Hello! I’m getting an 8-week-old puppy next week and feel pretty prepared, except for not having a crate yet. Growing up, we had a dog from puppyhood, but he was never crate-trained, and it seems like many people I know don’t use crates—maybe it’s a UK thing?
Since joining this subreddit, I’ve seen lots of posts about crate training, but I’m unsure if it’s necessary for us. I don’t work, and my partner works from home, so we’re around all day. I have a pop-up fabric playpen that we plan to set up next to our bed at night since the breeder used one for the puppies. Is this essentially like crate training, just more portable?
I was thinking of using the playpen while he’s small. Also, do people generally let their pups roam the house (mostly ground floor)? I feel like I have everything else sorted, but I see conflicting advice on these topics.
Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated! It feels like preparing for a new baby with all the planning
Crate training is helpful when first bringing a puppy home. It provides structure and safety while they learn house rules. Most puppies aren’t ready to roam freely until they’re 12-24 months old, once they’re better trained and less likely to chew or have accidents.
Crate training is a popular method for house training puppies and providing them with a safe space. While it’s not strictly necessary if you’re home most of the time, it can offer several benefits:
Safety: A crate provides a secure space for your puppy to rest and feel safe.
House training: Crates can help with house training by confining your puppy to a smaller area.
Separation anxiety: If your puppy develops separation anxiety, a crate can help them feel more comfortable when left alone.
