Best Dog Crate: Complete Guide For Every Size And Style
Ensure comfort and security by choosing a retreat tailored to your pet’s needs.
How to Choose the Best Dog Crate For Your Pet
Crate training is a cornerstone of modern dog care. Not only does a well-chosen crate provide a secure, cozy haven for your pet, but it is also a vital part of house training, travel, safety, and building trust between you and your dog. However, choosing the best crate can feel overwhelming due to the array of options in size, style, and function. This guide will walk you through key considerations and expert recommendations for selecting the perfect crate for your dog at every stage of their life.
Why Dogs Benefit From Having a Crate
Crates serve multiple purposes in a dog’s life and general household management. Dogs are naturally den animals, seeking out small, enclosed spaces for rest and relaxation. Providing a crate meets this instinctual need, offering a retreat for when life gets stressful or overwhelming.
Additional benefits include:
- House training: Crates aid in establishing bladder and bowel routines by leveraging a dogâs instinct not to soil their resting space.
- Safety: When you canât supervise your dog, a crate prevents destructive behaviors or accidents.
- Travel: A crate makes car travel safer and is often required by airlines.
- Recovery: Post-surgery or during illness, crates help in restricting movement for better healing.
- A place of comfort: A crate can become your dog’s “safe space”âa go-to for naps, privacy, or calming down during storms or busy times at home.
Pick a Dog Crate Thatâs the Correct Size
The most fundamental feature to consider is sizing. Too small and your dog is cramped; too large and the crate loses much of its effectiveness. Size impacts comfort, training progress, and even your dogâs safety.
- Your dog should be able to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
- Avoid oversized crates; they may encourage elimination at one end and lounging at the other.
- For puppies, choose an expandable crate with a removable divider to grow along with your puppy.
How to Measure Your Dog for a Crate
Accurately measuring your dog ensures you select the right crate first time. Follow these steps:
- With your dog standing, measure from the top of the head to the floor for height.
- Measure from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail (not the tip) for length.
- Add 3â4 inches to both measurements to determine the ideal crate dimensions.
| Dog Size | Crate Length | Crate Height |
|---|---|---|
| Small (Under 25 lbs) | 24â30 inches | 18â22 inches |
| Medium (25â50 lbs) | 30â36 inches | 22â28 inches |
| Large (50â90 lbs) | 36â42 inches | 28â32 inches |
| Extra Large (Over 90 lbs) | 42â48+ inches | 31â36+ inches |
Always review individual crate manufacturer size guides for the best fit.
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What Type of Crate Should You Choose?
Dog crates come in several materials and styles, each with distinct advantages. Your dog’s temperament, age, and your householdâs needs dictate which is best.
Wire Dog Crates
- Sturdy and well-ventilated design
- Collapsible for easy storage
- Allows your dog to observe their environment
- Usually comes with a divider panel for puppies
- Easy to clean, most have a removable tray
- Not the best for escape artists or anxious dogs needing visual privacy
Plastic (Airline) Crates
- Enclosed, providing cozier, cave-like feel
- Preferred for air travel
- Good for privacy and can help reduce barking in reactive dogs
- More difficult to clean completely, but easy to move
- Handles on top make carrying easier
Soft-Sided Dog Crates
- Very lightweight and portable
- Best for calm, crate-trained dogs or travel
- Not chew-proof; not suited for dogs who escape or destroy crates
- Simple to assemble and break down
- Limited protection in car accidents
Heavy-Duty or Escape-Proof Dog Crates
- For dogs with separation anxiety or a history of escaping
- Constructed of reinforced metal, often with escape-resistant locks
- Best for destructive breeds, large strong dogs, or determined escape artists
- Expensive and heavier than other types
Furniture-Style Dog Crates
- Doubles as end-tables or decorative furniture
- Stylish for home décor focus
- Best for calm, crate-trained dogs; not as secure for young or active chewers
- Limited portability
Where Should You Place the Crate?
Crate location impacts your dogâs comfort and ability to relax.
- Select a spot where your dog can feel part of family activities without being in the direct flow of traffic or in drafty, hot, or cold areas.
- Common choices are bedrooms or a quiet corner of the living room.
- For puppies, you may want to move the crate to your bedroom at night to aid in house training and reduce anxiety.
Making the Crate Comfortable and Inviting
Transforming the crate into a positive retreat is essential for long-term success.
- Line the crate with soft, durable bedding that is easy to wash.
- Add your dogâs favorite safe toys and a familiar-smelling blanket.
- For anxious dogs, covering part of the crate with a breathable cover can increase the feeling of security (never cover fully, as this reduces airflow).
Safe Toys and Treats in the Crate
- Interactive puzzle toys, chew-safe bones, or tough rubber chew toys distract and comfort your dog.
- Never leave plush toys, ropes, or any toy that can be easily destroyed if your dog remains unsupervised.
- For meal-times, consider stuffing a dog-safe toy with kibble or treats and freezing for prolonged engagement.
Tips for Crate Training Success
Introducing the crate gently with positive associations produces long-lasting results. Follow these principles:
- Go slow: Start with short sessions and work up to longer periods as your dog shows comfort.
- Use positive reinforcement: Give treats and praise whenever your dog goes into the crate voluntarily.
- Feed your dog in the crate: This creates a strong positive association.
- Never use the crate for punishment: The crate should always be a place of safety, never fear.
- Establish a predictable daily crate routine: Consistency helps quell anxiety and confusion.
- Supervise crate time: Especially early in training so you can intervene promptly if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the best crate for my puppy?
A: An adjustable wire crate with a divider is often recommended, as it expands as your puppy grows. Make sure it is sized appropriately for your dog’s adult estimate, and adjust the space with the divider during puppyhood.
Q: Can I crate train an adult dog who has never used a crate?
A: Yes, though it may take more time and patience. Use slow introduction, positive reinforcement, and ensure the crate is inviting and never used for punishment.
Q: Should I cover my dogâs crate?
A: Partial covering can provide privacy and help some dogs relax, but always allow for adequate ventilation and supervise initially to ensure your dog feels safe.
Q: How long can a dog stay in a crate?
A: Puppies should only be crated for short durations (generally their age in months plus one hour), while adult dogs can often tolerate 4-6 hours. Overnight or longer periods should only be for well-adjusted crate-trained adults.
Q: Which crate material is best for a chewer?
A: Heavy-duty metal or reinforced plastic crates are best for persistent chewers or escape-artists. Soft-sided crates are only appropriate for calm dogs.
Key Crate Selection Checklist
- Measure your dog accurately for height and length before buying.
- Choose the material to suit your dog’s behavior and home needs.
- Locate the crate in a comfortable, social part of your home.
- Make the crate a happy placeânever use it for punishment.
- Provide safe toys and bedding, remove all possible choking hazards.
Conclusion
Choosing the right crate for your dog is a foundational step in providing them with a safe and stable environment. The ideal crate will fit your dog’s size, match their temperament, and blend seamlessly into your home routine. Carefully selected and introduced, your dog will view the crate as a valued sanctuary and youâll appreciate its benefits for years to come.
References
- https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/how-to-crate-train-your-dog-in-9-easy-steps/
- https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/dog-training/getting-started-in-dog-training/dog-training-and-games/how-to-crate-train-your-dog/
- https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/choose-best-crate-dog/
- https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/crate-training/
- https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeding/setting-puppies-success-beginning-crate-training/
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