Decorating the Nursery

[mochamix79]

Hi all...just looking for some input to help us get ready to bring Huw home in about 6 weeks. We have already started some outside planning, he has a beautiful dog house and a really really big kennel (12'x12'). But obviously, that stuff won't be used for at least 5-6 months. So, we need to start getting his stuff for the house. We have decided to crate train him, but I really don't know what kind of crate/kennel to use. I want him to have a bedroom of the sorts, and am thinking more along the lines of a large pet carrier. I've seen a lot of open wire crates, but I don't really care for that. What are some of the things you guys use? How about pads and blankets? What are good teething toys and toys for when he has to be left by himself? I just need some help in getting ready for this little guy...and the time to bring him home is coming quick. Any input would be much appreciated.

[Fluffypants]

I have jackie in an open-air, wire crate. She has a blanket, a teddy bear, and crate pad in it now, but we waited until she was fully potty trained before putting the pad in there (she had a towel & blanket in there before - easier to clean if accidents happened!). Kongs are great home-alone / chew toys, as they are made out of very durable rubber (and you can put yummy treats inside!!!!). The breeder will probably send him with a toy that he likes, something that smells familiar to him. (side note on that - we STILL have Jackie's walrus that the breeder sent with her . . . she destroys everything else, but not Wally!) You will want to put that with him in his crate for sure.

That's a start, I'm sure others will have more to add! How exciting!!!

[CorgiMum]

This AKC link has some great information to help you get ready for bringing your puppy home. The third listing is called just that "Get Ready". Hope this helps.


http://www.akc.org/public_education/..._dog_owner.cfm

[CorgiMum]

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[Michael Romanos]

I think it is a good idea that for the first few weeks or so, not to put on the floor of the crate what you really want to have as bedding or something comfortable for the Corgi to relax on. Some pups just want to rip it up so save the best for when your Corgi is really settled in.
I'd be a bit wary of Kongs - they are not every Corgis most desired toy. THe one I brought - rather, pressured into buying - is still lying dormant in a corner of the casual dining area - Taylor tried to get to like it but no. And the Corgi pup I had for two weeks - who was into everything with gusto - ignored it as well after trying it out.

[corgimom]

Mochamix79

My Pem has the open air wire crate like Fluffypants. I sometimes drape a thin
quilt over it at night time which makes it more like a den for him and also helps him rest better when my cats are up and about at night.


I was lucky in that Cody was crate trained by the breeder so when I got him
at 11 weeks, he had no problem being in the crate. I have a thick fleece blanket in his crate which is the same dimension as the crate, along with a stuffed animal and he has never had an accident in his crate and he has not ever torn his bedding or stuffed animal that he sleeps with.

I wouldn't go crazy at this point buying toys, maybe just a couple of harder rubber balls, and a couple of soft squeaky toys. Maybe a medium size ball that he can push around the house would be an idea. Cody used to love to do that and still does. There are lots of hard rubber teething toys out there also - every dog is so different in what they like and you will have lots of time
after he arrives to fill up his '"toy chest" when you get more of a "feel" of what he likes to play with.

Try and provide either stainless steal or ceramic eating bowls for your dog as
plastic ones can be irritating to their skin and can cause skin breakouts.

In my case, Cody likes kongs and balls that I can put treats into and then he pushes them around to get the treat out. I fill his kong with plain yogurt and freeze it for him and this is a daily snack that he gets, and he likes it and keeps him occupied for about short while.