I was using a large dog crate at night ini the basement but I needed something to keep my tiny chihuahua/pomeranian puppy, Rosie, in during the day that would protect our wood floors. I didn’t want another crate because it’s very hard to get a pup in and out of them and they are a bear to keep clean. I also don’t believe in keeping a pup in a small crate in case they do need to go. When looking at metal cages, we noticed that she might be able to get her head through the bars. There were no other options and I left the store empty-handed. I figured I would have to use the crate.
I went to my friend’s house and saw that she was keeping her new pomeranian puppy in a large rabbit cage. It was perfect! There was enough room for a bed, accident spot and food and water bowls. The cage has a large door on the top and a side door also. The plastic bottom goes up several inches and is curved for easy cleaning. The wire part comes off easily for cleaning and the whole cage is very lightweight. Unlike crates, the wire allows the pup to see and experience things in her environment which is very important during the first few months of bringing a pup home.
I put a small dog bed, a dish that has both water and food so it’s not easily spilled a big nylabone and a dishpan for accidents. The pan can be lined with newspaper. The pan keeps the accident contained. When Rosie was very young I would drape a baby blanket over the top of the cage where the bed is. This made her feel more secure and gave it that den feeling. My friend draped her coat over her pup’s cage. Her scent on the coat was a comfort for him.
When she stopped crying at night I let her sleep in the cage on the first floor instead of the crate. She also goes into the cage when we leave the house.