How To Buy Dog Crate
Buying a dog crate is not an easy task. There are many aspects to consider before making the purchase. You need to think about the size of your dog, the material that it is made from, and how much you are willing to spend.
This article will help you navigate through this process with ease. It will guide you through what to consider when buying a dog crate and provide you with different options that are available on the market today.
How do I know what size crate to get for my dog?
A good way to determine the correct size is to measure your dog’s height when standing (top of the dog’s head to the floor) and length (tip of the dog’s nose to the base of its tail). Then, add 4 inches to the dog’s measurements to determine the best dog crate size.[1]
What kind of dog crate should I get?
Best of all, plastic crates are easy to clean. Metal dog crates are best for canines who tend to chew through other materials. These crates are the sturdiest you can buy and provide good air circulation and visibility, but aren’t the most aesthetically pleasing.[2]
Can a crate be too big for a dog?
While they can be too small, they can also definitely be too big. When a crate is too big, your dog may start to use part of it as a potty area, which will hinder housebreaking and not teach your dog to hold it. Your dog should be able to stand up, sit, lie down, and stretch out comfortably in his crate.[3]
Can a dog spend 8 hours in a crate?
How long is it okay to leave a dog in a crate? Adult dogs shouldn’t be left in crates for more than 6-8 hours. Puppies of 17 weeks and older can handle up to 4 or 5 hours in a crate at a time. Leaving a dog home alone in a crate longer than this can hurt their mental and physical health.[4]
Is a wire or plastic crate better?
Wire crates typically have more ventilation than plastic kennels, and they’re also collapsible so they’re easy to transport. However, plastic crates are more durable than wire crates, and they’re also better at insulating from the cold.[5]
How do I know if my dog crate is big enough?
Your dog should be able to stand up comfortably and turn around. There shouldn’t be too much additional space in the crate. If your dog’s head is touching the top of the crate and you expect them to grow taller, the crate size is likely too short.[6]
Is it better to have dog crate in bedroom or living room?
Usually the best place for dog crates at night is in the owner’s bedroom, so the dog has the feeling of being in safe company during sleeping time. Having the crate in your bedroom will also allow you to hear your dog if she gets restless during the night and needs to be taken to her potty area.[7]
What is better for a dog a crate or a bed?
Generally, dog crates are used for puppies, smaller dog breeds or dogs who have grown up sleeping in one. On the other hand, if your dog is well trained and prefers a warm, highly cushioned and snuggly spot to sleep, they should sleep in a dog bed.[8]
Do I need 2 crates for a puppy?
Making Pups Comfortable with Their Crate First, make sure you don’t isolate your pup when they’re in the crate. Buy two crates, and put one in your bedroom – so your puppy can sleep beside you at night – and put the other in a busier part of the house for daytime use. Make the crate comfortable for your dog.[9]
Is it cruel to keep a dog in a crate overnight?
It is not cruel to crate your dog at night. In fact, many dogs happily enter their crate at night and enjoy the safety the space provides.[10]
Do dogs need a blanket over their crate?
You should never completely cover your dog’s crate as it can block airflow. Keep blankets away from heat sources, ensure the fabric is breathable, and avoid using knit blankets that may snag or unravel. Monitor the conditions inside the crate in humid summer weather to ensure it doesn’t get too hot.[11]
Can dogs sleep overnight in crate?
A dog crate is both an extremely useful training tool and a perfectly good spot for your furry friend to lay his head. The most obvious benefit of having your dog sleep in a crate is that you won’t have to worry about what will happen if he stirs in the middle of the night.[12]
