A pet crate is not just for puppyhood, it should be for life.
Because dogs are den animals, a crate is a great home to a dog, a place where he can feel safe, keep his toys, and generally go when he needs a rest or time to himself. A dog should never ever be allowed to sleep in your bed.
Many people think of the outdoor dog house or run, but even if your dog is primarily indoors, a crate is very useful. It gives you more control over your new puppy’s access to the house (and things it can chew!) visitors, keeps them out of the kitchen at mealtimes, and more.
In addition, getting your dog into the habit of using a crate will help with boarding and kennel situations if your pet can’t travel with you.
If do you take your dog on the road, a crate is safer for travel, and can provide an area of comfort and easy clean up for a scared or anxious,or car sick dog.
We will be talking about crate training in another article. For now we want to focus on choosing the RIGHT crate before you get your puppy home.
First, estimate the dog’s size as a puppy, and as a full grown dog.
Your puppy should be able to stand, lie down, or sit in any position in the crate without restriction, and allow him room to grow. The crate should be large enough to accommodate a food bowl, and a water bowl, or a water bottle attachment.
Also, buying for the adult size of your dog (if he is a puppy) will allow you to use it for the rest of his life. Many crates now come with an adjustable inner wall so the size of the crate can adjust with him as he grows.
Next, decide on where you are going to put the crate-what part of your home are you going to reserve for your new pet. Measure the size, and then double the length, in order to make sure you can slide out the plastic tray at the bottom for easy cleaning.
The you should consider the style you want for the crate, durabillity, and multipurpose fucntionality. You have many choices available to you. There are wire frame crates, solid frame crates, and soft-sided crates, but the wire frame crates allow ventilation and easy cleaning. They usually have a plastic tray that slides in an out, which can be kept clean and fresh-smelling if you puppy has any accidents.
Just be careful not to slide it our when the pet is in there!
The wire framed ones are also great because can also be folded up flat and easily moved from one place to another if you are travelling with the dog. It can fit in the back of an SUV, or in the cargo hold of a plane.
For a small dog, you might decide on a soft-sided on for travelling in a car or plane. If the case can fit under the seat, most airlines will allow it to go inside the cabin. Otherwise, they would have to be checked through as baggage. Some airlines provide crates, others do nor, so having a wire frame crate for your dog can save a lot of time and money.
The wire frame type of crate is especially useful for house training and protecting young puppies or dogs that may become destructive when left alone in the house. It is great for keeping him away from constantly being pestered by well-meaning but persistent new owners, especially children.
When selecting a wire crate, check for any sharp edges. Be careful with the front door to see if it is spring loaded. These doors are not recommended because they can snap shut on a paw or tail.
Some breeders and owners say a dog feels too exposed in a wire frame crate. You can always drape it with a sheet or towel. Generally speaking, they are clean, multipurpose, comfortable and good for travel.
Solid Frame Crates are constructed from plastic, fiberglass or Plexiglas and are most commonly used for your dog’s travel needs. They are sturdy and have solid bottoms. Usually only the sides of these crates are slotted for ventilation.
Most of these crates have separate tops and bottoms that are assembled and secured with nuts and screws. The top usually has a handle. The front of the kennel frame supports a wire door. They are easy to take apart for cleaning and storage. They are also commonly referred to as pet carriers.
This type of kennel is a good choice for transporting your pet to the veterinarian and is good for air travel, depending on the size of the plastic crate and the breed of dog. This type of crate also provides a greater degree of protection for your pet if something should fall on the kennel or if it bangs into anything. Since this kennel has fewer ventilation slats, the interior of the kennel is darker and may be a more desirable environment for quieting an anxious pet. We wil have other valuable hints and tips for traveling on a plane with your dog in a a later article.
Soft-sided Kennels are like gym bags. All the sides are made from breathable fabric and are ventilated with nylon mesh netting. These types of carriers are good for small dogs of about 10 pounds or less. They are comfortable, but give little protection against shocks. The dog is allowed to travel in the cabin if the carrier fits under the seat. They can get wet and then take a long time to dry. These carriers should be used for short local trips only.
Consider the size of your pet and plan ahead. Buy a crate that will accommodate your dog at an adult size. If you buy a kennel that the right size for your puppy, it may only be useful for 6 months. Look for a crate which has an adjustable panel so the crate can expand as the puppy grows.