[acharlie1377]

Hi All,

This is my first time posting here, so apologies if I'm doing anything wrong! My partner and I just got a 6-month-old English cocker spaniel named Leo. We are currently in the process of crate training him, but I'm not sure what kind of bedding we should use for the crate. Initially, we bought a dog bed to fit in the crate, but the height of the mattress made it hard for him to sit up straight, and he doesn't necessarily seem to like the added cushioning of the bed. He also has a tendency to sleep pressed up against the edges of the crate. But, I don't know if the plastic crate bottom is too hard for him, especially since he's still a puppy. Does anyone have any advice on what thickness/softness of bedding would be best?

Thanks so much for all your help!

 

[Lillith]

A couple of cheap fleece blankets usually do the trick. Fleece is usually recommended because it doesn't have any strings that can get caught in the dog's intestines...it tends to tear in chunks if the dog chews on it that pass through okay. The dog can also easily push the blankets aside to suite their temperature needs, as well.

 

[DaySleepers]

Vetbed is another option, as it's made specifically for being robust, hygienic, washable blanket-style bedding that doesn't hold urine. I wouldn't recommend anything with stuffing or foam for such a young dog unless you're very, very sure that they're not inclined to try to take such things apart (or worse, swallow the filling). Blankets of some variety would be my go-to, but honestly many puppies and dogs do just fine on a bare bottom crate for a while if they can't be trusted with bedding, or see a blanket as encouragement to pee in their crate.

 

[LeoRose]

Whatever you use, just be aware that some dogs will chew it, some will pee on it, and some will do both. (My GSD was five before she could be trusted with any bedding in her crate.) I'm currently using towels in my SPoo puppy's crate, mainly because it's been raining every. single. day. since I brought him home a week ago, and they absorb a lot of water, are easy to wash, and I already have a bunch of them. Eventually he's going to get a nice crate mat like his sisters have.