I have been mulling this one over all day and have finally decided at this late hour to ask for other's opinions. Maybe you have some words of advice.

We have a 2yr old springer bitch who sleeps in her own large crate under the stairs.

Yesterday we introduced a springer bitch pup, and due to not having a second crate (we weren't expecting to collect the pup straightaway), let the two dogs sleep together in the older dog's crate. They were fine. No whining from the pup and no protest from the older dog.

Today I have purchased a second crate which is in the living room and will eventually be for the pup to spend her nights in once she is too big to share with the older dog. Today they have both been nosing in and out of it quite happily, so I guess it will double as a cosy daytime space for both of them.

My question is should I let them both stay sleeping together in the first crate until the pup is a bit bigger, or should I start as I eventually mean to go on tonight with putting them in their own crates from day one (or day two!)?

Thanks to anyone who has an opinion they are happy to share!

I'd separate them, if you plan to shut the door. Fine if they choose to get in together when the door is open, but it's not a great idea to put them in a situation where they can't escape from each other - especially when pup gets older.

I did the same as you once and im afraid i'd never do it again. I personally would change over asap and it'll help the pup develop properly without the need for another dog. When you're happy the pup knows the ropes and rules you can do as you please and you'll probably find they go in the same one together for company but at this stage you're trying to teach a skill not pamper to its every whim Hope ive not offended you.

i would separate them, they both need their own place.

Wow! What quick replies.

Thank you all very much. No offence taken whatsoever. I think my gut feeling was to separate straightaway, just blurred by the error of not having two crates to start with.

They will now definitely have their own space tonight, and I feel very relieved - so thanks again!

Good question there. I am hoping to get my 2 year old a friend and was wondering the same. But mines no longer locked into his crate so was going to use his crate for the pup.

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Would love to see pics..

Could you put their crates side by side to get them used to being separated, but they can still see each other? Once that's working you could move the crates so they are sleeping independently of each other.

Some photos of them both Here

That's a good idea Maxine. Unfortunately I don't really have the space in either the hallway or the living room to make that very practical. It would be do-able but a bit awkward, so I'll go with separate rooms tonight ... and report back tomorrow if anyone's interested!

Good luck..........and sleep well!!