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Dog Crates - Which One Best Suits Your Dog?
Crate training has become very popular for dog owners today. Especially when you initially bring a puppy home. Using a dog crate can give you peace of mind knowing that your pet will not destroy your house while you are at work and is also an invaluable tool throughout the house training process.
However, using a crate that does not suit the dog can result in disastrous results. Choosing a properly sized and crafted crate can be the difference between a happily crate trained dog and a terrified, destructive animal. With most dogs, crate training takes some time and patience on the part of the owner.
A successfully crate trained dog is certainly worth the effort. They will calmly wait in their crate for their owners to return, and even if they are left to roam free, the crate can serve as a safe place where they can rest or retreat if they become scared while left alone.
Choosing the Right Dog Crate
If you are new to crate training or dog ownership in general, you may be surprised at the number of crate types available. The local pet supply shop will most likely have a few options in stock, but you will probably find a better selection and lower prices if you look online. Here are some tips on choosing the crate that is best for your dog.
Sizing - The most important thing to consider is the size of your dog. The dog crate should be sized according to the dog's expected fully grown height and weight. This can be hard to judge if you are buying the crate for a puppy or a young dog, which is when most people initiate crate training.
Err on the larger size, since a crate that becomes too small as your dog grows can reverse any progress you have made so far in their training. Even if you do not plan on using crate training forever, a crate that can accommodate your dog throughout their lifespan can be helpful in case you have guests, if they become sick and need to be confined for a period of time, or when your dog simply needs a place to retreat that is entirely their own.
Your dog should be able to stand up in their crate with their head held high, as well as have an ability to turn around easily. If at any time it appears that your dog is hitting their head on the crate ceiling or cannot turn around, it is important to buy a new and larger crate immediately. A dog crate that is too small can cause a safety hazard if your dog becomes upset while in the crate.
Material - Most people think of a dog crate and envision a large plastic box with wire slats in the front and sides. This type of crate, known as a flight kennel, can be used for crate training. However, some dogs find it claustrophobic and it may not be comfortable for extended periods of time due to their rectangular shape.
A traditional dog crate that can be used in the home is a metal pen. These are generally collapsible, making them ideal for dog owners living in tight spaces or who prefer to only use the crate for a short period of time. Metal crates have intertwined wires, like a fence.
It is important to choose a pen that will be able to withstand your dog's strength. Thin wire is likely to hold a smaller canine. Larger dogs can push through, bend or even bite through thinner wire crates. Just because a crate is large enough for your dog does not mean that it is made from a very strong material. Test it before use, and if your dog does break any of the wire, clip them off cleanly or replace the crate to ensure your dog can not get scratched or otherwise injured.
Today's Designer Crates
Metal and plastic were traditionally the only options for dog crates. However, crates are now available in other materials, such as wood, that makes the crate look more like a piece of furniture than a cage.
If the dog crate will be in plain view, consider a wood crate (or wicker crate) that fits in with your home. Since these are most likely handcrafted, ensure that the slats are close enough together that the dog cannot slip a paw through and get stuck. Also, if you have a large or extremely rambunctious dog, they may be able to break or gnaw through the wood; therefore, this may be a purchase better left until you are sure that your dog is comfortable with crate training. Until then, stick with a metal or plastic crate that can stand up to any escape attempts.
An appropriately sized dog crate can be an excellent tool for training, and when your puppy grows older, the crate will become his den where he can retreat and enjoy his own space in the home.
About the Author Chris Smith is a well respected dog trainer and long time owner of many dog breeds. For further dog training and dog health care advice (and a free ebook) visit - Dog Bedding Store
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