Crate - YorkieTalk.com Forums

stacisnyder04 · 01-25-2005, 04:02 PM

I was wondering what size of a crate to get. I was looking at one that was 24"L x 20"W x 21"H. That seems a little small though. I know Yorkies are small but when they grow up to be about 8 lbs. will it be to small for the Yorkie to stay in. I don't want it to be all cramped in there. How much are they too. I am seen some for $40 is that too much or the price that they usually run. I ask a lot of questions I know. Sorry I am very curious and want to get as much info before I get my Yorkie.
Thanks everyone for all your help.

browniesmom622 · 01-25-2005, 04:45 PM

well lots of people are differnt my to guys even tho there bigger than all of your yorkies are in cages for a german shepard my cages are very big but i like them to have lots of room but there also older when they where little they had a small cage

lvgirle · 01-25-2005, 05:16 PM

I also had a question... has anyone crate trained their Yorkie while they were full grown?? I know that a lot of people crate train their pups early on but since I was going on vacation for a week and leaving Biggie with my cousin, I was thinking of crate training him so he would have a familar place of his own at my cousins??? Biggie uses peepee pads... if he was in there for a couple hours would he pee in his crate????

I also looked up crates at petco:
Smaller Crate <--- this one is about $40

Larger one <--- this one is about $80

The small one seems, almost too small? But I'm new to crate training??!

browniesmom622 · 01-25-2005, 05:43 PM

my brownie is 3 and he still goes in his cage when i go out and to sleep
i know he'll be good he dont destroy anything i just feel more comforable with him in there and he loves it
now for leaving him in there for a couple of hours and not peeing that up to you and howthe dog is i could leave brownie for a couple of hours and he just sleeps
and about the size it also depends on the dog if you have a tiny little one i would say get a small cage cause i would think it would feel better like a huge thing would be very scary for a tiny little thing

how big is your yorkie cause that little one looks like a good size that dog in there is alot bigger than a yorkie

lvgirle · 01-25-2005, 05:46 PM

okay, that's true the dog is bigger than mine. Biggie is about 4.5-5lbs. Thanks for the advice! How long does it usually take to crate train??

lickthestar · 01-25-2005, 06:46 PM

Sorry...I'm against crate training and have trained Archie without a crate. I would recommend sectioning off a portion of your house, like the kitchen or bedroom in order to housebreak your pet. If you're interested, read this...http://warreneckstein.com/pettips_caging.html
I LOVE WARREN ECKSTEIN! Almost all his tips have been very effective, and he's highly recommended to me by my friends who have pets.

Christi · 01-25-2005, 07:41 PM

I bought P.J. a crate when we first brought him home. Although he is only 2 pounds, it is the size that would comfortably house a labrador retriever. It allowed me not to feel so guilty when I kenneled him. There was plenty of room for his toys, food/water bowls, bed and the wee wee pads. Just recently we have been allowing him access to the entire house. Since we leave his kennel door open, I will occasionally find him in his kennel. It is like his little safe haven. With my first yorkie, I did everything wrong because I didn't work with him. I allowed him to dominate me. The vet couldn't trim his nails, etc. We couldn't go on vacations, etc. because he wouldn't kennel. We had a horrible time when he had to be hospitalized because of his seizures and a brain tumor. It broke my heart. So when we bought P.J., I was determined that he would realize that certain things has to be done (nail trims, grooming, anal glads, kenneling, etc.) and he has to accept it. So far so good. I just regret that I didn't do the same with Cuddles.

Gale · 01-26-2005, 11:21 AM

Nemo has a very sturdy kennel that I got at Walmart that cost me $39.99 and it can house up to a pitbull size basset hound or even a pitbull.....my mom had bought one of the crates from petsmart I did not care for it because it was not that sturdy and Nemo would jump on the sides and it would wiggle I did not like that so i returned it and got something that fit my needs, and the one I got it is made out of metal and it folds down and has a handle at the to for easy carrying so if I go stay with my friend I can just pack it up and go.....my bestfriend liked it so much she went and bought one for her dog and called me last week (she lives in the houston area) saying her yorkie loves his new kennel way better than the smaller one she had.....she said she expected him to bark and cry like he normally does when she put him it, but much to her surprise he loved it she said he likes it so much she does'nt even have to close the door on it he will just stay in there......

