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Best Crates For Your Dog Buying Guide
Taking care of a dog is more of a responsibility than a hobby. You should provide the best care
so your pet can live a happy and healthy life. If you are a fur parent who wants your dog to feel
free to roam in and out of the house, you should know that it is equally essential that you provide
them with their private personal space to feel safe. A crate is a helpful tool to give your pet
because you can give them a comfortable area to rest in, and at the same time, you can curb
several problematic behaviors with the correct use of these crates.
How to Measure the Dog Crate
In choosing the right crate to use for penning, it is vital that you first know how to measure the
dimensions of your dog and the crate so you can be sure that your dog will be comfortable
inside. The first thing you should measure is the length of your dog. If your dog is standing on all
fours, the correct measurement to take is from the tip of the nose to the base of its tail. You
should not include the full tail length of your dog because the result would be too large. Just add
around two to four inches for allowance. Next, make your dog sit so you can measure the top of
their head to the floor for the height of the crate and add two to four inches so your dog can still
reach up without banging its head on the top of the crate. If your dog belongs to a large breed but
is still a puppy, instead of buying crates of multiple sizes, we recommend that you get them a
crate with divider panels so you can match the space that they need as they grow. It is not
advisable to get your puppy a large crate right away because it might ruin their potty training if
they get a large enough space to poop in one area and sleep in another.
Dog Crate Types that are Good for Penning
• Metal
Metal crates are made from thick wires and metal sheets, making these the most durable among
dog crate types. Crates made with this kind of material usually have see-through walls so that
you can keep an eye on your pet at all times. The mechanism also allows more excellent airflow,
so you can be assured that your dog has better circulation. Most metal crates have divider panels
so that you can adjust the crate space depending on the size of your dog. Removable trays are
also available to make cleaning up messes easier and quicker. However, metal crates can cause
anxiety for dogs that are not accustomed to being exposed, and these are relatively easy for
active dogs to break out.
• Plastic
Plastic crates are ideal if you want to transfer your dog from one place to another with ease.
Compared to metal and wood crates, this is extremely lightweight and portable with more
secured hatches. Plastic crates come in various designs, but the most basic ones include a
sheltered bottom which can also serve as a pet bed. The plastic frame can also be mixed with
mesh materials to make your dog’s stay in the crate more comfortable and safe. Compared to
metal, plastic crates can provide better insulation for colder conditions, making your dog feel less
exposed. The drawbacks of using this type of crate are the difficulty in cleaning as well as the
reduced ventilation so it is not recommended to use it if you usually experience hot weather in
your area.
• Wood
Wooden dog crates offer a traditional and elegant style to your indoor décor without sacrificing
your dog’s personal space. This is available in various designs and colors so you can choose one
that would not clash with your furniture and home space. Compared to metal, wooden crates can
give your dog a sense of security because the wood does not expose too much of their area. It is
also breathable enough compared to plastic that your dog will not feel discomfort during a hot
climate. However, wooden crates are more expensive and are harder to maintain compared to
other crate types. It is also not suitable for destructive dogs because the wood will not be able to
withstand gnawing and scratching.
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