Pets Adviser

Adam Sowers/Flickr.com

How to buy a dog crate is a question that comes up from time to time from pet owners. The trick to finding the perfect crate for your dog is size.

So, what size dog crate should you get? You want to purchase a pet crate big enough for the dog to be able to stretch on its side as well as stand up and move around. There should be 3 or 4 inches above the dog’s head when he stands up. If you’re buying a crate for a puppy, don’t get one that’s too large; as that could undermine your housebreaking efforts. But if you do buy a big dog crate, you can always partition it while the puppy is still young, then remove the partition as the puppy gets older. The partition can be as simple as a length of pegboard, or you can order a crate divider online.

Go for a wire crate, because plastic ones (while a bit cheaper, and more popular) might just become a chew toy for your pup; that’s obviously not good. The plastic crates (also called kennels) are good, however, as temporary ways to transport your pet to the vet or groomer. Wire crates often are collapsible; you can fold them down for storage in your closet when not needed. Make sure the wire dog crate is made from a heavy guage wire and is sturdy.

The crate should have a removable floor pan for ease of cleanup. Also, comfort is key here, so look for a smooth floor. You can always use an old blanket or a new crate pad for bedding.

Crates cost anywhere from about $40 to $150 and up. Look for a wide variety of crates in pet stores, department stores, pets supply catalogs or from online retailers, such as Dog Crates Unlimited.

One last reminder: Don’t abuse the crate. Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise and lots of attention throughout the day. Clean the crate frequently. No dog should be forced to sleep in a soiled crate.-