I have a 3 mo. old Shih Tzu, 4.5 lbs. What size of crate should I get to use during the day?

[Yogi]

The crate should be based on the size to within reason of where in this case the breed will be when fully grown. Realistically the goal is to find a crate large enough to stand, turn around and lie down in comfortably. Any larger can create a situation where there is room for the dog to do its business. But keep in mind, small dogs and small bladders added that this is a pup and should not be crated for long periods of time.

The crate is a safe, secure environment for your dog when you can not be watching her. Once dogs are used to the crate, they start to view as their "den" and feel comforted by the surrounding walls. A crate is a place to go when your dog feels stressed out by any situation, visiting children, adults, a lot of activity in the home, etc. Your dog should never be bothered by anyone while she is in the crate; this is her haven.

Thanks everyone for your help. Glad I found this site.

I have a 5 month old beagle, and I have a crate although he does not have any issues keeping it clean. the issue he does have is every night when I put him to bed he cries and does not want to stay in there, I have to yell at him over and over again, what do I do help please.

Even though it may be difficult, you will need to continue to do what you are doing. I have two mini-Daxy's, and they did the exact same thing. It took about 7-10 nights......very long nights.....but they eventually quited down and now it is routine.

If it is really bad, you may want to try to put the crate (if possible) in your bedroom at first. This will either make it better or worse.....as with my situation I realized the dogs just wanted to be in the same room as me but if the dog instantly starts pawing or reactes even stronger, then you will need to put the crate out of the bedroom. if it helps, then you can slowly move it to the location you choose as given time, the crate will become his/her safe place.

also I was told after they were trained I could have potentially shortened the training time if once I put them in the kennel to ignore the dogs until morning. Reacting to the dog when they bark is just training them that "If I whimper, he/she will come".

this is what worked for me.... hope this helps.....

this one might help.. Dog Crate Buying Tips from Dog Crates 4 Less

[mrandrei]

The right size crate for your puppy is something which he can have enough space to stand up, turn around and lie down.