To Crate or not 

The idea of using a crate might be new to you. Some people are downright opposed to the idea. In all honesty, if you cannot wrap your heart around it, you will never get your pup to accept the idea. They will pick up on your attitude. If you embrace it for what it is (the best thing since sliced bread for a puppy) it will put you on the fast track to success. Nevertheless, attempting to crate train half-heartedly will be counterproductive. Therefore, either enter with the commitment or forego the crate-training. We do not recommend the latter. 

Getting the right Crate or kennel

The right crate is imperative to crate-training success. Nonetheless, there are many options. If you are going to use the crate for the life of your dog you might want to consider the Life Stages type of kennel. There is also the same sized kennel with the three-door option. The multiple configuration is handy. It allows you to place the crate in almost any location and still to have an accessible door. Using a divider means you can resize the crate as the pup grows. 

Size Matters

PictureMurray in the Wire Kennel
Traditional wisdom teaches us that a pup's resting place should not have extra room. That is a tough concept to embrace. We want to think of them having the most comfortable situation possible.
Murray (pictured to the left) is crate-training. This was within moments of him entering the kennel. This crate is larger than normal; however, we decided to try it because he seemed like he might be set up for success--meaning that he had not been going to the bathroom in his sleeping area. 
The wire crate measures 24" high, 22" inches wide, and 30" in length. The bedding was some we had used to transport his litter-mates on; therefore, it had a comforting effect. He has since graduated to some nicer bedding. 

The crate is larger than advised. He has access to water, and a food dish is filled with his allotment (morning, noon, and at dinner). Here is the shocking news, despite the oversized kennel he did not make a potty area. 

It is our goal to have the OwyheeStar pups ready to achieve these extraordinary feats--quick housebreaking and crate training. Nonetheless, all the experts recommend you to start with a smaller (barely enough room) kennel. The lack of extra room doesn't give them the option of selecting one end for a bathroom, and the other for their bed. It is best to avoid the soiled scenario. Habits such as these are difficult to change once they begin.

Murray's success is due in large part to him being ready to housebreak, his ability to embrace the idea of the crate, and us having a constant eye on him. Yes, you can use a bit larger kennel. The point is you have to know if your pup is going to be able to hold their potty until you let them outside. Murray sleeps, and upon waking he lets out a yelp. In turn, he gets put out the door, and he runs to go to the bathroom. He has slept the entire night without an accident. He is doing amazingly well.

The only other times he has pitched a fit are when we leave the room. He (like any Weimaraner) doesn't want us out of sight. He has already learned we come and go. We are unfazed by the outbursts. He has let out a yelp when he was out of water or food. He is nine weeks and two days old. 

 Picture
He settled before long and started napping. He was under our watchful eye--next to the workstation. 
Here is a similar crate at a modest price--this is a short term solution. The Weimaraner pup will soon outgrow the small kennel. 
Nonetheless, you could expect it to be sufficient for at least four to six months. Some pups get larger than others.