When buying a dog crate, be sure to get the right size dog crate for your dog. A crate should only be big enough for your dog to be able to stand up, turn around, and lie down. If the crate is too large, it can make housetraining more difficult. If you're buying a crate for a new puppy, you may want to consider a crate that has a divider so you can adjust the size of the crate as your puppy grows.
Cover the bottom of the crate with newspaper for easy cleaning while your dog still learning about potty-training (in case of accidents). Once he's got his bladder under control, you can switch to a crate pad or a piece of carpet to put in the bottom of the crate. And remember to put a chew toy or blanket or towel in the crate to make it cozy.
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DOG CRATES: An explanation. Although dogs have been domesticated for centuries, they still retain some of their ancient instincts, one of which is the desire to have a small, cozy, safe place to sleep. Hundreds of years ago, before dogs were domesticated, they slept in small, shallow holes in the ground called dens. A crate, then, is your dog's den, a place that is his very own, where he can be safe, warm, and cozy. In addition, a dog crate plays a beneficial role in house training your dog; aids in controlling destructive chewing, and provides a safe way for you to travel by car with your dog.
Dog crates come in a variety of styles and materials: metal, plastic, even mesh fabric for easy folding and storage. The style of crate you decide on is a completely personal. The most popular dog crates, however, are made of either heavy steel or plastic.
When choosing a wire crate look for sturdy crates with heavy gauge wire. Some dog owners prefer wire crates because they provide for better ventilation; however, if you plan to travel with your dog by airplane, you need to be aware that wire dog crates do not meet federal regulations for airline travel.
Plastic dog crates are more lightweight and portable if you're concerned about storage and/or travel. Plus, many come in a variety of decorator colors. They are made from molded two-piece plastic units and have ventilation areas along the sides plus a welded steel wire door in front. Most plastic crates meet federal regulations for airline travel. The quality of plastic crates varies between manufacturers, however, so be sure to get one that is sturdy enough to resist chewing.
For a good-quality dog crate for a medium to large-size dog, you can expect to pay upwards of $50.00. The stronger and sturdier the dog crate is, the longer it will last, and the more it will cost.
Using a dog crate for your new dog helps tremendously in housetraining your puppy. Additionally, it helps to limit the amount of destructive chewing your new puppy can do.
