Dog Crates and Puppy X-Pen Setups
How to Setup a Puppy X-Pen
Dog Crates and Puppy X-Pen Setups
This page is dedicated to dog crates and x-pen setups for potty training your puppy and beyond.
An X-Pen is a great option for families who work and don’t have someone to come let their puppy out of the crate every 3-4 hours during the potty training stage. This page shows you what you’ll need and how to set one up.
You can find this info plus much more on my Recommend Puppy Supplies page.
The X-Pen Potty Training Solution
A Puppy X-Pen Setup
A Puppy X-Pen Setup with an 8 wk old Aussiedoodle Puppy
Do You Work During the Day?
For people who work OR families who can not take their young puppy out every 2-3 hours during the potty training stage because they work and/or go to school.. I recommend they create a small contained area with access to a litter box or potty area until they’re old enough to hold their bladder and bowels for longer in a crate or learn to notify you when they need to go.
Most adult dogs will not need to be crated during the day once they’re potty trained. I mostly use a dog crate as a potty training tool but once that’s accomplished, I use our dog crates to contain my dogs (when needed) and my dogs use them as their hang out spots with the door wide open.
My dog crate setup..
THE X-PEN SETUP
You can use either baby gates or an x-pen to contain your puppy in a small area when needed. I like to put a plastic tarp (as seen in this picture below) under the x-pen and a crate to get them used to it and also to give them a little doggy den. You can either use a puppy potty box or a doggy lawn.. they have artificial and real grass options.
WHAT ABOUT PUPPY PADS?
Young puppies tend to chew up the puppy pads which causes a huge mess and may also encourage them to continue to pee on absorbent like materials as adults.. Not good, so the grass patches and litter boxes are great! It’s actually a lot easier to train puppies to use a litter box then you’d think, some pups will automatically use the litter box or grass patch to go potty, with no extra prompting from you.. but not ALL puppies, some do need to be trained.
I’ve seen some people use newspaper (as seen in 1 of the picture examples) but to me that sounds like a VERY messy option that will take a lot of EXTRA work to keep clean.
WHAT YOU NEED FOR
THE X-PEN SETUP
THE EXERCISE PEN (X-Pen)
Midwest Black E-Coat Exercise Pen, 24″H x 8 x 24″W
OR THIS ONE….
*I have also purchased both of these wire pens and both work just as well this next one is just more sturdy and will probably last longer (the picture below on the right was just for fun and is not this pen..well, I don’t think so..looks a lot like it)
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Plastic Puppy X-Pens
I HAVE ONE OF THESE PLASTIC PENS AS WELL…I like to use these in the house when people come over to meet our puppies and the 4 panel one al is going to be WAY too small even for the mini puppies.
I like the shorter 24 inch tall Iris plastic pen because I can easily put down food and scoop my puppies out and you can get the panel add on (which comes with 2 panels or you can add more if you like)
IRIS 2-Panel Add-On Kit For The Expandable Pet Pen – 24 inch tall
24 Inch Tall Iris Plast Xpen – 4 panel setup with additional 2 Panel Extension Add-On
Iris Puppy Xpen 8 panel setup – 34 inches tall
IRIS Indoor/Outdoor Plastic Pet Pen with 4 Panels 24 inch tall
IRIS Plastic Pen with 8 panels with optional extra 2 panel add-on 34 inch tall
- Includes 8 interlocking panels made from commercial-grade plastic
- Hinged access doggy door with double steel latches
- Easy assembly; suitable for indoor or outdoor use
- Measures 63 by 63 by 34 Inch
*4 PANELS IS WAY TO SMALL AROUND BUT IS A NICE HEIGHT SO YOU SHOULD EITHER GO WITH THE TALLER 8 PANEL SETUP OR THE SHORTER 4 PANEL SETUP WITH THE 2 EXTRA PANELS – THE 34 INCH TALL ONE IS REALLY HARD TO REACH DOWN INTO BUT DOES HAVE A DOGGY DOOR OPENING
Whelping Pads – Washable Potty Pads
Whelping Pads are Washable and work much better then the average puppy pee pads and puppies can’t chew them up and make a big mess with them like they do with the paper & plastic ones!
They come in all shapes and sizes so you can find the ones that work best for you on Amazon.
Washable Potty Pads or “Whelping Pads” on Amazon. Click Here!
TARPS FOR UNDER YOUR X-PEN AND POTTY PADS TO PROTECT YOUR FLOORS
(A MUST HAVE IF YOU WANNA SAVE YOUR FLOORS)
8′ X 10′ Waterproof Poly Tarps
DOGGY LAWNS
I’ve personally never tried these but know people who have so I thought it was worth listing….
PetSafe Pet Loo Portable Indoor/Outdoor Dog Potty, Alternative to Puppy Pads, 3 Size Options for Small to Large Breeds
THIS ONE HAS THE BEST CUSTOMER REVIEWS.. READ THE AMAZON REVIEWS FOR THESE HERE!