mybirdys2003 · 01-26-2005, 11:25 AM

I crate mine also. But just when we go out and can't take her with us (grocery store, etc.) She sleeps in there so I can take her anywhere and she is use to her bed. I don't put food or water in there, but only use it as a sleep place or if we go somewhere she can't. But not for long, of course.
Christi! My dog is terrible for nail cutting. Did you ever get that dog to accept it? If so, HOW? i'M Having a terrible time with it. I think the vet holding her down scared her or something. It's like battling Cujo! HELP!

schatzie · 01-26-2005, 01:32 PM

Hi. As you can see there are those for and against crates. I personally love them. Both my pet's use them. Schatzie when she was a baby pup had an actual human baby playpen. Pee pad, water/food bowls, and toys on one side and her bed and play area on the other. As she grew she learned how to climb out and we no longer use it as it's a safety hazard since she could hurt herself trying to escape.

So now she uses her crate and is very happy with it. It's small but gives her length to stretch out and sleep. They say the size should be just big enough for them to turn around in and lay down or stand up.

If you get a larger one and your pup is still young and too small for the larger crate you can always section part of it off. That way you are not investing in multiple crates as your pup grows.

Crates I feel give them such a secure feeling!

browniesmom622 · 01-26-2005, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by schatzie

Crates I feel give them such a secure feeling!

same here

Christi · 01-26-2005, 06:30 PM

In response to MyBirdys2003 question regarding the nailtrimming, Cuddles never really became any better about it. I hated that because I let him get away with everything and then he became a total nightmare. If he didn't like something I would just not do it. I didn't want to "stress him out". I felt bad about it. Needless to say, yorkies are very smart dogs and they learn how to "work you" quickly. Since he realized "he won" he started to act that way with everything he didn't like to have done. But it doesn't have to be that way. After Cuddles, I worked for a veterinarian for 7 years. It was there that I learned what I did wrong. You can start by just holding and massaging his paws for a short while. If he does good with that offer him a treat/reward. If he pulls his foot back, just calmly take it in your hands again and let him understand that you are not going to hurt him but you are going to hold his paw. After a while, you may move his nails around as if you were looking between the toes. This may take some time. Keep rewarding him for his good behavior. Always watch his reactions and be guarded. You do not want to be bitten. I don't know if you trim the nails or if you have the groomer or veterinarian trim them. Let them know that you are working with him regarding the nail trimmings and they may be a little more patient with him. They don't want to traumatize him either. You don't have to trim all four paws in one day. Just do a little at a time and hopefully he will start to trust that no one is out to hurt him and hopefully he will tolerate it. So far, it is working for my little guy. I hope this has been some help to you.

orinskye · 01-26-2005, 08:20 PM

the breeder i got toby from WAS ALSO a groomer...... so........ toby came to me with a nice clean hair cut and ...... guess what!!!!... (this is the real thrill) he actually PREFERS to have his nails CUT rather than having them filed down (i tried this once because i was worried abuot cutting him.......... but he was squirming all over the place).. when i cut his nails using clippers he just lays on his back and dozes like he is being pampered or massaged, this is probably what you want your baby to do mybirdy...... christi gave you some EXCELLENT tips on how to get to this point (i really wouldnt know much about the process of getting them to enjoy it, because toby came to me liking being groomed)... but i do know one thing for sure with these little guys (and i learned this early on) PERSISTANCE PAYS OFF!!!, dont give up, i have found that nail clipping can be VERY rewarding and relaxing to toby, and i hope you get to this step too.......

mybirdys2003 · 01-27-2005, 09:25 AM

Thanks Christi and Orinskye! I can hold her paw and rub her nails and between the nails etc. That's fine with her, but just take out the clippers and WILD DOG! She fights so bad, you wouldn't believe it. I've tried wrapping her in a towel---she gets out no matter how tight we wrap---. My husband holds her down while I clip. Last time, he had to go get gloves on because she was scratching him so bad. I was also scratched up bad. I so want not to have to have her go through this every time, but am at a loss as what to do or how to proceed differently. I stop and give her treats in between and love and soothe her etc. but she is just a 3# terror. You woldn't believe the strength of this little one. I am so afraid she will get hurt when this happens. I would take her to the vet for it, but I could hear her screaming way out in the waiting room. What to do?

