Dog crates can be used for travelling, training your dog or giving them their own space.
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Top 4 best dog crates for keeping your pet safe
A dog crate will give your pet a safe haven and save your furniture when you're away. If you are looking into buying one, don’t miss our comparison!
This is not something that most people think about when they welcome their new puppy, but a dog crate can be useful in many different situations. There are different types of crates, including wire and metal cages, fabric ones for travel, airline-approved cages, dog playpens and many more.
When buying a dog crate for your pet, look for a model that allows them to sit or lie down with their legs stretched out. Crates can come with many features, such as handles for carrying it, removable tray, top or side opening or a possibility to fold it flat.
Are you getting a dog or a puppy soon? We have prepared this comparison to help you choose the best dog crate for their comfort.
Summary
How do I choose the right size of a dog crate?
To choose the right size, you need to take into account the adult size of your pet. This is one of the most important criteria to check before buying a dog cage.
If you buy a puppy cage, you might have to change it several times until your dog is fully grown. It is, therefore, easier to purchase a large dog crate in the first place and opt for a partition to gradually adapt the space to the size of your dog.
If you are adopting an adult dog, measure the length from the tip of their tail to the tip of their nose. Then sit the dog down and measure the height from the floor to the ears. This will give you the dimensions of the perfect cage for your dog.
The crate should not be too small, as the animal needs to be able to lie on their side with their legs stretched. They should also be able to sit down without lowering the head.
On the other hand, if your dog's cage is too big, your pet may not feel safe or decide to make it a toilet and a sleeping area.
What size dog transport cage should I get?
To get the idea of the size of the travel cage you need, measure your pet from nose to tail and from floor to ears. If you already own an indoor dog crate, you can use the same dimensions.
The dog transport crate must fit the size of your pet well to provide a comfortable and secure home for them while travelling. This type of crate is suitable for all means of transportation, including cars, trains and airplanes. Do not use a cage that is too large for your pet, as the dog will not be secured enough by it and could be injured in case of a collision!
Why use a dog crate?
Using a dog crate can make your life easier in several ways.
Firstly, it will help potty train your puppy. Dogs are clean animals and do not relieve themselves where they sleep. If you make your puppy comfortable in their cage at night, they won't be able to go potty at night and will soon understand that they need to hold it until they can go do their business outside.
The crates also help teach young puppies that night-time is for sleeping and staying quiet. Your pet won't have much room to move around and will have to learn to stay quiet until you open the door.
A dog crate will also come in handy when you are away from home if you have a destructive dog. Lock your pet in the cage with a cushion and some toys, so they can wait quietly until you come back.
It is also a great way to soothe anxious dogs. If you've got your pet used to the cage since they were a puppy, your dog will see it as a safe place where nothing will hurt them. This way, the animal will willingly retreat to the cage when they’re afraid of something, for example, a guest or the rumble of a thunderstorm.
If you plan to travel often with your pet, buy a basic dog crate for transporting your furry friend in the car. If the size of the cage is comfortable for your dog, they will quickly get used to it and won't get sick on the bends!
How to crate train your dog?
To get a dog used to staying in their crate, you have to take it slow. The cage will become a real home and a safe place for your pet if they associate it with positive and pleasant moments.
Place the crate in a busy room because dogs like to be close to their owners. Next, make your pet’s cage comfortable by putting their pillow and favourite toys in it. Of course, leave the door open at all times, so that your dog can go in whenever they want to. The animal should feel that the cage is like a little house and their own private space.
To encourage them to go in at first, you can put some treats in the bottom of the dog crate. You can also give them some kibble through the bars, without closing the door. Make a game out of it: as soon as you point to the cage, the animal should understand that it's time to go in. If it obeys, give it a few treats and pet it.
When your dog starts going into the cage willingly, to eat or sleep, close the door gently, for longer and longer periods. Staying in the closed cage will then become a natural reflex for them and they will not be stressed out by it when you’re away.
