/OH/DP be happy shouting it out??!!

What is a bichon poo? never heard of that one.

Hope all goes well with pup, its so exciting.

We have a fold-up travel crate that's pretty small for our new Scottie pup. It makes it much easier. When she goes to the vet we just take her in her travel crate.

it's a bit like a carrycot for puppies. But they can't get out.

A Bichon Poo is a cross between a Bichon Frise and a (toy) Poodle! - the name does make me laugh but that is officially what they are called! Alternatively a Poochon! (I think Bitch breed name comes first?)

It is a small dog and I will measure space for crate that has been suggested - I do think it would be nice for her to escape the crazy goings on but also don;t want it to be too small for her - but then I guess you leave the door open anyway, right? Until they are at least 12 weeks I read I think.

It's hard to describ but there is a space at the end of kitchen units before a lobby to the bathroom where a bed would fit snug but a crate may be too bulky and require us climbing over to get to the loo.

There must be lots who also don't use a crate?

You don't have to use a crate - if the pup has an area that she is confined in then that is fine. The only advantage of a crate is she can go in it in the car and also if you sleep anywhere else on holiday etc she will settle really quickly. But you can certainly get the same effect by giving her - her own private area.

Re collar I would give her a couple of days to settle in and then pop it on and see what she does, some dogs don't even notice others go mad. I always put mine on when I feed them so they are sidetracked and then just thinks it means dinner and eventually I don't take it off when they have forgotten about it.

Bet your pup is a pretty little thing. You should try agility with her when she is older poodles are fantastic at it!

Have spoken to puppy trainer who said whilst most people go for a crate these days and it does make training easier, it is by no means a must and that a bed in the kitchen with a stair gate will be fine, may just take a little longer to house train. Has made me feel better as this has been really playing on my mind - as long as I am doing no long-term harm to her best interest then that's fine with me.

I don't agree with crating dogs and successfully house trained both of my puppies without one.

They had a bed in the kitchen with a stair gate on as you're suggesting.

I put collars on mine after they'ed been home a couple of days and just left them on. They soon forgot about them. Then when they were used to them I only left them on for short periods. Now they only wear them when their out for walks but I found initially it was best to get them used to wearing them all the time.