Christi · 01-27-2005, 03:25 PM

It is hard to hear these little guy fuss and protest. If it hurts you so bad to hear him carry on in the vet's waiting room, try going outside or wait in the car until it is done. Have a friend or your husband go with you for some support. See if one of his assistants can come get you when the process is all over. The sooner that he learns to tolerate this the better it will be on him. There are different types of nail trimmers out there. Some are what they call the guillotine type. It circles the entire nail and a little "blade" cuts the nail. Most animals usually don't like this type. I think it may pinch and it is kind of slow. Then there are the type which are shaped like a half-moon. These are typically a lot easier to use. Once you have the nail positioned where you want to cut, you clasp the handles together. It is pretty quick. Sometimes the nail trimmers will make a noise if they aren't lubricated well and the animals may not like that sound. If he still protests, you can always walk him on concrete. Concrete naturally files down the nails. But if you were to do that, I would recommend having the nails trimmed down to where they need to be and then start walking him on concrete to keep them filed. Also ask your vet what you can use on his paw pads so they won't become hardened or cracked. I think they used to recommend aloe vera gel, but I am not totally sure. I've been down this road and I know how bad it can make you feel. Keep positive thoughts - something will work. I hope this has helped. Keep me posted.

01-25-2005, 04:02 PM	#1
stacisnyder04 I Love My Boys Donating Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Kansas Posts: 1,504	Crate I was wondering what size of a crate to get. I was looking at one that was 24"L x 20"W x 21"H. That seems a little small though. I know Yorkies are small but when they grow up to be about 8 lbs. will it be to small for the Yorkie to stay in. I don't want it to be all cramped in there. How much are they too. I am seen some for $40 is that too much or the price that they usually run. I ask a lot of questions I know. Sorry I am very curious and want to get as much info before I get my Yorkie. Thanks everyone for all your help. __________________ Staci , Cosmo, Astro, and Blu (RIP) Cosmo's Age: http://tickers.TickerFactory.com/ezt...k/d69e/age.png Astro's Age: http://tickers.TickerFactory.com/ezt...k/9c6a/age.png

01-25-2005, 04:45 PM	#2
browniesmom622 Donating YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: ny Posts: 11,253 Blog Entries: 5	well lots of people are differnt my to guys even tho there bigger than all of your yorkies are in cages for a german shepard my cages are very big but i like them to have lots of room but there also older when they where little they had a small cage __________________ We Love our Yt Angel! My Website< > FB page

01-25-2005, 05:16 PM	#3
lvgirle Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Michigan Posts: 133	I also had a question... has anyone crate trained their Yorkie while they were full grown?? I know that a lot of people crate train their pups early on but since I was going on vacation for a week and leaving Biggie with my cousin, I was thinking of crate training him so he would have a familar place of his own at my cousins??? Biggie uses peepee pads... if he was in there for a couple hours would he pee in his crate???? I also looked up crates at petco: Smaller Crate <--- this one is about $40 Larger one <--- this one is about $80 The small one seems, almost too small? But I'm new to crate training??! __________________

01-25-2005, 05:43 PM	#4
browniesmom622 Donating YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: ny Posts: 11,253 Blog Entries: 5	my brownie is 3 and he still goes in his cage when i go out and to sleep i know he'll be good he dont destroy anything i just feel more comforable with him in there and he loves it now for leaving him in there for a couple of hours and not peeing that up to you and howthe dog is i could leave brownie for a couple of hours and he just sleeps and about the size it also depends on the dog if you have a tiny little one i would say get a small cage cause i would think it would feel better like a huge thing would be very scary for a tiny little thing how big is your yorkie cause that little one looks like a good size that dog in there is alot bigger than a yorkie __________________ We Love our Yt Angel! My Website< > FB page

