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- Thread starter pellinore
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If you are planning to use a crate as a safe hideaway for the pup that he/she can grow into, then the minimum size IMO that you need is 30" long, 20" wide and 24" high. This will allow for comfort when the pup is grown up.
Crates are great as a dog's "special place" where they can go for peace and quiet (drape a blanket over the top and it becomes a lovely dark hideaway for them). However, closing the door and imprisoning them isn't natural and all efforts should be made to keep the actual amount of time that you close the door to an absolute minimum. Whippets are very good in the house and shouldn't need to be shut away.
Good luck with your pup :thumbsup:
Crates are great as a dog's "special place" where they can go for peace and quiet (drape a blanket over the top and it becomes a lovely dark hideaway for them). However, closing the door and imprisoning them isn't natural and all efforts should be made to keep the actual amount of time that you close the door to an absolute minimum. Whippets are very good in the house and shouldn't need to be shut away.
Good luck with your pup :thumbsup:
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I recently bought a cage from Aldi, 30 by 22 by 24 inches very well made, and half the price of anywhere else, including the Web.
Crates are good and my Whippet uses hers all the time. I shut the door at night but otherwise she is free to come and go. You can take them away with you, put them in the car etc. The best bit of kit ever!
As for other advice - Socialise, socialise, socialise! You will never get a better opportunity than the first 12 weeks of life. They mop up experiences like a sponge. They can mix with vaccinated dogs while waiting for their vaccinations to be completed.
I carried my puppy around in a puppy sling. We went to the local park, to the shops, even on a train!
A summer puppy is easy as there are lots of fetes etc to find lots of different people. In the winter I had to work really hard at finding enough people to expose my puppy to.
Find a good Puppy Socialisation Class. The best are run by the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT). They will talk you through all the problems etc. You will meet other puppy owners and form a support group!
As for other advice - Socialise, socialise, socialise! You will never get a better opportunity than the first 12 weeks of life. They mop up experiences like a sponge. They can mix with vaccinated dogs while waiting for their vaccinations to be completed.
I carried my puppy around in a puppy sling. We went to the local park, to the shops, even on a train!
A summer puppy is easy as there are lots of fetes etc to find lots of different people. In the winter I had to work really hard at finding enough people to expose my puppy to.
Find a good Puppy Socialisation Class. The best are run by the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT). They will talk you through all the problems etc. You will meet other puppy owners and form a support group!
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That is the size of the crate I have. Originally when Dolly was a puppy I bought a smaller one, but unfortunately it wasn't big enough once she was fully grown, so I had to buy a larger one. Make sure you get one big enough for an adult whippet (or two!!).
I don't shut the door nowadays and Dolly and Remmy will frequently choose to go in it together and snuggle up (they have other dog beds available).
It is very useful as when I visit relatives I take it with me and it is their 'safe' place. Also I found having a crate really helped with toilet training, but as Jinnyfizz said, don't leave a puppy shut in for long periods.
I also have another crate in the car (shaped to fit) which is left in the car all the time. Another excellent purchase.
Good luck with your new pup, and don't forget we love photos. :luck: :luck:
