How to Choose a Dog Crate
How do you know which dog crate is right for your pup? There are a lot of considerations to take into account when choosing the perfect crate for your furry friend. Today, we will discuss how to properly size a dog crate, and how to choose one that best suits your needs. We’ll also talk about different types of crates – wire cages, soft-sided crates, and hard-sided plastic travel carriers. Here’s what you need to know:
Consider the Size of Your Dog
The first thing to consider when choosing the right dog crate is the size. How big is your dog right now, and how big do you think they’ll grow in the future if they are a puppy? This is a big consideration because you want to make sure your pup has enough room in their crate as they grow, but also that the crate doesn’t take up too much space.
The rule of thumb when sizing a dog crate is to make certain they can fully stand in the crate with a little room to spare. Your dog should also be able to easily turn around when inside the crate. If you have a puppy, it might be hard to know what size they will be when fully grown so this can be a tougher consideration. It is always better to lean on getting a crate that may be slightly oversized rather than getting one that might be too small. Otherwise, you may find yourself eventually buying a larger crate.
The other thing to consider while sizing your dog’s new home is where in the house it will go and how much space there is available. A wire cage can take up less room, so this might be better suited for smaller spaces like apartments or townhouses with limited outdoor access. Soft-sided crates also provide more mobility because they collapse easily, which makes sense if you live in an apartment building with no outside access and want to bring your pup down from their crate on occasion.
Choose a Crate That is Comfortable for Your Dog and Has Ventilation to Avoid Overheating
Your dog’s new home should be a comfortable place for them. A crate that is too small may feel more suffocating and make it difficult to even turn around, which can lead to anxiety or behavioral problems such as barking excessively just because your pup needs some space. Some crates have raised floors, so the air stays cool while others are collapsible and don’t have quite as much ventilation.
After figuring out how big of a crate you need, make sure you get one that will be comfortable for your dog. A crate is a confined space, so you need to make sure there is plenty of room for your dog to stand and lay comfortably.
Find a Crate That Will be Easy to Clean
One thing to consider while looking for a dog crate is how easy it will be to clean. Plastic will be the easiest to clean and is great for dogs that tend to chew on things. Fabric crates are more comfortable but can be difficult to clean if your dog has any accidents in it and they will also collect hair over time.
If you go the fabric route, we recommend getting a fabric crate with removable covers, so you can remove the cover and throw them in the washer once or twice per month.
Metal crates are nice because they are durable and you can wash them with soap and water. They do, however, have a tendency to be noisy so that may not work for everyone.
Look for Crates with Dividers or Compartments so You Can Use it as an Open Space if Needed
Versatility in a crate is a nice feature to look for. The best crates will have an open space at one end to allow your dog room to stretch out and lie down if they need some extra space. It also allows you to make the space smaller when needed. For instance, if you give a puppy too much space, they might have accidents at one end of the crate. However, there are times you may want your dog to use the area for play. Of course, this means buying a larger crate than you need. If you have space constraints, this option may not be feasible.
Make Sure There’s Enough Room for Food, Water, Toys, & Bedding Inside the Crate
It’s important to make sure your dog has enough room in the crate for all of its necessities. If you just give them a bowl, they might spill it when they try to drink or eat from it. Similarly, if there is no bedding inside the crate, your dog may not want to use it as a den and will instead use it as a bathroom.
Ideally, the crate should be used as a den where your dog feels safe and can go to sleep.
Think About How You’ll Transport Your Pet
Are you using your crate for travel? If so, you’ll need to find a crate that will work in your car. If not, then it’s more likely you can get away with something less bulky.
A dog crate should be sized according to the measurements of the dog which typically means using their full adult size as opposed to them being fully grown and at an average weight for their breed. Before buying a crate, be sure to measure your car and prioritize a crate with handles that make it easy for you to move in and out of your vehicle.
In Summary, How to Choose a Dog Crate
In a nutshell, here is what you need to consider when buying a dog crate:
- Size – How big is your car/house?
- Size – How big will your dog be?
- Type and style of the crate for your lifestyle
- Door type (latching or hinged)
- Cleanability
- Is there plenty of ventilation?