Type of crate to use?
 

My boy is 14 weeks and up until yesterday, I was using an x-pen with pads on one side and bed/food/water/toys on the other side. He would use the pads when he was in the pen, but my vet and the dog trainer have recommended taking the pen away and using a crate and supervised free time.

I really like the x-pen and although I know crate training is a good thing, I was a little hesitant.. BUT I'm glad I did. It's still early, but last night was our first night with no overnight messes! (He was crated and woke me up to go out at 1:00am after last out at 9:30pm, then we got up for the day at 5:30am)

My question is - the "crate" I have is actually a travel bag. It's big enough for him to stand up and turn around, in fact he can lay down in there perpendicularly so there's extra room.. even though it seems small compared to the 3x6' pen we were using. Should I get a wire one or a plastic pet taxi style instead? There is a sherpa liner at the bottom and I have replacement liners for the travel bag... this is the bag we use in the car (it buckles in) and is also airline compliant for when the time comes (we like to travel).


Here is what we're using now:
Sherpa 11721 Delta Deluxe Pet Carrier Medium Black:
18 x 11 x 10.5 inches
Amazon
Sherpa Replacement Liners 151 Medium:
Amazon.com : Sherpa Replacement Liners 152 Medium...

ALSO, next week he is going to start coming with me to my office. (DH is off work this week so he's on puppy duty)... should I take "thee" crate back and forth and always use the exact same one, or should I buy two of the same and leave one at home, one at the office.

If I buy a new, different style crate, should I start using that one in the car or should I continue to use the travel bag?

I personally like the pet taxis for crates, the "bag" would be my second choice with the wire ones a very distant third (I don't care for those at all, really.) I see no problem having at least two crates- one for work and one for home, unless you always transport him in his crate, then you'll just need the one.

The travel type might be ok for night time if in need of a second one for night time hours. For every day use its best to use a cage type, one that give the pup full view of its family and surroundings and also one that has an adjustable wall. I should be placed in a room where the pup can be close to you and the other family members and where you can hear his cries to be taken out to go potty. If you like you are more than welcome to visit my website where I have more tips on training a new pup. www.dawnsyorkies.weebly.com/training-tips

I am a firm believer in crate training but I'm not a fan of caging a dog for long periods of time- especially if you are with him! Isn't he a member of the family and don't you want to get to know and trust each other? If you are training your dog to go potty outside, how will he learn to let you know when he needs to go out if he only goes out when you decide to take him?
OP- I've been thinking more about this all day, it may be easier for your pup to understand the difference between how to behave at home versus at work if you have two different crate for him in each place. He has his "safe spot" at home then in the car and at work he uses the bag. At home he can play and romp but at work you'll want him to be laid back and calm, resting a lot and staying quiet. Different setup a will make it easier for him to remember that.

Thanks for all of the great feedback so far!

UPDATE - - -

We started "crate training" with the Sherpa bag on Wednesday. It's going MARVELOUS! He had two accidents Wednesday morning on the kitchen tile when we had briefly left the room to grab something (he was baby gated in the kitchen at the time, not in crate)... SINCE then... no accidents in the house AND no training pads used in the last 48 hours! He's eliminated outside everytime!

In addition to crating, we have gone to scheduled meal/water and water times and scheduled out times as well as taking out after naps, play or if he's out with us and starts to sniff.

Don't worry - he's had plenty of out crate time with us, but if we can't eagle eye him - he goes in the Sherpa bag. He really seems calm and I think he likes it in there. It's a very good size for him.

Today was also his first day at the office and he was perfect. I kept his Sherpa bag on a chair next to me.

After looking at crates at Wal-Mart and Petsmart and being pretty disappointed in what they had, I ordered this Suncast one from Amazon today and hopefully it will be a good replacement for the bag at home. If he transitions well to it, I'll get a second one for the office and probably just use the bag in the car and on planes.

Amazon
I can't say how thrilled I am that crate training / converting from pads to outdoors is going so well. We haven't gone on the grass yet... but he is dominating the concrete patio... lol

Sidenote - During the day we're doing breaks for potty/outdoor exploration or playtime or water and snuggles every 2 hours, max. At night he has been doing fine left alone from 10pm - 1am and after our 1am potty break, up for potty, breakfast and playtime between 4:45 and 5:15. He's still young... 14 weeks so he does sleep quite a bit. We try not to let him sleep from 6pm - 9pm otherwise he will be up every hour in the night.