Crate or Bed

[max12]

I'm new @ this, when I got Max they said he was crate trained and he is, but I have bn letting in sleep on his bed in the floor by my bed. Now he really doesn't want to go in the crate. Am I messing up by not making him sleep in his crate? I'm home with him most of the time & as soon as I start getting ready to go somewhere he starts whining and doesn't stop unless he gets to go, I do put him in the crate when I do leave him at home alone.Thank you all for advise. Also he is scheduled to get neutered & I was wondering if AB has any good advise? Crate him or not? The end of March I'm going to TX to see my Grandbaby & I'm really worried about leaving him since Ive only had him such a short time. ( rescue 6 yrs old) Taking him with me isn't an option.

[MandiesMom]

On the crating. If he is doing fine with no potty accidents in the night, then let him sleep in his bed by you. I see no harm. I would always set up the crate (cover the top and 3 sides and leave the door open...just so he has a "den" to go to if he ever wants to "get away". Dogs love dens (this is why I actually use a blanket to cover the top and 3 sides of Mandie's crate...so it feels that way).

When you are away, I am one who doesn't think dogs should be crated for extended periods. I would highly suggest getting an xpen, instead. That way you could set up an area just for him that has his bed, food, water, pee pad, and toys.

On the neutering...be sure to get the pre-op blood work done. It's important for Yorkies and breeds that tend to have liver issues. For post-neuter, I suggest having some pedialyte and chicken broth on hand. Oh and a dropper/syringe (the kind for meds). The first day, he may not want to eat or drink but he needs to. If that happens, try feeding him his kibble by hand. If that doesn't work, drizzle some chicken broth over it (this worked for Mandie). Use the dropper to get him some water and mix in some pedialyte here and there. By day two, he'll probably be eating and drinking fine. OH..and just in case the meds get him constipated..have some mineral oil on hand. You can put a bit on his food AND rub a little on his bum.

[Jacksmom052709]

Hello and welcome to YT. I don't think you are messing him up by allowing him to sleep in his bed provided he isn't making messes and sleeps when he is supposed to. He probably does not want to go in his crate when you leave because he now associates the crate with you leaving. I think it is great that he is scheduled for his neuter. No advice there - had Jack neutered when he was about 6 or 7 months old and he is almost 4 so I can't remember too much about it. I know you will want your vet to do blood work prior to the surgery - and I am not good with all that information, hopefully one of our more seasoned members will come along and help with this. When you leave to go see your grandbabies, he will be fine and will be glad to see you when you get home. Thank you for rescuing this little man.

[lynzy420]

Originally Posted by MandiesMom

On the crating. If he is doing fine with no potty accidents in the night, then let him sleep in his bed by you. I see no harm. I would always set up the crate (cover the top and 3 sides and leave the door open...just so he has a "den" to go to if he ever wants to "get away". Dogs love dens (this is why I actually use a blanket to cover the top and 3 sides of Mandie's crate...so it feels that way).

When you are away, I am one who doesn't think dogs should be crated for extended periods. I would highly suggest getting an xpen, instead. That way you could set up an area just for him that has his bed, food, water, pee pad, and toys.

On the neutering...be sure to get the pre-op blood work done. It's important for Yorkies and breeds that tend to have liver issues. For post-neuter, I suggest having some pedialyte and chicken broth on hand. Oh and a dropper/syringe (the kind for meds). The first day, he may not want to eat or drink but he needs to. If that happens, try feeding him his kibble by hand. If that doesn't work, drizzle some chicken broth over it (this worked for Mandie). Use the dropper to get him some water and mix in some pedialyte here and there. By day two, he'll probably be eating and drinking fine. OH..and just in case the meds get him constipated..have some mineral oil on hand. You can put a bit on his food AND rub a little on his bum.