By: WCPS
Whether they are natural den animals or not, dogs function well in small, enclosed areas for limited amounts of time. Think of the classic dog house in the backyard. The difference between a crate and a dog house aren't that big. A crate is one of the more perfect things you can get for your dog so that he can have a space in the house that he can call his own. The crate should be his personal hangout spot. Dogs are social creatures and they want to be a part of the family, so the crate should be positioned somewhere in the house where the humans congregate, like the kitchen or the living room.
There are a lot of theories and philosophies in regards to crate-training. Two of the key points that seem to transcend all crate-based opinions are that a crate is never for punishment. If the crate is used for punishment, the dog will associate punishment with the crate itself, and never truly relax in it. The second is that potty training and crate training are separate things, but they go hand in hand. An example of this is that the dog spends some time in the crate, and then is taken outside immediately to relieve himself. Another example is that directly after relieving himself, the dog is then back inside of the crate. The key is that if your dog feels safe and accepts the crate as his own personal “den” then he isn't going to soil it. Part of helping your dog to accept the crate as his own personal den is to make it worthwhile and fun.
There are also many, many different games that can be played with a dog that will get them interested in going into their crate. An example is to toss a treat into the crate, but hold the dog back with the leash. Let the dog go get the treat as he gets more and more excited. Some owners continue this practice further and further away from the crate, making it a “good place to go” for the dog.
There are three kinds of crates: soft, plastic, and metal. A worthwhile aspect of a lot of crates is the fact that they can have their interior space split by a divider. This is good for when the crate is purchased for a puppy. The reason being is that if a puppy determines that he has too much space within the crate, he might choose to make a distant corner the “bathroom.” As the puppy grows, the divider can be removed.
Obviously, when purchasing a crate for a puppy, there should be some serious speculation and consideration put into how big the dog will become. It isn't comfortable or safe for a dog to be too big for his crate. The goal to keep in mind with crate training is to create positive associations with the crate, comfort is a big part of it all. If your dog is already fully grown, judging the size of the crate you need is easy. You can simply eyeball it by looking at your dog and picking a crate that is just big enough for it to stand or sit up without bumping its head, turn around, and lay down comfortably. A more exact method is to measure the length of your dog, from tip of nose to base of tail, and add three inches, which gives you the minimum length of the crate; for height, just measure from the floor to his shoulder, plus three inches. If you can't find a perfect fit, err on the side of too large rather than too small.
Click here to see our selection of soft crates here.
A soft crate is lightweight and for a less rambunctious dog. The sides are made of a strong washable fabric. The framework can vary from hard plastic to metal. This is a crate that isn't for a puppy or untrained dog. A dog that digs or chews can and will shred this type of crate. However, a mild-mannered dog tat needs a den to relax in would do well with a soft cage. Soft crates are less expensive but harder to clean. Soft crates are collapsible and can be folded and packed away easily. They aren't safe for traveling with, but they are perfect for the home, or the yard.
Click here to see our selection of metal crates here.
Metal crates are sturdy enough for the back of a car, SUV, truck or van. Some dogs appreciate them because they can see in all directions from inside. Metal crates offer a lot of ventilation, which is great on hot days. Some metal crates come with a removable floor pan.. The size of the crate should be big enough for your dog to stand up, turn around and lie down, with a water bowl. Some dog owners complain of injuries to their dogs within metal crates. This tends to be the dog's behavior within the crate and not the crate itself. Proper space for the dog is necessary. An example is that a dog wagging his tail in a metal crate could hurt himself. A metal crate is not a good crate for a dog that is a chewer. Lots of metal crates are collapsible as well
Click here to see our selection of plastic crates here.
Plastic crates seem to be the recognized standard. If the dog is able to relax without knowing all that is going on around them, plastic crates are good too. These kinds of crates are good for travel. Some speculate that plastic crates are the safest if your vehicle is in a car accident. Lots of plastic crates are airline approved, but it is good to ensure this before making a purchase. Plastic crates are only good for dogs that aren't serious chewers.
Whatever type of crate you decide on for your dog, be prepared to see him fully invest in it. A crate might be the best item that you ever get for your dog.
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