How to Buy a Dog Crate

By Dan Frontworth Pet Products December 11, 2009 1 comment

Know how to buy a dog crate.

Know how to buy a dog crate.

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 one for your dog is size.

So, what size should you get? You want to purchase a pet crate big enough for your pup 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 one, you can always partition it while the puppy is still young, then remove the partition as the dog 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 ones (also called kennels) are good, however, as temporary ways to transport your pet (dog carriers) 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 it is made from a heavy guage wire and is sturdy.

The dog 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 pad for bedding. Crates cost anywhere from about $40 to $150 and up. Look for a wide variety in pet stores, department stores, supply catalogs or from online retailers.

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 area.

Photo: Adam Sowers/Flickr.com

 

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1 Comment - Where Is Yours?

  1. Pet Sitting Guy says:
    October 15, 2010 at 1:42 pm

    Wire crates are excellent, in the UK we call them a dog cage which I always think sounds terrible and I prfer dog crate. We got our dog from a rescue home and she was so anxious for almost two weeks until we spoke to a trainer who advised us that a dog crate would help her feel more secure and it worked. I do agree though that you need to gte one that they can stretch out in.

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