What size crate for a frenchie?

[Champkat]

I guess it is almost official. We sent a deposit to the breeder and she has it in her hands. I guess the next step is flying to pick up our little girl and paying the rest on her. Does this make us Frenchie owned yet??

We are in the process of setting up for the new addition. We would like to know what size of crate to get. And where is the best place to put it? Bedroom, livingroom?

We are also interested in what sort of toys most frenchies like. Plush or mostly chew toys. Or is it more individual likes or dislikes. I know puppies will go through their chew stages.

Thanks
Diane

[EmD, MD]

Congratulations!!

We have a large crate, like to fit an adult dog, that came with a divider. It is important during housetraining that the crate be small. This takes advantage of the den instinct where a dog will not poo or pee very close to where they eat. They can't be in space too large or they will be comfortable pooping in the crate because they can get a nice distance away from the mess; they won't learn bladder control and the whole training part is out the window.
You can ask at the store which size crate they recommend for a full-size Frenchie (or use a boston terrier as a reference point if the salesperson doesn't know frenchies) and then purchase the model that comes with a divider. If you can't get one with a divider you can always make the crate "artificially" smaller by stuffing a heavy blanket into the back or a stack of books covered with a blanket or something until your puppy gets bigger.
If you get a wire crate, you might want to put a blanket over it so it is more cavelike. It makes them feel more secure. Penny was clearly uncomfortable in her crate at grandma's house (she whined and barked) until we put a rug over the top.

As for location, I think it is nice to have her where I can at least hear her at night. Penny's crate is in the hallway outside our bedroom door. From that position she can see into the living room, bathroom and bedroom. If she makes noise during the night I can hear her, but also I think it comforts her to hear us breathing so she knows she's not alone.

As for toys, Penny likes squeakies, plush, rubber, anything! She chews on bullysticks and pizzles and nylabones. Chewing is just part of being a dog, and don't expect it to end with puppyhood! Get your baby addicted to chew toys now. Get one of each and let her choose what she likes best. Penny still spends many hours a day chewing on a bullystick or whatever. She's doing it now. Every day I come home from work, we go to the dog park for one hour, she eats dinner, she chews for a couple of hours, she goes to sleep. Chewing is a stress reliever for dogs and it is also like exercise. Chewing is a lot of work for a little puppy and it wears them right out.

have fun!!!

[franp]

Congratulations!!!
Emily gave you crate advice; it has been way to long for me to do so.

As for toys;get a whole bunch and let your pup pick them itself : appicon

fran

[Borgan]

For toys, Luna prefers the old stand-bys:
- Nylabone
- Kong WITH PEANUT BUTTER (she's made that clear)
- Stuffed toys with squeaker
- Small rubber ball with squeaker (hers, fittingly, has devil horns)

Be warned: squeakers last 20 minutes. Toys with stuffing last a day. Hope you have a good vaccuum. And a big wallet.

[adora's mom]

Congrats! appicon

I think the advice given about the crate is great.

As for toys - Adora started out with a puppy Kong, a plush toy w/squeaker that doesn't have stuffing (Dr. Noys brand - love 'em), and a Planet Dog ball which is really sturdy.

I would say it mostly depends on what toys your dog likes though! I think most puppies like stuffed toys, just make sure your pup isn't a "stuffie killer" before you leave them alone together! :D

One last suggestion, raid the infant toy section of stores. You can find some really fun toys that are at least as safe as dog toys, and tend to be less expensive. Adora has two that she really likes, a plush rattle ring and a plush hippo ballerina that has a bunch of rubber teething areas on her.

[Champkat]

Thanks everyone. We have already scoped out all the pet stores, wal-mart, k-mart, etc. It has been a very long time since I have had a PUPPY. I have a 19 yr old chow mix that we are on a day to day basis. Doing very well I might add for her age alone.

We have also torn the fence down between our house and our neighbors. IT is being replaced with a much nicer one. One that is more puppy prof. We were going to do that anyway, but now we have a time table. LOLOLOLOL

About our little girl. She is a BMF and she is 3 wks old today. We have time to work on the projects yet.

Thanks
Diane

[franp]

Diane,

You did find a BMF!!Wonderful.Now the really hard part; THE WAIT! :p

I am so excited for you.

But what is really incredible; a 19 year old dog.A 19 year old BIG dog.You are some dog mom appicon

fran