Crating schedule?

[StunnedMonkey]

So we'll be bringing home our 9 week old Wheaten pup in another week, and after weeks of planning I think we're ready. My question is with regards to crate training.

For the first few months there will be someone home with the puppy basically 24/7, except for normal brief errands. I understand that if the puppy cannot be directly supervised, he should be crated. But if we're here all the time, would it be a good idea to establish some sort of regular daily crating anyway, even though someone actually could supervise him?

If so, can someone suggest a schedule that has worked for them? Normal bedtime would be around 11 PM, and we'd rise about 7 AM. Obviously with the pup we'll initially need to plan on one or two nightime potty trips.

So between 7 AM and 11 PM, how often (and how long) should we crate him?

[MafiaPrincess]

There is a difference between passive and active supervision. Watching tv with the pup crawling on the floor is somewhat passive, unless you are lookign at it, it can still potty, crawl behind the couch etc.

Making dinner, is not paying attention to your pup, etc. Just because you are in the same room, doesn't mean you are really supervising. You'll figure out when the pup needs to be crated fairly quickly once it comes home.

[StunnedMonkey]

OK, point taken about passive supervision. Let me ask the question a different way...

Would it be better to establish a rigid schedule for crating (ie, always between 10-12 and 2-4 for example) or merely crate when necessary. If scheduled crating is suggested, how long and when?

[Julie]

I would not worry about "rigid" schedules.... whatever works to prevent the pup from establishing bad habits in the first place... such as chewing, peeing and pooping on floor. Although I would introduce the crate and work up to a few hours at a time, so the pup doesn't freak out in a few months when nobody will be home for hours at a time. :)
Good Luck!

[bubbatd]

^^^ Agree ! I never needed to crate , but my daughter has one for their pup Seger . I saw him in it many times....sleeping , playing etc ........but never saw the door closed ! He started out sleeping with them and only the first 2 nights woke up to go out . After that, slept through the night . He's a big boy now , 5 months old , and sleep wherever he wants ....sometimes even in his kennel . Sorry for the Grammy brag !! LOL !! It may be a different story soon !!! He comes here with me and Ollie for a week starting Friday !!! HELP!!!!!!!