Quote:
Originally Posted by licricket  I think you need an ex-pen. I think that crate is too small, even though your pup is small. |
Not true. If she is actually CRATE training by definition the dog is only supposed to have room to stand up, turn around, and lay down. The point of crate training is to limit the space so they have no where to eliminate without having to lie in it. The premise is that a dog will not eliminate where they sleep. You have to make sure they have no extra space or they will eliminate in the extra space and then move away from it.
I recommend a crate however instead of a kennel. One with an adjustable divider so:
1. It can grow with the pup. If the pup gets bigger and needs more room to stand up, turn around, and lie down the crate can adjust.
2. You can limit the space to have JUST enough room to the 3 aforementioned actions.
4. Once trained, you can remove the divider if desired and have a space for your pup to go for comfort.
I got mine from Petco and it wasn't expensive at all. It is the one for dogs less than 10lbs. and has an adjustable divider. It is really easy to set up and move the divider around. I think it is a really nice crate, especially for the price. Rylie does well with it and it is a crate so she can see me through the sides really easy (which is good at night so she doesn't feel lonely).
PETCO Classic 1-Door Dog Crates - Wire Dog Crates and Collapsible Dog Crates from PETCO.com
Note: We have used this since Rylie came home and was only 3lbs. It worked great for her and I was able to adjust the crate to be small enough to leave only enough room for her to do the 3 required actions. She has never had an accident in her crate. (Not saying that you will have the same results, but this is my experience). Always make sure you take them out often enough to go potty so they do NOT soil their crate. Rylie can go the whole night now (she couldn't when we first got her), but if your pup isn't doing well training wise maybe they cannot do the same.
Hope this helps!