When to let pup have more freedom sleeping out of crate at night?

[Jackie]

Beckett is almost 6 months old. He's housebroken now. I had gotten a plastic crate for the bedroom but I didn't want to get a big one (or expensive one) We already had a wire crate for him downstairs. (with a divider for him to grow into) He's almost outgrown the bedroom crate. I'd like to let him sleep in my bedroom. (out of the crate) I'm not sure if I should give him the run of the whole room or just part of it (which I can do..just a small area next to my bed) I was going to start with the small area next to my bed and leave the crate open near the foot of the bed so he could sleep in it if he felt more secure there. I tried it a few nights ago but he wouldn't settle down. He kept trying to get on the bed, barked, etc. I tried it for about half an hour or so. I did it on a week night which I shouldn't have 'cause I had to get up in the morning. I couldn't let him go too long! Does anyone have any hints or ideas on how to get him adjusted to it? Thanks

[Tammy]

We starting letting Zoe have the run of the whole bedroom when she was about 7 months old, but only on the weekends. She will get on the bed for some cuddles then go to the bathroom tile floor. Sometimes she will even go in her crate to sleep.

[Jackie]

Hi, Just an update... I let Beckett sleep outside of the crate in a small area next to my bed this weekend. He did a great job!! The first night he took alittle while to settle down but the next night, and last night, he only jumped up at the bed once. I told him "off" and he laid right down and went to sleep. He slept all night too. He's 6 months old now. I have the crate there too. And the door is open but he hasn't slept in it. He has a bed next to me that he sleeps on. It's working out well so far. I can't believe it...my baby is growing up!...lol.

[SusieM]

Hi, Jackie: Oaklee is almost 5mos old and we've encountered all of the same questions regarding the crate that you're talking about with Beckett.
Oaklee does have a crate and will go there when she's tired in the evening, but we couldn't get her to stay there through the night without crying up a storm (very depressing -- I know you know!).
About a week ago, we decided just to go and snag her from the crate and put her up on the bed with us. After walking around for about five mins, she settled right down and slept for about 7 hrs straight. I couldn't believe it.
I still wouldn't leave her in our room by herself, but have started having her sleep in the bed with us. We do have a 9yr old mini Cocker, Ellie, who has always slept with us and maybe that has helped with Oaklee.
I know that I've probably broken all of the training rules by doing this, but she just seems a heck of a lot happier and we're all sleeping at night.
We still DO leave her in her crate when we're not at the house, but have the crate in a small laundry room and are able to leave the crate door open.
If you do decide to put him in the bedroom crate, I'd suggest giving him a small area next to your bed and see how it goes. If there's nothing he can readily get to for chewing, he might be happy just to be near you while he sleeps.

[Jackie]

Yes, we have let him sleep next to us in a small area next to my side of the bed. He has done great! He goes up with me at night and goes right to sleep when I do. He sleeps from 11:00 till 7 ish. We've been doing it since Friday night. I'd love to let him sleep on the bed with me but not sure how my husband feels about it. But Beckett seems happier to be next to me and out of the crate at night.