OR YOU CAN TRY LITTER BOX TRAINING WITH SMALLER DOGS AND PUPPIES
Puppy Go Here Dog Litter Pan – 24″ X 20″ X 5″
I like this litter pan because its BIGGER THEN MOST!
- Designed just for dogs.
- Great alternative for working families, or apartment living.
- Helps to avoid accidents: the puppy always has a place to go, when you can’t take them out.
- Choice of pan based on the size of your dog.
- Easy to use training guide included.
| Puppy Go Here Dog Litter Pan – 24″ X 20″ X 5″ | |
- Train your dog to use a litter pan!
- Secondnature Dog Litter’s absorbent paper pellets with odor control designed especially for use in housetraining your dog to use a litter pan
- Includes a free second nature Training Guide in the bag
- Made of recycled materials
Second Nature Dog Litter, 25-Pound
NOT INTO THE CRATE OR X-PEN IDEA?
YOU CAN TRY POOCHIE BELLS…
A lot of our families use these Poochie Bells with GREAT success but almost all of them have ALSO used the bells along side Crate or X-pen training or after their puppies were basically potty trained but they just needed the puppy to learn how to notify them (not all puppies will naturally bark or whine and will just ‘go’ if you’re not able to read their subtle body language or their not on a strict schedule).
Teaching your puppy how to notify you when they have to “go potty” is sometimes HALF the battle.
I don’t recommend using ONLY Poochie Bells in your potty training toolbox BUT if you’re dead set on NOT using any type of containment area or crate to Potty Train your puppy then you’re gonna need to be EXTRA consistent, constantly have eyes on your puppy, know how to read their “gotta go” body language and follow a strict feeding and potty schedule and also be home all day in order to avoid potty accidents. Not impossible just harder.
HOW TO MEASURE YOUR DOG FOR A CRATE
How to Measure your Dog for a Dog Crate – Click image for larger view
CRATES, BABY GATES AND PUPPY PENS
For our Aussiedoodle and Labradoodle Puppies I recommend the Midwest iCrate Single-Door Pet Crate or the Midwest Life Stages Double-Door Pet Crate
Using a dog crate as a house-training tool is JUST SMART…
Just like we use cribs for our human babies.. We use crates for our fur babies! Simple as that.
✔ Not only do Dog Crates keep your puppy safe and help with potty training but crate training is also helpful at avoiding separation anxiety issues from developing because crate training teaches puppies how to self soothe and learn to feel safe and content even when left alone.
You wouldn’t let your human toddler crawl all over the house while you slept or worked…please don’t let your puppy!
I honestly believe Crate training is a win-win for both the family and YOUR PUPPY!
Crates should only be used for VERY short periods of time (based on age). Once potty training is completed you can leave the crate door open and belive it or not.. they’ll STILL use it as their safe place to hang out and sleep… if you’ve done it cotrectly.
Dreamydoodle puppies sharing their crate..door left wide open and they still love it
Crate Training Basics
Crate training your puppy….if done correctly and used as a temporary training tool then using a crate is not mean or abusive however, if used incorrectly or to the extreme it can be.. so PLEASE do your research on HOW TO CRATE TRAIN
The purpose of a crate is to use the canines natural instincts to keep where they sleep clean. Dogs are Den Animals by Nature.
The crate should be large enough for the puppy or dog to stand up without having to hunch, lie on his side with legs outstretched, and turn around with ease and no more or less… a if you give them too much space in their crate… your puppy will arrange his crate to have both a bedroom and a bathroom.
*puppies can go twice as long at night.. IF you have them on a good potty and feeding schedule.
MORE CRATE TRAINING POSTS:
- How to stop your puppy from whining in the crate
- 7 Day Crate Training PDF
- All our potty traing posts…
The same crate can be used from Puppy to Adulthood by using the divider (included)
Aussie Labradoodle Puppy in his Crate using the Divider…(included with crate)
Standard Size Aussiedoodle – Crate Sizes:
For Dreamydoodle Standard Aussiedoodles – I recommend buying the 36 inch size crate.
For Our Multigen Labradoodle Males I would go with the 42 inch size crate.
Midwest iCrate Single-Door Metal Dog Crate (30 Inches by 19 Inches by 21 Inches)
Midwest iCrate Single-Door Pet Crate (36 Inches by 24 Inches by 27 Inches
Midwest iCrate Single Door Pet Crate (42 x 30 x 28 inches) LARGE ADULT SIZE
Mini Aussiedoodle – Crate Size:
The above size should work perfect for all our puppies as puppies but until adulthood for our mini aussiedoodles only.
Midwest iCrate Single-Door Folding Metal Dog Crate (30 Inches by 19 Inches by 21 Inches)
Midwest iCrate Single-Door Folding Metal Dog Crate
There are single door options and a double door options. The double door one has a door on the side and in the front. I just get the single door for the Puppy Size crates but for the adult size I like the option of the double door.