01-25-2005, 05:46 PM	#5
lvgirle Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Michigan Posts: 133	okay, that's true the dog is bigger than mine. Biggie is about 4.5-5lbs. Thanks for the advice! How long does it usually take to crate train?? __________________

01-25-2005, 06:46 PM	#6
lickthestar YT Addict Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: NY Posts: 360	Sorry...I'm against crate training and have trained Archie without a crate. I would recommend sectioning off a portion of your house, like the kitchen or bedroom in order to housebreak your pet. If you're interested, read this...http://warreneckstein.com/pettips_caging.html I LOVE WARREN ECKSTEIN! Almost all his tips have been very effective, and he's highly recommended to me by my friends who have pets.

01-25-2005, 07:41 PM	#7
Christi Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Georgia Posts: 32	I bought P.J. a crate when we first brought him home. Although he is only 2 pounds, it is the size that would comfortably house a labrador retriever. It allowed me not to feel so guilty when I kenneled him. There was plenty of room for his toys, food/water bowls, bed and the wee wee pads. Just recently we have been allowing him access to the entire house. Since we leave his kennel door open, I will occasionally find him in his kennel. It is like his little safe haven. With my first yorkie, I did everything wrong because I didn't work with him. I allowed him to dominate me. The vet couldn't trim his nails, etc. We couldn't go on vacations, etc. because he wouldn't kennel. We had a horrible time when he had to be hospitalized because of his seizures and a brain tumor. It broke my heart. So when we bought P.J., I was determined that he would realize that certain things has to be done (nail trims, grooming, anal glads, kenneling, etc.) and he has to accept it. So far so good. I just regret that I didn't do the same with Cuddles.

01-26-2005, 11:21 AM	#8
Gale Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Texas Posts: 66	Nemo has a very sturdy kennel that I got at Walmart that cost me $39.99 and it can house up to a pitbull size basset hound or even a pitbull.....my mom had bought one of the crates from petsmart I did not care for it because it was not that sturdy and Nemo would jump on the sides and it would wiggle I did not like that so i returned it and got something that fit my needs, and the one I got it is made out of metal and it folds down and has a handle at the to for easy carrying so if I go stay with my friend I can just pack it up and go.....my bestfriend liked it so much she went and bought one for her dog and called me last week (she lives in the houston area) saying her yorkie loves his new kennel way better than the smaller one she had.....she said she expected him to bark and cry like he normally does when she put him it, but much to her surprise he loved it she said he likes it so much she does'nt even have to close the door on it he will just stay in there......

01-26-2005, 11:25 AM	#9
mybirdys2003 YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 980	I crate mine also. But just when we go out and can't take her with us (grocery store, etc.) She sleeps in there so I can take her anywhere and she is use to her bed. I don't put food or water in there, but only use it as a sleep place or if we go somewhere she can't. But not for long, of course. Christi! My dog is terrible for nail cutting. Did you ever get that dog to accept it? If so, HOW? i'M Having a terrible time with it. I think the vet holding her down scared her or something. It's like battling Cujo! HELP!

01-26-2005, 01:32 PM	#10
schatzie *Moderator Emeritus* Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Tontitown Arkansas Posts: 4,909	Hi. As you can see there are those for and against crates. I personally love them. Both my pet's use them. Schatzie when she was a baby pup had an actual human baby playpen. Pee pad, water/food bowls, and toys on one side and her bed and play area on the other. As she grew she learned how to climb out and we no longer use it as it's a safety hazard since she could hurt herself trying to escape. So now she uses her crate and is very happy with it. It's small but gives her length to stretch out and sleep. They say the size should be just big enough for them to turn around in and lay down or stand up. If you get a larger one and your pup is still young and too small for the larger crate you can always section part of it off. That way you are not investing in multiple crates as your pup grows. Crates I feel give them such a secure feeling! __________________ ~~~~ Schatzie and Ransom ~~~~

