Dog Crate Information

Here is some helpful information about dog crates

Dogs instinctively prefer sleeping and lying down in places that they feel there is some form of protection and security. When a dog lies down its usually next to something like the wall, the sofa or under a table etc. Many items sold in the pet industry are more about them being pleasing to the human eye and human emotions. Some dog foods are sold because they look appealing and tasty to us and the whole business has been built on this. However, when it comes to a dog crate many of us humans dismiss it as a cage for the dog but the dog doesn't see it that way. To a dog it looks like a safe, protective and cosy place to lie down. It's like an indoor kennel but they still have full view of their surroundings.

You cant just put your dog in a crate lock the door and leave him there that would be like locking me in the bathroom. You need to allow your dog time to get to like his new den as a place of his own within the house where he is safe and your property is also safe. A dog's reaction to something is based on emotion and instinct so allow him time to wonder into and out of the crate on his own, put a treat in there for him and a little toy to play with, let him know it's his safe little pen. I put my toddlers in a play pen for their safety and it is a close similarity for a dog and his crate – really do view it like putting my babies into their play pen. When your dog is comfortable in his dog crate he can be left there to prevent the chewing of furniture, weeing on carpets or any other damage he doesn't realise he is causing – because he is a dog. Its' ideal for when you go out for you both.

Make sure your purchase a dog crate that allows for good movement of your dog. He will want to be able to stand up and turn around etc. and the crate should be of a size where your dog can do this with comfort. If you buy a crate for a puppy make sure you allow for him to grow – some breeds obviously grow bigger than others but check with your dog crate supplier or you could end up buying another crate for him.

As I have mentioned you need to put a toy or two in the crate and maybe a treat or some biscuits for him to nibble on. He should also have access to a drink of water and he should have some form of bedding in there for him so that it is as comfortable as possible. I have seen dogs very happy on some old thick blankets but you can buy beds that specifically fit the base of the dog crate which are ideal. I have a base bed and some blankets which smell like his family environment (well they do when I put them in after washing)

There are a number of different types of crates available but I have gone for a chrome finish with a metal base which I know will last for a very long time. The metal base will not become chewed up by the dog so it won't need replacing a number of times. The gauge of the mesh wire is important too because you wont want it to get bent or distorted. Also look out for the size of the spacing between the wire – you can see if it has been made cheaply or not. My one also folds flat and has a carrying handle which is ideal for storage purposes and to make it simple to use. I have bought cheaper cages in the past but it was false economy and a year down the line I found myself buying another one – that was my dog crate mistake. If you use your common sense then I believe you and your dog will be absolutely delighted with your dog crate.