My wait is nearing its end...BUT

[Clint]

My breeder contacted me this weekend and told me that my litter should be born this coming Saturday (6/18).  I am pretty prepared (have: crate, bowls, bed, toys, etc.).  However, I do have a few questions.

 

I have not bought a crate bed because a lot of people have told me that their dogs tear them up.  I was considering using a blanket or a large towel of some sort.  What are your thoughts about that or experience with actual crate beds?

 

I also have a good bit of toys, but I feel like I need some more plush toys.  Does anyone have any good suggestions for plush toys?

[Debb, Lucy & Oscar]

We went through lots of dog crate mats before I finally figured out something that Lucy wouldn't tear up. I made a pad out of 1" batting and anti pill fleece, both found at the local Joann's fabric store. I made it to fit about 3/4 of her crate bottom (she has an extra large crate for spreading out) so she could push the mat away and lay on the bottom if she preferred. I sewed 2 fleece pieces together all around (left a length open on one end to put the batting in before sewing shut), then, using the sewing machine, tacked down around the perimeter of the mat to keep the batting in place during washings and dryings. We're still using the same original mat I made many months ago. Lucy doesn't tear up anti pill fleece, and the mat washes like a dream. Of course, you need a sewing machine to make the mat yourself. Cost under $10 if memory serves.

 

As for tough plush toys, we've had a couple we bought from a boutique pet supply store that have held up great. They're the Go Dog brand. Every other plush toy has been destroyed.

 

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

I think the Vetbed that you buy by the meter is brilliant stuff.  It's cozy and is machine washable and is virtually indestructable.   I would get a piece of that for the crate.

[Traci -Bexter & Maggie]

Bexter will be 9 weeks old tomorrow & has been with us for 2 weeks.  We have a crate bed & so far he hasn't even come close to thinking about tearing it up.  He hasn't ever had an accident in the crate either, so it works well for us anyway!  I have heard some people say their dogs are more likely to pee on the bedding than the cold crate tray/floor.

[Clint]

Hmm...thank you all for the comments.  You all have given me some things to think about.

[Elizabeth & *Kosci*.]

I bought a bed for my crate with the knowledge that my puppy may chew it up. So far she hasn't chewed up anything, but I have placed blankets on the top of the bed so she could cosy into them (we are in winter now).
I have bought 4-5 small toys (about hand size) and when she bites us or picks up our shoes, we offer her toy and she drops the shoe - I find I'm not chasing her to get the shoe so it's not a sport.

[Clint]

I never thought of combining the two (bed and blanket/towel).  It is HOT now, but I won't be getting my dog until the middle of August so hopefully when this becomes a real issue it will be cool enough to do that.