crating 2 puppies

Question
QUESTION: My wife and I are thinking of getting a second female 8 month old yellow lab puppy to keep the other one company. I was wondering how to crate them, separately or together? They are both crate trained, but the one we already have is accustomed to sleeping on the bed, and I know that will have to be stopped immediately. Any other suggestions for owning 2 8 month old yellow lab females? Thanks

ANSWER: I would go with 2 separate crates.  Putting them side by side would allow them some company.  One purpose of crating puppies is to keep them quiet.  Two 8 month olds in the same crate and it isn't going to happen.  Also, as they mature, they may become more competitive.  Best if they aren't together.  

Most people advise against having 2 females.  I hope both are spayed.  

I am a moderate on dogs sleeping in your bed.  I see it as a matter of personal taste as long as they accept your leadership.  

The key to most behavior problems is approaching things using the dog's natural instincts. Dogs see all the people and dogs in the household as a pack with each having their own rank in the pack and a top dog. Life is much easier if the 2 legged pack members outrank the 4 legged ones. You can learn to play the role of top dog by reading some books or going to a good obedience class. A good obedience class or book is about you being top dog, not about rewarding standard commands with a treat. Start at http://www.dogsbestfriend.com/ For more on being top dog, see http://www.dogbreedinfo.com./topdogrules.htm

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QUESTION: We have 2 separarate crates and after seeing the size of the new addition, its a good thing. She is bigger. Should the 2 pups be able to see each other in their side by side crates or keep them isolated by some means like a blanket partitioning? As far as spaying, why did you say to have both spayed? We do have our current lab spayed and do plan on having the new addition spayed ASAP. How do you keep them apart while the newly spayed pup recovers from surgery? Just keep her locked up in the crate? Any other suggestions? Thanks.

Answer
Spaying reduces the competitiveness that sometimes leads to problems between 2 females.  

Let them see each other.  the closer the better.  Be very careful of a blanket next to the crate.  a puppy could pull it in, shred it, and choke on a shred.  

Yes I am afraid with 2 of them, the one may need to be crated much of her recovery time.  Perhaps being left loose in a separate room.  The vets say keep them quiet, but never give out Valium.