How to Select the Right Crate For Your Pooch


by Lawrence Reaves - Date: 2010-04-23 - Word Count: 648 Share This!

Most people who adopt a new puppy are aware of the benefits of crating. Canines are as much den animals as they are pack animals. They are instinctively comfortable within the confines of a small space if they perceive that space as their home. This is the reason many dogs will retreat to their crates on their own; they consider it a sanctuary away from others. It's where they can rest and relax when they are tired or mildly stressed. The key for owners is to choose a crate that will function as a comfortable home for their pet.

In this article, we'll begin by describing some of the benefits of crating your pooch. We'll then explain the advantages of buying a plastic crate versus a wire kennel. You'll also learn about exercise pens, which may be an ideal solution for some types of canines.

Reasons For Crating Your Dog

In addition to your pooch being instinctively drawn to his personal crate, it's a valuable tool for other purposes. For example, crating is an effective strategy for housebreaking a pup. Because he naturally perceives his pen as his personal refuge, he will avoid soiling it. Many owners have found that their puppies learn to control their bladders and bowels more quickly than otherwise.

Another reason to crate your puppy is to avoid the sometimes obnoxious, unruly behavior pups often display. This is not to suggest his pen should represent punishment for bad behavior. Instead, it's a way to control his energy during short periods when you're unable to closely supervise him.

Also, if your dog is difficult to control while you're driving, installing a pen in your vehicle will help you avoid problems. It's safer than allowing him to roam freely.

Plastic Versus Wire

There are two main types of kennels (we'll ignore exercise pens for a moment): wire and plastic. Both offer advantages that are exclusive to the material used and the construction of each. Wire pens provide plenty of ventilation. They're also easy to peer through so you'll be able to monitor your canine while he's inside. These kennels are relatively easy to clean, collapse for storage, and can be modified to accommodate your growing pooch.

Plastic crates are valuable if you happen to travel frequently with your pet, especially by air. Most airlines will only allow plastic and will turn you away if your dog's kennel is made of wire. Also, a lot of people argue that a plastic kennel provides dogs with more privacy than its wire counterpart. While this may be true, the same level of privacy can be created by placing a blanket over a wire pen.

Exercise Pens

An exercise pen is ideal for energetic puppies or canines who enjoy having room to walk around. There's no top or bottom. Instead, a wire frame is erected and attached end to end to block off a specific area. The frame is not substantial. It will not withstand climbing or a frontal assault. For this reason, it is more appropriate for dogs and puppies who are less aggressive during confinement.

Size Considerations

One of the most common mistakes owners make when buying a crate for their canine is to purchase one that is too big. If your dog is an adult, this will be less problematic than if he were a puppy. Puppies that are crated within areas too large for them are often inclined to eliminate in a corner.

So, what is the right size? Your dog should be able to lie down comfortably with a few inches of space between his body and each side of the crate. He should also be able to stand and turn around completely without bumping the sides or top. It may seem slightly claustrophobic to you, but your canine sees it differently.

Crating is valuable for a number of reasons. Among them, your dog will enjoy having his own "den" to which he can retreat for some time alone.


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