Now that you brought home your sweet little puppy, it is time to get yourself the right dog crate. But which dog crate should you get, the wood crate, the metal crate, the plastic crate, the big crate or the small crate? Is it mainly for home use or for travel?
One thing for sure, a dog crate is needed for your dog so that it can feel safe in its new environment.
How to choose a dog crate? In the wild, a dog would make itself a small den, just big enough for it, to turn around and lie down comfortably.
Therefore, if you want your dog to feel comfortable in its new home, it is essential that you to replicate its natural environment and choose a crate that is inches taller and longer than the dog for it to feel comfortable.
You might not be aware, but the den is where the dog naturally seeks refuge and hide from predators. You got to provide that place, in the form of a dog crate so that it can feel that same sense of safety and protection.
Your pet will love you for it. You will find that if you provide a safe place for the dog, it will naturally go there whenever it is anxious or frightening. Now that we live in the modern world things are different, but they are the same.
Yes, I know no natural predators are lurking around that is going to attack your dog. However, modern society still has stuff in the environment that can be terrifying for a dog like sudden noises from cars and people. Bigger dogs barking next door can be scary for a puppy.
Dog crates are fantastic. You need not worry too much or be concerned by that fact that a dog crate looks like a prison.
‘Is it cruel to put your dog in a crate? That is the question asked by many new dog owners. But, no need to worry because it is not cruel to put your dog in its dog crate, you are merely mimicking their natural environment.
However, you have to do it right and choose the right type of dog crate. Before we go further, you mustn’t put the dog in the crate for too long as it may cause psychological damage.
Now it is time to have a look at some of the critical factors that you need to consider when choosing a dog crate. Here we go! You got to view the size, the construction material, and the style of the crate.
Choosing The Right Size Dog Crate
You want to get a den the perfect size, too big and the dog may use it as a restroom, too small and it would be uncomfortable, it has to be just right. As said earlier, in the wild, dens are usually shallow holes or narrow passages, just big enough for the dog to turn around and lie down.
Since the crate is playing the part of a modern den, you need to provide a private space for the dog that is of the perfect size.
The secret here is that “the crate be just large enough for the dog to be able to stand up and turn around.” A crate that is too small will restrict your dog’s movements, won’t be associated with a relaxing place to rest, and may go unused by your dog.
A crate that allows your dog to move comfortably in the crate while also offering the den-like experience that most dogs find comforting is the optimal choice.
If you are going to get the right size dog crate, you will have to measure the dog. As you know too big and the dog will use a side of it as a restroom and too small, and it will not be comfortable.
Here is how to choose a dog crate based on its size. We all hat to learn how to choose a dog crate, now it is your time to learn how to measure a dog crate to select the one that is the perfect size for your pup.
#1 Measure the height of your dog.
Let your dog sit with its legs straight, then measure the height from the floor to its nose when it is looking up. Add a few extra inches, and they are the height of your crate.
#2 Measure the length of your dog
let your dog stand and measure from nose to tail. Then add three or four extra inches so that they do have room to turn. Remember, we are trying to mimic its natural environment.
# 3 Length Of Time That You Will Be Using The Crate For
If it is a puppy and you are buying a crate, you do not want to get one that the puppy will outgrow within the next two months.
In this case, you can buy a giant crate for the big dog. Make sure it has the partitioning capability so that the dog has to the right amount of space, too much is no good.
Choosing Based On The Material Of Construction
Wood, metal, plastic, or fabric are the four primary materials used to make dog crates.
The best one is dependent on your needs.
#1 Metal Dog Crates
Metal crates are durable but are less attractive than wooded crates. If the dog is big and aggressive, the metal crate is going to be the best. No dog can bite through metal.
Furthermore, the metal crate can take the wear and tear and regular use of dogs with superior strength. Better yet, the metal crates are much easier to clean.
Moreover, metal crates are collapsible and can be stored easily. Since you never want a dog crate to be too big, the metal ones are much better because they are built with dividers to accommodate the different growth stages of your dog.
The cage can grow with your dog as the dog grows throughout its life.
#2 Plastic Dog Crate
Plastic crates are a good option if you plan to do a lot of travelling. You can find these in many sizes. You will be able to get one to suit your travel needs because you can purchase a size that is just right; they are easy to clean and are built to last. They are super durable.
#3 Fabric Dog Crate
Fabric or soft crates are also useful because they are made of lightweight materials. their main advantage is the ease of storage and their lightweight nature. If you hate cleaning, do not get this type of dog crate because they are notoriously difficult to clean.
The other bad thing about this type of dog crate is the fact that your dog can rip them to shreds with their razor-sharp teeth. They good if you want it for temporary use.
#4 Dog Crates Made Of Wood
The wooden dog crate is the right choice for bigger dogs that are already crate trained. If you want something stylish and that fits in with your decor, then this is for you.
The wooden crates are not suitable for small dogs that are not crate trained because they will chew the wood and defecate in the structure – chewing at things is the natural habit of a dog.
When the puppy defecates in the structure, it is a nightmare to clean and get the scent out. It is worst because wood is porous, and the dog excrement will be absorbed in those pores.
Pee smell will reek in your home because it is almost impossible to get the dried up pee and poo from the pores of the wood.
If you have a wooden crate already that you are using for your puppy, do not let the pee dry in the wood, clean it before the pee dry in the structure or use some material to protect the wood.
Choosing The Dog Crate Based On The Location In The Home
A large dog like the Great Danes and mastiffs needs a large crate and a small dog like the
Chihuahua needs a small crate. You’ll also need a place in your home to be the base for the dog crate.
Crates for large dogs need to be placed at a location where the big size is not in the way. You will startle the dog if you keep bouncing into the crate.
For smaller dogs, you will need to locate it in a place in your home where you won’t trip over or bump into it. Dogs want a safe space to escape from kids, noises, and guests.
I put my crate under the stars, away from everyone but close enough for the do the feel like a part of the family and where they are not distracted when they need rest.
Verdict On How To Choose A Dog Crate
To get the best dog crate, I’ve shared with you a number of variables that you should take into consideration. The best choice of dog crate is dependent on your individual set of circumstances.
The dog will be sharing the house with you and the rest of the family, and everyone has to live harmoniously. Dogs are exceptionally social, so locate the crate close to the rest of the family.
As a result, you will have to consider each of the materials that the dog crates are designed so that you could find the one that would be more suitable for your purpose.
If you want to learn how to train your dog to use a dog crate, consider getting the Brain training for dogs course. It uses dog training techniques based on science. I provide a review of this course that you can find here on the Brain training for dogs review page.
Thanks for reading. Hope the question of how to choose a dog crate is appropriately answered. If you have any other suggestions, please provide your opinion in the comment section.