Plastic or Metal Dog Crates?
Plastic crates are mostly used for traveling.Collapsible metal crates are more practical for crate training because they can be sectioned off into appropriately-sized spaces (using the included metal divider) while your puppy grows, and are easier to store and MUCH easier to clean since they also have the removable plastic tray in the bottom. The plastic style crates are good too but really best used for travel. YOUR CRATE SETUP AND LOCATION
I like to put a blanket over the metal crates to give it more of a den like “feel” which puppies do seem to like when sleeping but I recommend removing the blanket during the day so they can feel more apart of whats going on in the household while crated .
Also make sure to keep you’re crate wherever you’re family socializes the most during the day and you can always move it to your room at night if that seems to help calm them the first couple nights of training, which is usually the longest it takes to get most puppies to relax and sleep without whining in the crate at night… IF YOU’RE CONSISTENT. Don’t Give Up!
I also recommend starting crate training during the day so you’re not up all night the first couple of days of training and during their last play and potty break for the day,wear them out good so they’re ready for sleep. Not hard to accomplish!
If you’re looking for Dog Crates, Pet Gates or X-Pens… Check out AMAZON! Honestly I’ve purchased a lot of dog crates over the years and Dog Crates are sometimes double the price at Petco and Petsmart compared to Amazon!
Plus, if you have Amazon Prime then all the products I’ve listed on this page also come with FREE 2 DAY SHIPPING!
MIDWEST DOG CRATES ARE MY FAVORITE BY FAR!
Midwest Medium Dog Crate – 36 Inch Size
WHAT’S INCLUDED WITH A MIDWEST DOG CRATE:
- Midwest Dog crates include a free divider panel, leak-proof plastic pan, a strong carrying handle, rubber “roller” feet to protect your floors & a 1-year Manufacturer’s Warranty
- Two heavy duty slide-bolt latches (per door) securely lock dog crate door in place keeping your dog safely inside their pet home
- Midwest Metal Dog Crates assemble easily w/out tools and they fold flat for convenient storage, travel & portability inside and outside your home
- Durable metal dog crate design creates a safe place for your pet while you’re away & provides for your dog’s instinctual “den” instincts. Patented rounded corner clips greatly reduce possible sharp-points on the wire dog crate for a safer experience for you AND your Puppy or your adult dog.
- REMEMBER – It’s never to late to crate train a dog and it’s so helpful when potty training or when you can’t keep an close eye on a dog with behavioral problems!
Midwest iCrates and and LifeStages Folding Dog Crates
Crate ready to go.. we put a toy and towel or baby blanket in the crate with your puppy. Nothing else is allowed.
Petmate Sky Kennel for Pets for dogs 25 to 30-Pounds – Product Dimensions: 28 x 20.5 x 21.5 inches
Cleaning Supplies
The Mopnado is HEAVEN SENT!!! If you have a dog or a puppy and need a mop this is the queen of Mops! I only give these kind of product recommendations after I’ve tried it myself and I REALLY BELIEVE ITS A GREAT PRODUCT!
I got this cool mop on Amazon (as usual) and it comes with 2 Microfiber Mop Heads and 1 scrub brush and the awesome and sturdy spin bucket. It’s well worth the price!
The Mopnado Mop on Amazon!
Here is a video of ME showing you how to use The Mopnado
Another can’t live without cleaning tool…
Nature’s Miracle Stain and Odor Remover (24 oz Spray- 2 Pack)
The Natures Miricle Oxy Formula
Recommended Puppy Gates
IF YOU HAVE A PUPPY YOU NEED PUPPY GATES!!
Once I found an extra tall metal baby gate with a door? I was SOLD FOR LIFE! But believe me I wasted a bunch of money on crappy ones first.
This is a list to save you from having to waste your money.
When you have the right tools & setup… life with A PUPPY becomes 100% easier.
AMAZON LINK: Carlson Extra-Tall Walk-Thru Gate with Cat Door (MINE)
They come with one extender piece and then you can also buy extra extensions. Carlson Extra Tall Gate Extension
Carlson Extra-Wide Walk-Thru Gate
AMAZON LINK: Carlson Extra-Wide Walk-Thru Gate (THE SHORTER ONE FOR WIDE DOORWAYS)
Recommended Beds (I’ve personally used)
I like these beds because they’re are all sturdy but cheap puppy beds so if they chew it up or soil it you can buy a new one or just wash it and you didn’t lose a bunch of money….
- DO NOT BUY A FANCY, EXPENSIVE DOG BED UNTIL YOU’RE PAST THE PUPPY STAGE…
DOG BEDS THAT FIT THE DOG CRATE
HappyCare Textiles Reversible Rectangle Pet Bed with Dog Paw Printing Medium size
Midwest Quiet Time Swirl Deluxe Pet Bed
2 in 1 All Season Crate Bedding – Fits Midwest Crates – by Pet Dreams
Related Images:
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