I am the soon-to-be owner of a Boston Terrier puppy. I’m shopping around for the things I’ll need, and I was wondering what the difference was between a crate/kennel and a carrier. Do I need both? Neither? Can dogs sleep in them? Or do I need to get a bed also?

Also, could you tell me a few of the other things I’ll need? Do you have any recommendations on brands or types?

And is padding for the crate worth it? For the sides?

And do puppy pads work? Are they useful?

Thanks, yall

Hi, Thank you for your responses. I will be getting two puppies, Maltepoos, age 14 weeks. I do not know how much they weight at this point. They are expected to mature to maximum 8 to 12 lbs. I live by the beach and would like to buy a lightweight carrier with good ventilation where I have the option of letting their heads stick out or not. Could anyone give me leads. I did see the dual classic carrier but do not know if it would be any good as it is a pocketbook style and I would prefer the carrier strap to lie across my chest with the bag in front of me for safety (don’t want one to hang out the front and other fall out of the back…).
B
Burlap would be fine if it were the right design…ugh. The stroller is an excellent idea I’ve seen twin canine ones, but unless you get the very expensive don’t know if it will work on sand. I did go to dog supplies stores, have a few ideas but no "perfect" one. I know dogs should be exercised and have legs duh but the puppies will not be able to climb the high steps to get on beach access boardwalk, and also don’t want to get them over tired and heated, will expect them to do more walking when bigger. Thank you all! Oh i just saw http://www.toughtraveler.com/dogbags.asp the Skipper tote, kinda ballpark type of bag.

I really want to get a dog. And I don’t know if I want a Westie or a Pomeranian. I want a small dog that I can carry in a dog carrier, but big enough to take on walks. If you know of a better dog please include pictures. Thank you.

Can someone explain this to me? I’m *really* fed up with all the

"Oh, it’s EVIL that you carry your dog in a purse! Ugh! You Paris Hilton wannabe! Shame on you!"

Don’t tell me you haven’t seen it. Maybe you’ve said it. I just know that it makes me furious. I hate to think that many think I’m a "bad" owner because I sometimes carry my dog in a CARRIER (these dog purses ARE carriers. Don’t tell me you don’t have a carrier).

Here are some of the things that have been said, I’m not naming names….

-"BEANIE BABIES are a better choice,, you do not need a living breathing creature"
-"they’re a Paris Hilton wannabe. who would want to be like that worthless **** anyway?"
-"At that point your dog is a fashion accessory. "

When someone even *mentions* toting a dog in a dog purse, they get bombarded with comments like the ones above. YA-ers just seem to assume that if you carry a dog, you’re a Paris Hilton wannabe who imprisons their dog in a purse and doesn’t let it walk or get exercise at all. IMO, there’s a right way and a wrong way:

WRONG WAY:
Dog is indeed a fashion ornament. Purchased so it could go with that UH-DORABLE purse of yours. Owned by a little girl who wants to look like the celebs. The purse is not suitable to carry a dog in. Purpose in life is to look cute and sit in a purse for 3 hours while girl shops at the mall.

RIGHT WAY:
Owned by a responsible owner. Travels in purse when going out and ONLY temporarily to serve as a means of transportation. Uses safe purse that is meant for dogs. Let down to walk and play when needed. Doesn’t purse-travel EVER if the dog is uncomfortable. Well-trained and loved.

So, given that a dog is being toted what I deem the right way, would you still hate the fact that the dog is in a beautified carrier(all these dog purses really are)?

And, to make sure I’m keeping it legit, where do you do most of your shopping for dog supplies?
Sierra- I agree. What’s the point of bringing the dog to the grocery store? I’m surprised employees don’t get on those owners for that….

Flying Mop Dog: Nothing’s wrong with letting a dog walk. And nothing is wrong with carrying a dog, either, as long as it’s done without the dog being reduced to a fashion statement.