The importance of crate training your dog cannot be overemphasized. As a dog owner, you often view keeping your canine companion in an enclosed crate as cruel—relax, your pets love their space.
Vets and animal breeders recommend crate training as an incredible tool for bringing up dogs, especially to instill certain healthy habits in puppies as they grow.
Why Should You Adopt Crate Training for Your Dogs?
The right crate not only serves as the perfect place to keep your pet safe while you’re away, but it’s equally a perfect haven if and when your dog needs some alone time.
Crates are also a safe and comfortable transportation option for dogs during long flight trips or car rides, especially if you have a pet that’s notorious for moving about.
Furthermore, pens aid a dog’s post-surgery recovery rate. Rest makes up an essential part of the recovery process after an operation or injury, and with a confined space all to itself, your dog will recover faster compared to when you allow it roam free.
Finally, with crates, pets learn to control their bowels, making housebreaking an easier task for you to handle.
Types of Dog Crates
As a dog owner, you want your furry friend to be comfortable at all times, whether they’re in a crate or running around the house.
As such, if you’re getting a new dog pen for your pet, you need to know the type that fits them to ensure they feel completely at home while they’re in it. Quickly, here are some of the popular types of dog crates:
Plastic Dog Crate
Plastic crates are portable and lightweight pens suitable for taking your dogs out; thus, they are a practical choice you should consider if you tend to go out with your dog often. They’re also easy to clean and strong enough to withstand bites from enthusiastic chewers.
An excellent example of a plastic dog crate you can get for your pup is a Plexiglass dog crate. Plexiglass is a see-through material that looks a lot like glass but is more brittle.
These are useful properties because having a crystal clear dog pen lets you closely monitor your animal friend’s activities whenever he is in the crate. These dog crates also come in some amazing designs, so you won’t have any trouble looking for an attractive-looking clear dog crate for your pet.
However, one downside with plastic crates is the smell-absorbing property of plastic. If you eventually get a plastic pen for your dog, you should note that, at some point, it is likely to smell, even though it’s sparkling clean. Also, some of them can be bulky and difficult to carry around.
Soft-sided Dog Crates
A soft-sided pen is a modern custom dog crate made of a soft mesh-like material held together by a metal tube frame. These crates are quite fancy and sometimes look like a backpack or a carrying case.
Soft-sided crates are lightweight, easy to carry around, slightly cheaper, and easily win the hearts of dogs and pet owners.
Metal wire crates
Metal wire pens are often what people think of when they hear the words “dog crates” or “cages.” The best things about these pens are that they are sturdy, well-ventilated, and provide tremendous visibility for dogs.
However, one significant problem pet owners experience with these pens is their weight; metal wire crates are pretty heavy, making them difficult to carry around.
Wooden Dog Crates
As the name suggests, these crates are made from wood. They are also relatively decorative dog pens; as such, if you are a pet owner looking to purchase an elegant and modern custom dog crate for your canine friend, you should consider getting a wooden pen.
One remarkable thing about wooden dog crates is that they can double as furniture pieces in the home while also providing shelter for your pet. However, wooden pens are easy to chew on, meaning they’re not the ideal home for your dog if it tends to chew a lot.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Dog Crate
Dog crates come in various sizes, designs, and colors, and this variety can pose a problem for dog owners shopping for the perfect pen for their puppy.
However, there are some factors you can keep in mind to help you decide on the ideal dog crate. Below are some of the things you should consider before purchasing a dog pen:
Size
Size is a significant element that should influence your decision of the dog pen to buy. If a crate is several sizes too small, it will leave your pup feeling cramped and uncomfortable.
On the other hand, purchasing large dog crates for small dogs creates room for accidents in the crate. However, it is also crucial to note that, depending on the breed, some dogs can grow to be quite large in a short time.
So, if you intend to buy a crate for your pet to use for a year or two, you should consider how much your dog will grow within that time.
Mobility
Some pens are easier to carry around than others, and choosing the right one depends on how often you’re likely to move your pet. If you travel a lot with your dog, then you should consider getting a pen you can easily carry around while your pet is inside.
But if your pet is the stay-at-home type, then a decorative, less movable dog crate is an excellent choice. Also, for crates that you’re likely to carry around often, getting one with a handle is a lot more ideal.
Weight
When choosing a crate for your pet, it is important to take into account your dog’s weight. This element will help you to decide whether a dog pen with an extremely sturdy material is the best option or not.
The pen’s weight also determines if it’ll be easy to carry around. As such, if you take your dog out a lot, this factor should play a rule in your crate choice.
Dog’s Habit
Some dogs have the habit of chewing on anything within their reach and, as a result, can easily destroy their pens. No doubt a strong crate is a suitable option for pets that are notorious chewers.
Conclusion
Dog pens are not only essential tools to help you teach your pet bladder control, but they can also serve as a den where your canine friend can retreat for some personal time.
However, getting the right modern custom dog crate is essential if your puppy is going to enjoy their new home. A large dog would feel extremely uncomfortable in a small pen while a pen that is too large gives too much room for your pet to get into accidents.
This short guide has provided some helpful tips you can keep in mind as you shop for a crate for your furry friend. We’re hoping you two will enjoy getting the new home for your dog. Have fun shopping!
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