Dog Crates – The Best Choice for Safe Containment

If you’re like most dog owners, you will probably decide to crate-train your dog. Of course, this is a very personal decision. Some dog owners think it’s cruel to keep a dog enclosed in what they perceive as a small space for an extended period of time. Most experts will agree that dog crates represent a kind of “den” to the dog, and that this is the safest environment, both mentally and physically, for a dog that must be left alone.

The first concern when purchasing a crate for your dog is, obviously, the size of your dog. If you have a puppy, you may have to buy two dog crates – one for the puppy, and one for the eventual dog they will become! Luckily, it’s generally very easy to re-sell a crate that your dog has outgrown, simply because people who have a new puppy can try to save some money by purchasing a used crate. Many dog crates have been “handed down” in this manner, and it’s usually a win-win situation for everyone involved!

Once you have a size in mind, you’ll need to think of construction. Dog crates are generally made of either hard plastic with a wire gate, or made completely out of sturdy, thick wire. It’s entirely a personal choice as to which one is better. Whichever you choose, make sure you have purchased a new crate pad to ensure the comfort of your dog! (Don’t buy this used, as dog smells seem to attach to fabric and you want your dogs crate to smell like it is his only.)

As far as sizing is concerned, you want to be sure your puppy or dog can stand up, turn around, and lie down. You do not want the crate to be too large for one reason…most dogs will not eliminate where they sleep, so if your dog can eliminate on one end, yet sleep at the other end comfortably, they will. You want to be sure that your dog can’t do this because then they’ll wait until they’re out of the dog crate to eliminate – a very necessary step in potty training your dog.

All in all, dog crates are a necessary addition to any puppy or dogs comfort and care. It will make for a mentally and physically happy companion!