April
2007
Finding the Perfect Crate0
We really struggled trying to find the perfect crate for our puggles. People kept giving us different advice about which crate to pick. We first bought the type that Duke’s breeder suggested but we returned it the next day. He suggested we buy the kind that has a tray (which they all do) but the ones that are designed for the dogs to use the potty in. We did a lot of research the first night and early morning when we got Duke (he wasn’t letting us sleep). We also spent time the next day at Barnes and Noble to learn about crate training.
All of our research led us to a few key points to remember when crate training:
1.) The crate should be a comfortable place for your pet to feel safe and secure: We decided to buy a cozy bed for the crate and we wanted to make sure to never put the dogs in out of anger, remember the crate is supposed to be a positive place for your pet.
2.) The crate should grow with your puppy: you don’t want to put your 3 pound puppy in a crate designed for a 35 pound dog. Instead of buying a new crate every few months for your fast growing dog, you can buy a crate with a divider like the MIDWEST Folding Crate. We found this crate at PetSmart and its fantastic because it folds up very easily and takes up little space when you’re traveling. The best part about it is that it grew with Duke. Every few weeks, we’d have to push the divider back to give him more room, this is very easy to do in a few seconds. Read the rest of this entry »
For his party we invited four of his closest friends. Miss Ella Monkey (black minpin-chihuahua), Miss Heidi Piedi (tan minpin-chihuahua), Miss Hogan (black lab) and Mr. Ben (mix) all came over to celebrate. Duke was up all night baking peanut butter cookies for his friends which he put in little cellophane bags and tied with a brown and blue ribbon (the all organic recipe is below). We bought him a bone shaped apple cinnamon birthday cake from a local bakery, 
