New Puppy

Hey there,

Congrats on planning the new arrival! Hope it all goes well

As far as your question - you can pretty much try it either way. The only experience I have with this is that some people who crate trained the new addition, and allowed their old dog to roam around experienced the new puppy stressing a bit more in the crate. After all, watching another dog, who is your playmate sometimes, roam around freely while you're stuck in a box is a bit distressing for an energetic puppy. You may find that your pup chews at the crate and scratches up whats in it if he can see your other dog walk around. It may also cause him to whine a bit more, wanting to be let out and play.

On the other hand - its reasonable to think that the company of another dog, even if its outside the actual crate, might comfort your little guy if he's lonely. He may be more at ease while your other dog is in eye sight or close by.

Do you plan on keeping the crate training going while you're out of the house once the pups' grown? Or will you eventually let both roam freely?

I'd say give it a go with letting your older dog roam freely around the new pup in his crate and see if you can tell he's stressing out or not. You should look for torn up blankets/toys, spilt water, check puppies mouth for cuts or bruising from chewing at the bars, and of course see if the crate is taking on a beating!

Of course, other members may have more first hand experience here, but thats my take Please let us know how the new arrival goes!

Hope everything goes smoothly! Exciting!