Crates

We recommend that everyone crate trains their puppy.  When your puppy comes to you, they will be used to being in the crate with their litter mates.  It will just take them a day or two to be very happy in their crate by themselves.  There are so many benefits to crate training even if you have no intentions of leaving your puppy/dog in a crate for extended periods.  First, it is THEIR safe place and home.  If they grow up with a crate,  it will be a place of comfort and familiarity for them.  Crates are invaluable for car travel, hotels, company coming, time out, sleeping, restraint in times of injury or sickness, and acclimation should your dog ever need to be kenneled (which can be necessary at the vet's even if you don't take them to an overnight kennel).  The metal Midwest is a very secure crate.  The EliteField is light weight, folds up, and travels well, but spray the zippers with bitters as they figure out the zipper system (smart doodles) and will chew the zippers.  The EliteField comes with a pad, but it is ultra thin, so I recommend a 36 inch crate liner too.