01-26-2005, 06:30 PM	#12
Christi Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Georgia Posts: 32	In response to MyBirdys2003 question regarding the nailtrimming, Cuddles never really became any better about it. I hated that because I let him get away with everything and then he became a total nightmare. If he didn't like something I would just not do it. I didn't want to "stress him out". I felt bad about it. Needless to say, yorkies are very smart dogs and they learn how to "work you" quickly. Since he realized "he won" he started to act that way with everything he didn't like to have done. But it doesn't have to be that way. After Cuddles, I worked for a veterinarian for 7 years. It was there that I learned what I did wrong. You can start by just holding and massaging his paws for a short while. If he does good with that offer him a treat/reward. If he pulls his foot back, just calmly take it in your hands again and let him understand that you are not going to hurt him but you are going to hold his paw. After a while, you may move his nails around as if you were looking between the toes. This may take some time. Keep rewarding him for his good behavior. Always watch his reactions and be guarded. You do not want to be bitten. I don't know if you trim the nails or if you have the groomer or veterinarian trim them. Let them know that you are working with him regarding the nail trimmings and they may be a little more patient with him. They don't want to traumatize him either. You don't have to trim all four paws in one day. Just do a little at a time and hopefully he will start to trust that no one is out to hurt him and hopefully he will tolerate it. So far, it is working for my little guy. I hope this has been some help to you.

01-26-2005, 08:20 PM	#13
orinskye YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: California Posts: 2,990	the breeder i got toby from WAS ALSO a groomer...... so........ toby came to me with a nice clean hair cut and ...... guess what!!!!... (this is the real thrill) he actually PREFERS to have his nails CUT rather than having them filed down (i tried this once because i was worried abuot cutting him.......... but he was squirming all over the place).. when i cut his nails using clippers he just lays on his back and dozes like he is being pampered or massaged, this is probably what you want your baby to do mybirdy...... christi gave you some EXCELLENT tips on how to get to this point (i really wouldnt know much about the process of getting them to enjoy it, because toby came to me liking being groomed)... but i do know one thing for sure with these little guys (and i learned this early on) PERSISTANCE PAYS OFF!!!, dont give up, i have found that nail clipping can be VERY rewarding and relaxing to toby, and i hope you get to this step too.......

01-27-2005, 09:25 AM	#14
mybirdys2003 YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 980	Nail trimming Thanks Christi and Orinskye! I can hold her paw and rub her nails and between the nails etc. That's fine with her, but just take out the clippers and WILD DOG! She fights so bad, you wouldn't believe it. I've tried wrapping her in a towel---she gets out no matter how tight we wrap---. My husband holds her down while I clip. Last time, he had to go get gloves on because she was scratching him so bad. I was also scratched up bad. I so want not to have to have her go through this every time, but am at a loss as what to do or how to proceed differently. I stop and give her treats in between and love and soothe her etc. but she is just a 3# terror. You woldn't believe the strength of this little one. I am so afraid she will get hurt when this happens. I would take her to the vet for it, but I could hear her screaming way out in the waiting room. What to do?

01-27-2005, 03:25 PM	#15
Christi Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Georgia Posts: 32	It is hard to hear these little guy fuss and protest. If it hurts you so bad to hear him carry on in the vet's waiting room, try going outside or wait in the car until it is done. Have a friend or your husband go with you for some support. See if one of his assistants can come get you when the process is all over. The sooner that he learns to tolerate this the better it will be on him. There are different types of nail trimmers out there. Some are what they call the guillotine type. It circles the entire nail and a little "blade" cuts the nail. Most animals usually don't like this type. I think it may pinch and it is kind of slow. Then there are the type which are shaped like a half-moon. These are typically a lot easier to use. Once you have the nail positioned where you want to cut, you clasp the handles together. It is pretty quick. Sometimes the nail trimmers will make a noise if they aren't lubricated well and the animals may not like that sound. If he still protests, you can always walk him on concrete. Concrete naturally files down the nails. But if you were to do that, I would recommend having the nails trimmed down to where they need to be and then start walking him on concrete to keep them filed. Also ask your vet what you can use on his paw pads so they won't become hardened or cracked. I think they used to recommend aloe vera gel, but I am not totally sure. I've been down this road and I know how bad it can make you feel. Keep positive thoughts - something will work. I hope this has helped. Keep me posted.