COMING HOME questions: Do I need a Snuggle Puppy? Dog Bed? And gates or a wire pen?

[Alissa Edwards]

We have a crate, and a leash, but we have one of those open concept Kitchen/Living areas so there's no way to just gate off the puppy - should I get two gates to fence off the "main kitchen cooking area" to keep him or get a big wire pen to cordon off the living room (giving puppy access to entire kitchen/dining and hallways or just the penned area if I want)? Or just use a leash to hook him up nearby when I'm not able to actively watch him but don't want to crate him?

Also, I can't BELIEVE how much money I have spent so far, not only on food but toys, crate, bed, etc. It's easily close to $300. (Not counting HIM). 

Snuggle puppy seems so expensive for something so little - and you need to buy extra heat packs right? Is it really worth it? If it really makes a big difference for my pup, then I'll do it...sell me on it! My husband will be sleeping near puppy in my baby daughter's room.

Also - I really like the idea of "place" - somewhere we can train him to go and stay while we have dinner or if small kids come over, etc. Should the crate be his place or should we get a dog bed? And do you have a favorite brand you recommend? If you do "place" in your house - did you start it at puppy age? 

My husband doesn't want the dog on the couch at all - so we're trying to start that from the get-go. I'm thinking a cushy dog bed (besides his crate) would be good for that and we should get one now rather than later. What do YOU think?

Thank you - you all have been incredibly awesome and helpful!

[Susan, Coby & Chloe]

Congratulations on Farley! As someone who owned, adored and constantly got compliments on a gorgeous chocolate doodle, I can assure you how handsome he will be! And costly….there's always going to be little costs here and there that do tend to add up but it will all be offset by the love you and your family have for him. 

Our new puppy will be joining us in a week and I have a crate ready - it was invaluable for our last two dogs (our first was a large yellow lab, Casey, who grew up with our kids), each of whom were allowed on our beds but NOT on any furniture and we had no problem enforcing that rule. I had a doggie bed for each - but neither was really interested in it, even when they weren't on our bed. So my personal advice would be to save money there. A special area where you can enforce stay or place is sufficient. 

I do have to say, I found Snuggle Puppy to be wonderful for Bosco and it was the first thing I ordered when we decided to get Coby. 

Good luck and many happy memories~

Susan

[Stephanie and Ragley]

I think the debate on the snuggle puppy boils down to two things: 1. are you willing to spend that much money on a single toy? and 2. how much whining are you willing to put up with?

I don't think you'll find anyone who regrets having a SP. I, however, was doing a puppy-on-a-budget haha I knew what I was willing to pay extra for- good puppy, excellent nutrition, etc. and that meant sacrificing some of the extras in the toy and accessory department. Puppy adjustments to a new home are expected- I'd whine too if some stranger came and stole me from my family when I was a baby lol I knew I was willing to put up with some whining. These combined to mean no snuggle puppy for Ragleybear. She did whine, and there was one night when I had to relocate her to a different room haha but it was bearable and they adjust quickly! 

If those questions are answered differently for you, then snuggle puppy is the way to go!

[Dynamite & Doodle]

We didn't use a snuggle puppy.

We folded up a little blanket and lined the bottom of the crate with that. At night we would fill a hot water bottle and wrap my husbands worn, scented shirt around it and put that in one side of the crate. That was the best trick ever. He snuggled right up to "daddy" and didn't make a peep.

[Rebecca]

What dog bowls are you getting? I don't want to have to purchase a whole ton of them just for sizes..I was thinking a 4c?

[Paul Schumacher]

We have had many of these same questions as we got our pup a month ago.  Here is my take:

-I've read many people tether dog to them at first.  We did not do that, but did block of kitchen and family room where we spend most of our time.  We put our puppy's crate in the family room as well and left open during the day, occasionally sprinkling treats inside.  Pretty soon, she got to loving it and sleeps in there during the day sometimes with door open.  We probably gave her a little more leeway than many in terms of space at first, but had no problems as we were vigilant about taking her out and interrupting any inside accidents the first few days.  She caught on quick and about a week ago we extended her area to hallway, but still keep all the hallway doors shut.  SHe doesn't go down hallway unless we are down there and she will patiently wait for us to come back.

-Yes, very expensive.  We were shocked at how quickly it adds up between the initial cost before you get the dog, and the first couple weeks of constant petco runs.

-We swear by our snuggle puppy.  We don't use the heat packs, but do use the heartbeat.  Just replaced batteries for the first time.  We use only at night and batteries lasted about a month.  It's absurd in terms of price, but really helped Zoe.  We know she likes it because once it's in her crate at night, she cuddles up with it, using it as a pillow.  She doesn't play with it like other toys.

-Her crate has doubled as her "place," at least for now.  It's easier when we can't supervise her directly to put her in and not worry she could be eating something harmful or destroying something.  Oddly, after a couple weeks, she decided she liked the hard floor of her crate better than her bed, and took to trying to dig it up to get under.  Once under, she'd fall asleep.  After a couple days of this, it was clear she just wanted it out of there, so bed is in closet until further notice.  Zoe really likes cool, hard surfaces to sleep on.

-Just don't ever let her up on the couch or ever give her human food, and she won't realize it's even a possibility.  I bring her to work with me and another dog was here and jumping on couch.  Zoe looked at him like there was a force field up.  She didn't try to get up once.  I was pleasantly surprised.