Dog Crates|Choosing a Kennel for Your Pup

Crates or kennels should be used by every pup owner. Some peeople have an idea that the crate is a form of punishment, but the only time a crate could ever be associated as punishment is if the trainer uses the crate as a form of punishment.

The dog crate is actually a place for your pup to call its own, a bedroom so to speak. The crate is a safe place for your dog much like a den was to dogs of the past only the crate would be like a luxury condo compared to a den. Professional dog trainers, breeders, and people showing dogs use crates and so should every pup owner.

The dog crate is also used for training. The crate not only acts as a safe place, but it’s also a place where your pup can reflect or process things that have happened right after a training session. Trainers crate the dogs imediately after a training session for at least 30 minutes so the dog can process everything it has learned, and so the pup will be eager to provide those same results the trainer just instilled into the pups behavior.

I know I said the dog crate is like a luxury condo so lets keep that in mind when picking out a crate for yourpup. You don’t want a crate that’s like a mansion. What I mean is that to big of a crate is a bad thing when it comes to dog crates.

A dog kennel or crate should provide enough room for your pup to stand, turn around, and lie down when they are full grown. If the crate is to large then you could be encouraging your pup to soil their own crate. If they can go to the bathroom at one end and still have room to lay down at the other end then the crate is to big. Dogs don’t like getting into their own messes so the right size crate will encourage your pup to wait or let you know when they need to empty.

If your dog is a pup and still growing, then you might need to partition off part of the crate so there is just enough room for them lie down. Puppies need to empty more often and won’t hold it, so by giving them to much room in the crate your asking them to soil it on a regular basis.

There are many types of crates but the most commonly used pet owners and dog trainers use wire or fiberglass crates. Canvas and wicker crates have become very popular in last several years but if your pup has bad chewing or clawing habbits then these crates will not last long at all. They are stylish and nice looking, but they are not for every pup so be sure and choose your type of crate according to your pups behaviors. S let’s look at some different types of crates.

Wire Crates (Kennels)

Wire crates are an open style of crate. They allow more air flow through the crate. They also allow your dog to see everything that’s going on around them. They are great for travel, but wire crates are not suitable for air travel. If you choose a wire crate you will need to have some sort of bedding. The wires can make the pads of your pup sore over time. After all, would you like laying and walking on wire.

Bedding takes the place of leaves, twigs, and such that dogs used in the wild when bedding down in their dens. If your puppy has just come home with you then the bedding will give some warmth. Puppies are used to bedding against their mother and other puppies so the bedding will bring the some comfort and help them to settle into their new home.

You need to wash your beding regularly seeing how puppies will soil their beds frequently. If your bedding becomes ragged or begins to fall apart then replace it.

Fiberglass Crates (Kennels)

Fiberglass crates are sturdier than wire crates but allow less air to pass through the crate. There is also less visibility out of the crate so your dog won’t be able to everything going on around their crate. They are great for any type of travel including air travel.

Fiberglass crates are easy to clean if your pup soils their crate. Bedding is o to use in the crate especually for young pups. Most professional dog trainers prefer fiberglass crates because of their durability and reliabilty.

Canvas (Soft) Crates

Canvas crates can be great crates but their are things to consider before buying one. If your dog loves to chew and scratch at things then a canvas crate will not last very long so don’t waste your money on one.

They are great for smaller breed dogs. If you travel alot by car then they are great seeing how most of them will break or fold down to fit in a trunk of a car. That’s assuming your small dog doesn’t travel in a crate in the car, but if they do then canvas crates fit nicely into back seats.

If you have a large breed dog then I don’t recommend using a canvas crate. From my experiences they just don’t hold up or last very long like a fiberglass crate will.

Well there you go. There’s no wrong or right crate…just which stlye of crate is wrong or right for your pup so be sure and keep your pups behaviors and needs in mind when choosing their crate.

If this your first experience with using a crate for your pup the you need to check out our dog kennel training article so you don’t create any bad habbits in your pup with a crate.