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style="float:none; /*width:635px;*/">Selecting a Dog Crate; What You Need to Know!

Dog crates provide the means to keep your dog safe and contained in a number of circumstances. They feature a door to put your dog inside and are composed of a number of different materials that provide various levels of portability, insulation, ventilation, comfort, durability and security. A dog crate should be considered an essential purchase, and perhaps you may even consider getting more than one for different purposes. Some of the most common situations a dog crate is used are:

  • When you’re toilet training your new puppy, and alternate between keeping them enclosed and giving them regular breaks outside.
  • When you need to transport your dog in the car on a short trip, such as a visit to the vet.
  • When you leave your dog for extended periods of time at home without your supervision.
  • When you need somewhere to keep your dogs during a dog show.
  • When visitors come over and you need somewhere to send your dog.
  • When you need to keep them secure for long trips, such as in an airplane.

Dog crates provide a large number of benefits, despite many people being opposed to the thought of “locking up” their dogs and viewing crates as a cruel thing to use. The first is that it gives your dog a place of refuge and familiarity, which can help them relax when traveling to new surroundings. It also helps puppies become housebroken much faster than without the use of a crate, as most dogs will try to keep their sleeping area clean if it is relatively small.

Cute Happy Puppy in a Dog CrateTraveling with your dog in the car is a lot safer if you keep them in a crate as you don’t need to worry about them moving around while you’re trying to drive. If you ever want to travel domestically or overseas with your dog then an airline-approved crate will allow you to do just that, as well as keep them safe and secure during the flight.

When looking for the right crate for your dog, there are a number of things you may want to consider. This can often include asking:

  • What size crate will suit your dog?
  • How often will you be carrying your dog inside the crate?
  • Is your dog still growing?
  • Do you plan on traveling a lot with your dog?
  • Are you going to leave the crate mainly in one place?
  • What insulation and ventilation is needed for your dog?
  • Do you want a crate that is visually appealing?
  • Will there be multiple dogs inside the crate?

There are other questions you can ask as well, but you may find that there isn’t one crate that ticks all the right boxes and choose to get more than one for different reasons. For example, you may want a more stylish crate for use at home to match your decor but a more portable crate for traveling with your dog. Ultimately, your aim should be to provide your dog with a comfortable place of refuge to stay in at home as well as one that provides them with safety and security while they’re on the move. If you can do that, then you’ll almost certainly be thankful for the various benefits that dog crates have to offer. With that, we offer ten suggestions to consider when buying a crate for your dog as well as a guideline for various dog crate sizes and which one will fit you dog.

 

Ten Quick Tips for Buying a Dog Kennel or Dog Crate

NOZTONOZ Sof-Krate Indoor-Outdoor Pet Home 42"1.  For dog crates and dog kennels, you need something appropriate for the size of your dog.  Not only will it save you money by not buying bigger than necessary, but you’re going to want to travel with this thing, so the smaller the better.  Fortunately, the pooch quickly grows accustomed to the size and enjoys it. Your dog should be able to stand up and turn around in his kennel.

2.  People often feel guilty about putting the family pet in such small confinement like a dog kennel.  The fact is, having descended from wolves, dogs naturally seek a place in nature where they can be alone.  Oftentimes, the best options in a home are under a piano or coffee table.

3. If you have a puppy that will soon grow into something much, much bigger, instead of buying two dog crates or kennels, buy one with a partition.  This saves you cash in the long run and allows your small dog the comfort of a compact crate even if it’s part of an extra large dog crate.

4. In addition to providing your dog with comfortable digs, a dog kennel or crate is the perfect tool for housebreaking a puppy, discipline, and establishing night and day routines.

5.  The soft dog crate is any crate that is collapsible or at least not hard plastic.  These are good for car trips or visits to the park.  With a hard wire frame, washable interior mats, and several venting windows, it may be the best choice for a frequent traveler.

6. Wire or chain-link dog kennels for large dogs are important for safety as well as dog training.  Regardless of how docile your dog is, every dog needs a safe outdoor space for fresh air. A chain-link dog kennel gives him space to exercise, and keeps him safe from other dogs and other hazards. It also keeps other people safe from your dog.

7.  Not sure if you can take a dog create on a plane?  Look for our “Airline Approved” seal directly beneath the product details on each page or search our list of specifically Airline Approved dog crates.

8.  Many of our chain link dog kennels are available with kennel covers and kennel decks.  Midwest dog kennels is one of the most reputable names we carry and offers a great selection of these types of kennels.

9.  Exercise dog pens are ideal for large and small dogs.  Indoors or outdoors, they provide room to play with toys or stretch a bit.  When you don’t need it, most exercise pens can easily be collapsed into a very compact, storable unit.

10.  A young dog may benefit from a nylon-sided dog pen.  This allows you to observe the dog from the top and sides while making it impossible for a frisky puppy to get a paw or snout stuck in a wire grate.

 

Dog Crate Sizes for the Correct Fit for Your Dog

Soft Sided Dog CratesDog crates sizes can vary from small to very large, and some are designed to carry multiple dogs or allow dogs to run around and exercise inside them. The size of crate you choose is the most important thing to consider when finding the right crate for your dog – if you choose one that’s too big or too small, then being kept inside will be very uncomfortable for them. The height and weight of your dog will help you make a choice that’s right for them:

  • 24 inches/up to 25 pounds – breeds such as a Bichon Frise, Pekingese, Chihuahua or Boston Terrier.
  • 30 inches/up to 40 pounds – breeds such as a Cocker Spaniel, Beagle or Shetland Sheepdog.
  • 36 inches/up to 70 pounds – breeds such as an Australian Shepherd, Border Collie or Boxer.
  • 42 inches/up to 90 pounds – breeds such as an Afghan Hound, Golden Retriever, Rottweiler or German Shepherd.
  • 48 inches/up to 110 pounds – breeds such as a Great Dane, Alaskan Malamute or Great Pyrenees.

If your dog is still a puppy then you can choose a smaller crate, though you might also consider selecting one that they can grow into and is suitable for their full size. Several wire dog crates are adjustable, so you can give your dog more space as they grow.

The size of the crate you choose should allow your dog enough space to move around freely, but keep in mind if your dog has too much space they are more likely to go to the toilet and simply avoid that area. Your dog is not as likely to want to make a mess of themselves in a smaller crate, which is generally recommended for toilet training purposes or short trips.

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