Hi Charlotte, I’m also in the UK …we answer questions on here from a lot of countries.

This episode with Walter needs Veterinary attention. We cannot diagnose on here but this could be anything from a seizure to a mini stroke to something lacking in his blood/diet…..and needs professional assessment to find out what is going on. 

I hope Walter is ok and try to keep him calm and quiet until you can get him to a Vet later today hopefully. Good luck. 

That video is crazy I have never seen anything like that. Sounds like maybe the calcium tablets might help? I hope he gets better!

While it’s true that I shouldn’t physically carry him places to see if he likes being in those areas, the point is, if maybe he could see upstairs as a safe place, he would actually have somewhere to run to when he feels threatened by the dogs. I’ve heard that having “cat safe spaces” should help when trying to get cats and dogs used to each other. He definitely does mind a lot when they are in the same room, and I do find him to be afraid. I guess it’s your call though, since I am much newer to cats, so what do I know.

Hi Brian……..its your decision of course but I would never advise anyone to get two puppies at the same time. Wait until the first one is 18 months or so then get another one.

Anyhow…..back to crates. Its really up to the individual whether you crate your dogs or not. They are very useful though. Never use them as a punishment, crates should be a happy place for dogs to go. If you cover them, leaving the door section uncovered they make a great “den” and dogs love dens.

If you decide to carry on with the crates after housetraining you can leave the door open for the dog to go in and out as they wish. If you need to go out and make sure the dog is safe pop them in the crates. Its really not fair to leave a dog locked up for hours though. You can buy water bowls which clip on the crate so the dog has water too. 

Unless you are absolutely certain your dogs will be safe to roam around the house, plants are gone so they can’t chew on them ect then I would definately keep the crates. 

Good luck and have fun with your puppies! 

Hi again Brian, I understand your logic of having two puppies if you both work. Make sure you get a nice big cage so they have room to move-and think of them as adults when you buy it.
This is my personal opinion and I probably shouldn’t be airing it here lol
Having a puppy is, believe me, like having a baby in the house. To care for one puppy, housetrain, basic training, socialising and financial costs (believe me there will be) is very hard work and time consuming. To do all this for two is twice all of the above.
However, if you and your girlfriend are both prepared to dedicate a lot of time and effort to a puppy each it would work.
As for how long to leave them in crates….I know people leave puppies and dogs in them day in day out. Yours would have to be in crates for quite a while as you both work.
I guess its up to the owner but you may have problems with housetraining them….puppies ideally need to be put outside every hour or so for them to get the message.
I’m probably the wrong person to ask about this as I wouldn’t let a puppy go to someone who works all day…..again my personal opinion.
You seem to have given this a lot of thought and I’m sure it will all work out….it will be hard work for you both to start with though.
So good luck and enjoy your dogs.. I hope you have many happy years together. ?