Where to put the crate

[WhySeaEmm]

Hi Doghouse!

We're getting our puppy in 2 weeks and having a dilemma about where to put the crate. I thought I'd ask experienced folk.

Should it go:

1. downstairs in the living room
2. in the hallway between our bedrooms

The way I see it, if downstairs then he can pop in and out of it during the day too and get a break from us/DC. We only have a small house and all doors would be open, so I think we'd hear him fine during the night.

If upstairs on the hallway outside our bedroom he'd be disturbed every time one of us got up for a wee. But people always say they should be upstairs with you.

So what would you suggest please?

(no anti-crate comments please, I'm not discussing that, thanks)

I have a 12 week old puppy and we have a crate in the living room and one in the bedroom. Initially we just had the one crate and were carrying up and down but it was a massive pain so we bought a second one.

The first week or so he needed the toilet at about 2am and 5.30am after being put to bed at 10pm. Now he can go from 10-7 but still occasionally wants to go at about 5am. If he whines I take him out no question but he’s not allowed to do anything but toilet. Any hint of play or lying in the grass and we go straight back to bed. Needless to say he’s only tried a 2.30am play session once!

Are you going to try to use a crate for housetraining? You really don't need to do that. Or is it for somewhere safe for puppy to sleep?
Just remember that even with a crate your puppy will have accidents and you'll need to apply some thinking - it's not that difficult.
www.easyspanieltraining.com/how-to-house-train-a-cocker-spaniel-puppy/ - applies to all puppies.