New puppy!!

[Jessica, Loki and Moose]

Hi guys!

Loki is getting a baby brother at the end of April! Side note: I'm so excited because it has always been my dream to have two dogs!

Anyways what did you guys put in their crates to help them crate train? I think I remember some people mentioning snuggle buddies or something like that in past posts? Loki was my first dog and when I got him he was going on 13 weeks which meant the breeder had been working on crate training with him since 7 weeks so he was completely acclimated and fine. The new one, Moose, with be 8 weeks exactly so I want to make this transition as smooth as possible. Did you guys have lots of chew toys or what? I've read something warm to snuggle with is a good option. He will be coming home with a blanket from his current home with his litter mates and moms scent on it so that's a good start!

Thanks again guys! Have a great night/weekend!

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

We never had a snuggle puppy, and if you are getting one then this idea wont matter, but I used a small clock that tic-tocked and wrapped it in a towel and placed it right next to their crates when they were first home. My two were out of their crates within a week or two, so that was all I really used to help them. After that they were in bed with us as they slept through the night pretty quickly. Never had a bed accident with either of them.

[Jessica, Loki and Moose]

How young were they when you had them in your bed with no accidents? My current doodle sleeps at the foot of my bed so eventually that's the plan for doodle number 2, I just don't want there to be accidents everywhere!

[Judy, Meg & Polly Wolly Doodle]

When we got our second doodle we had a full days car ride to bring her home (total other story...never thought about car sick ahead of time, ugh!).  The girls bonded on the way home so when Polly freaked out and sounded like she was being murdered in the crate I put Meg in there to see if that would help (she was in Meg's unused crate so there was plenty of room).  Meg was good a cuddling her and Polly settled right down, we left it that was for about three weeks and then left Meg out of the crate (I was in the same room with them each night) and Polly was fine. Meg would have continued staying in the crate with Polly but Polly was 12 weeks when we brought her home and growing fast.  Not sure if you would have the same result but it was like a miracle for us.

[Jessica, Loki and Moose]

Do you think it was better to bring your existing doodle along? Loki loves car rides and they are from the same breeder so I imagine it would be a fun trip for all I just wasn't sure if it's more stressful for the new puppy. I would love to bring Loki! We live in an apt. So quiet as soon as possible would be fantastic!

[Judy, Meg & Polly Wolly Doodle]

It was perfect to bring my first one along.  The biggest reason is that it is helpful to let them meet on neutral territory for your older doodle.  Ours also came from the same breeder and they were delighted to see Meg as an adult and took several pictures of her and then both of them together.  Meg loves to travel so we take most of the time and for Polly it was reassuring to have someone to snuggle up to. Our only problem was that Polly got car sick and that was rough for her, she has finally out grown that and travels well with us.

[Jessica, Loki and Moose]

That's adorable, I think I might bring Loki along then :)

[Cindy and Olive (Ollie)]

I love hearing that your older dog cuddled your pup - how sweet!!!

[charfarr]

I was looking for the same type of thing and came across this on Amazon. It doesn't have a heartbeat but can be warmed in microwave. I'm going to try it. It's only $6

http://www.amazon.com/Petstages-101-Puppy-Cuddle-Pal/dp/B0006MU8WC

They have a heartbeat pillow as well..

[Jessica, Loki and Moose]

Oh awesome! I will have to check that out!

[Jessica, Loki and Moose]

Oh it's so cute! I ordered one so I hope it works out, seems to be s good size for a little puppy!

[Cindy and Olive (Ollie)]

When you say crate train, you mean @night, right? Rip did great (10pm-5:15am) from the first night we had him, age 8-1/2 wks, which surprised me - the worrier I am!. The breeder had him a bit used to the crate already which obviously helped a lot. We had snuggle puppy with heartbeat on and his litter blanket in the crate, and that was it. I put the crate within touching distance so he could smell me, and I was prepared to touch the crate if he was unhappy. He surprised me by being totally capable of sleeping through. Best advice was to never take him out while he was actively whining. At 5AM ish (yawn) we heard polite mini-whines, and waited for him to pause quietly before releasing him, so he wouldn't associate whining with allowing him to be released. Then we scooped him up and ran him outside! Funny to remember back... Enjoy the puppy stage, and share pics! Best,

[Jessica, Loki and Moose]

Yes at night, I would rather not wake the neighbors lol! Thank you for that, I will probably move the crate by me then so I can't touch him if needed. Hopefully Loki takes right to him and helps him easy into it all :)