I will be picking up my puppy very soon and I plan on crate training. Which kind of crate should I get? The wired or the covered plastic one? Also, how big should it be? Big enough for him to move around a little? Any other tips with crate training would be greatly appreciated

For a crate, you'll probably want a good sized one that comes with a divider so you only have to buy one crate. Here's our thread on the subject: Crate Recommendations?

Personally, I like wired crates. I'm just not a fan of the plastic covered ones and I think puppies would rather see the world but this is one of those things that can vary by dog. I bought a pretty big wired crate off ebay for $55 with free shipping and it came with a divider so it can grow with my pup. You have the right idea. You only want there to be enough space for the pup to stand up, turn around and lie down in. This will discourage them from eliminating in the crate and laying somewhere where they can avoid it. I think it's much easier to get the crates with the dividers rather than upgrading every time your dog outgrows it since you can easily move the divider as much as you need. Growing out of one crate might mean the next size up is a little too big.

Training you really just want to make it a positive experience. Drop in treats, leave the door open, stash his favorite toys or blanket in there. You'll see that sometimes he just goes in for a little nap. It'll be his little den with all his stuff and a way for him to get a little "me" time. Once he's comfortable going in and out on his own, try closing it behind him and remaining with him. Keep it closed for a little while before opening it and make sure you praise him when you do! Gradually increase how long the door stays shut and then slowly start increasing your distance from the crate. Soon you should be able to leave the room then come right back in, then leave for a little longer and come back. The trick is to make him comfortable and let him know you'll always come back. You won't disappear forever! Puppies don't really have the concept of object permanence yet so in his mind, you being out of sight does mean you're gone forever. So it's your job to show him you'll always come back.

Good luck!

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002AT3M4/ref=oh_details_o03_s00_i00

This is the crate I got for Hannah. It's got double doors as well as double locks. It folds up great and I take it with me on road trips. The bottom slides out but I've never had to take it out after it was installed. I got the largest size they offer which is 36'. Hannah is able to stand up, turn around, roll over, lol.

As Calliegirl said, buy one with a divider so your doggie can grow into it. The wire is definitely helpful, and a lot easier to spot any mess inside the crate.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00063KG7S/ref=oh_details_o04_s00_i00

This is the bed I got which fits inside the 36' crate perfectly.

Although, I live in FL so my apt is set at 80 all the time. Hannah actually prefers an empty crate without the bed. She doesn't mind her blanket but I guess the bed makes it too hot for her.

Thanks for the replies! I just bought one off eBay, made by Champion Dog, 42"x28"x28". 3 doors and comes with a divider. Only cost $55 with free shipping.

Yep! That's the one I got. Same size. Only mine's obnoxiously pink. It works fine! No problems at all! It'll arrive really quickly too!

I got Kao the wire one as well. For th first little while she would whine when it was time for bed so i covered it with a sheet so it felt more cozy for her and this seemed to help. Also, Ive got these duck heart treats that she would just go crazy for, so everytime she went in her crate she got one . She loves her crate now and will go in all on her own when shes tried. Hope this helps!

LRomero wrote:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002AT3M4/ref=oh_details_o03_s00_i00

This is the crate I got for Hannah. It's got double doors as well as double locks. It folds up great and I take it with me on road trips. The bottom slides out but I've never had to take it out after it was installed. I got the largest size they offer which is 36'. Hannah is able to stand up, turn around, roll over, lol.

As Calliegirl said, buy one with a divider so your doggie can grow into it. The wire is definitely helpful, and a lot easier to spot any mess inside the crate.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00063KG7S/ref=oh_details_o04_s00_i00

This is the bed I got which fits inside the 36' crate perfectly.

Although, I live in FL so my apt is set at 80 all the time. Hannah actually prefers an empty crate without the bed. She doesn't mind her blanket but I guess the bed makes it too hot for her.

we bought the same one off amazon. Works great. Kinda wish I went with the largest size now, Ziva looks as if she'll be at the top end of the weight/height bracket. She weighed 42 lbs last night when we were in Petsmart.