[6Miranda]

I am getting new puppy next week, and want to do it all right. Now am I right in thinking that they have to stay in the crate most of the time? let them out to eat, toilet and play, but basically 'caged' up most of the time? This is the impression I am getting with crates.

Thats only if you are not home or not able to watch them. If you can watch them, they shouldnt be in a crate.

The crate is their bed and their playpen when you can not supervise. When you are home, you might consider tethering the puppy to you so it has some freedom but is where you can watch what it is doing. Being able to prevent negative behaviors is far better than trying to correct them.

[6Miranda]

should she just be able to be loose then with my other dog, but on a tether to me?

[6Miranda]

I've been reading other threads about using the crate, thanks everyone.

Originally Posted by 6Miranda

should she just be able to be loose then with my other dog, but on a tether to me?

sure, that would be fine.

As other responders have noted, your puppy will want to be with you all of the time. Until your pup gets used to it, he or she will not want to be in the crate.

You will have to exercise a bit of tough love for the first week. Your pup will cry and whine to get out (maybe all night long). If you get up, you can take the pup out only long enough to console it. Then it has to go right back into the crate.

After a few times your pup will get the message.

The Pet Gate Guy :mrgreen:

If you are around and you think you can supervise your puppy, I think there is no need to put it to crate. Use that crate only if you think you cannot supervise your dog. For more puppy training tips, you can visit Dog Training Advice - Puppy Training Tips

[6Miranda]

Had second dog attatched to first dog yesterday. That seemed okay, one would take one around, and then later they'd swap. A dog training a dog.