Choosing the right crate for your dog

There are a variety of situations in which kenneling your pet may become necessary. Even if your dog lounges on your sofa during day and sleeps in your bed at night, there are times when a crate is not only useful but necessary. Your dog will travel safer in the car if confined. In the event of an accident, the crate will provide some measure of protection and keep a scared dog from running away in an anxious moment. A crate may also be medically necessary.

Crates and kennels vary in size and function. Before shopping for a crate consider what the kennel is to be used for so you can select the proper one for your and your dog’s needs. If your dog will be kenneled in your home while you’re gone, buy the largest crate your budget and space will allow. Your dog should be able to stand, lie down, or sit in any position in the crate without restriction. The crate should be roomy enough to accommodate a water bowl or have a water bottle attachment. If your dog will need a kennel only for an occasional short trip, you might compromise slightly on size. If you have a puppy, choose a crate size that will accommodate his as an adult and allow enough room for him to stand, lie down, or sit in any position in the crate without restriction.

Some dogs have a canny ability to ability to escape confinement, so make sure the door on the crate you choose latches securely. It shouldn’t bend or pop open when you put pressure on it from the inside. Also, a dog can strangle if he squeezes his head between the door and its frame while the crate is latched.

Wire frame crates
Wire frame crates are made from heavy gauge wire or stainless steel on all six sides. This increases ventilation and visibility for your pet. Many types of crate can be collapsed and folded up for storage or transport. When selecting a crate of this type, consider the size of the wire, be sure your dogs paws won’t fall through the bottom grid. Check for any sharp edges. Check the doors to see if they are spring loaded, these doors can snap shut on a paw or tail.

Advantages of wire crates
Available in collapsible or folding models
Offers lots of visibility and ventilation
Crate covers available to increase insulation on cooler days and increase privacy for dogs that prefer a more confined environment to relax
Suitable for car travel
Easy to clean

Disadvantages of wire crates:
Not approved for airline travel
Can be heavy: This might not be a big issue for smaller crates, but is something to keep in mind for the larger crates

Solid (Plastic) kennels
Plastic kennels are most commonly used for your dog’s travel needs. They are sturdy and have solid bottoms. Usually only the sides are slotted for ventilation. Most of these crates have separate tops and bottoms that are assembled and secured with nuts and screws. The front of the crate frame supports a wire door. They are easy to take apart for cleaning and storage. This type of kennel also provides a greater degree of protection for your dog if something should fall on the kennel or if there is any impact. Plastic crates are the standard for air travel.

Advantages of plastic dog crates:
Provide some degree of insulation which can be valuable in cold or wet climates.
Can be airline-approved: Many plastic crates are airline-approved.
Can be stored or used as a dog bed: You can find many plastic crates that come apart for storage. Some are even designed to allow the top to be removed so you can use the bottom as a dog bed.
Usually light weight: Even a bigger plastic dog crate can be exceptionally light, which is something to keep in mind if you travel a lot or need to move the crate often.

Disadvantages of plastic dog crates:
Less ventilation and air movement
May increase feelings of isolation
Plastic material can trap odors
Can’t fold flat

Soft-sided Kennels
A variation to the wire crate is the soft side kennel. The sides are made from breathable fabric material and are ventilated with nylon netting. Being light weight and collapsible they are very portable. Their disadvantage is that they offer no protection against impact and can be penetrated by sharp objects, thus they are not suitable for use in cars, airline travel or for dogs that dig or chew while crated.

Advantages of soft kennels:
Light weight, portable, easy to set up & take down
Can be used as an everyday crate

Disadvantages of soft kennels:
Not approved for airline travel
Not suitable for use in cars
Pet must be well crate trained

Useful crate accessories
Once you’ve chosen the right dog crate for your pet, you can make it more inviting with a few simple accessories.

Crate bedding or crate pad
Be sure to choose bedding that’s both durable and washable. Many beds, including bumper style beds or pillow beds can often be found in sizes that fit most crates and can add an extra level of comfort

Crate Cover
Crate covers make wire dog crates more den-like and give your dog extra privacy. They also block outside distractions, which can be useful if your dog barks or whines while he’s in a wire crate.

Water bowl or water bottle

Crate fan
Crate fans provide a refreshing airflow for pets whilst travelling or while at home. Fans circulate the air, removing warm air from the cage interior, and can help to protect pet from overheating. Some feature an optional freezer pack insert to add extra cooling power