A Beginner’s Guide To Dog Crates

What To Look For When Buying A Dog Crate

If you are a first-time dog owner who has no experience whatsoever in buying dog crates, you might be initially overwhelmed at how many factors you will have to take into consideration. You will have to determine the right size, a design you like, materials used, safety of the crate and the purpose of it.

You also need to consider the dog’s comfort.

If you are going to use it for housetraining a small pup, then a small inexpensive crate will do. If you plan on using it for the long term, you would have to find something that can accommodate your dog as he grows and that is made from durable materials.

Choosing the right size is very important when buying dog crates. You want the dog to be comfortable enough to be able to move around in the crate but you also want to keep it cozy so that it doesn’t think of the crate as a playground. The size of your dog should also naturally be a factor when looking for the perfect dog crate.

Once you have chosen a crate, the next step is to learn how to use it properly. A lot of dog owners actually use their dog crates as a form of punishment, which is a big no-no.

Instead, you should encourage your dog to feel comfortable in the crate so that you won’t have to go through a wrestling match every time you need to put him into it. To lure him into the crate, you can put in a warm, cozy blanket and a few toys that he likes, plus some treats. At first, he may seem hesitant to go in but eventually, he will learn to like it, provided that you never use it for punishment.

Finding The Right One

Buying the right dog crates and cages is very important for their comfort and protection. As a dog lover, it is only natural that you want nothing but the best kinds for your beloved pets so it pays to learn as much as you can about these items before making any purchase.

There are several different kinds of dog crates and cages available for you to choose from. Among the most common are the ones that are coated with black epoxy, which you can find in practically any pet supplies store anywhere. While in the shop, they look great but they do chip very easily and show signs of wear and tear quite quickly.

Furthermore, these cheap crates often come with plastic bases that can also break easily. Dogs also like chewing on these plastic bases so they have to be replaced after just a few uses. If you are looking for dog crates and cages that would last a long time, this is surely not a feasible option.

Another popular material that is used these days for dog crates is chrome. Again, the look is awesome but the chrome chips off easily. This can actually be a health hazard for the dog because when ingested, chrome particles can cause serious health problems.

Most experts agree that the best option when it comes to dog crates and cages are those that are galvanized because they have features that ensure the highest quality and best protection. Some of their best features are as follows:

• Galvanized metal for resistance to rust, chips and flakes
• Metal base tray that cannot be chewed
• Tamper-proof locks
• Easy assembly and long durability and
• Affordable cost.

Galvanized dog crates and cages do come in many different styles and designs, and these mostly just vary in terms of the gauge of the mesh that was used. The most durable ones are those that have 9mm gauge mesh frames, making for formidable strength.

So if you want to house train a  young puppy or if you need it for transporting your pet as you travel from place to place, make sure that you choose a cage that will fit your purpose most suitably. It is also recommended that you find one that can be disassembled and stored easily when not in use.

Note: Personally, I don’t like dog crates, but I am fortunate enough to have a property that doesn’t require the use of them. If you do need to use one, please take into consideration your pet’s freedom. Don’t leave them in there like a prison cell! Yes, they have their need, but think of your pet too.