Part 1 Benefits of Crate Training
What Are the Benefits of Crate Training?
Crate training can be one of the most valuable tools when starting with a new puppy. Crates or Cage mimic this den-like environment; instinct has been passed down from their ancestral lineage of wolves. It should be considered as the pup’s shrine, where they sleep, eat, feel safe, and relax. Crates aid in-house training, helping puppies learn to hold their bladder for long periods since dogs by nature, do not like to soil their sleeping area.
- In addition, it’s a valuable tool:
– Keeps pups safe from ingestion of harmful materials (chemicals, glass, or sharp objects)
– Curbs destructive chew of furniture
– Travel aid in cars and airplanes
– Facilitates overnight stays outside the home
Crates are great; after training, the pup tends to love them, and gives humans a safe place to keep a puppy when the pup parents need a break. This is an added bonus because it will lower a pup-parent’s blood pressure, anxiety and decrease the pup’s emergency visits to the veterinarian.
Part 2 Choosing the Right Crate
How to Choose the Right Crate for Your Puppy?
Questions you need to ask yourself:
- How big will your pup grow?
- How will the crate be used?
- What is the build of the crate?
- How easy is it to clean the crate?
- Does it look nice and not to be an eyesore in your home?
- How much am I willing to pay?
When considering buying a crate, think long-term because the pup will grow to an adult-size within a year. Have an idea about how big your breed of dog will be as an adult. Once you know the size, make sure there is a crate-divider that is included. Or else you would end up like me using my bbq rack as a divider (pic on the left).
Please no judgement… lol
Once you know the size, then you can choose the type of crate: hard plastic and wooden crates, metal crates, soft crates, collapsible crates, and the list goes on.
Keep it simple, but make sure there is good ventilation or airflow. I do not recommend plastic crates with few ventilations on the sides; there are specific use cases for those crates like air travel. From my personal experience, there isn’t enough ventilation and heat gets trapped inside the crate, which makes it uncomfortable for your pup.
I use a wire crate; it has good ventilation, is functional and economical. It is a little ugly, so I DIY a crate cover to make it more pleasant to the eye. Crates can get dirty quickly, especially when house-training a puppy. Metal and plastic crates can be easier to clean than fabric crates. Watch out for a crate with sharp corners or anything that is protruding thin and hard. The crate should have a transportable ability like being able to collapse.
Here are some of my recommendations:
Double Door Wire crate, is an awesome invention.
Durability: High-quality materials and sturdy construction make our dog crates reliable for long-term use.
Portability: Collapsible design allows for easy transportation and storage, making it ideal for travel and outdoor adventures.
Comfort: Spacious interior and breathable design ensure maximum comfort for your pet, while dividers aid in training and relaxation.
Easy Maintenance: Durable, leak-proof tray is easy to clean and resistant to stains, warping, corrosion, and odors, providing a hygienic environment.
Double Door Wire crate with washable Fabric cover
Waterproof crate cover with hook and loop tapes for easy attachment and door panel holding. Hand wash only. Quality Guarantee: Backed by a 1-Year Manufacturer’s Warranty on all products.”
Secure Construction: Sturdy metal-wire construction with dual slide-bolt latches on each door for safety. Double-
Door Design: Convenient front and side entry with two doors.
Crate Furniture with Cushion, Wooden Dog Crate with Double Doors, Dog Furniture, Indoor Dog Kennel
Waterproof crate cover with hook and loop tapes for easy attachment and door panel holding. Hand wash only. Quality Guarantee: Backed by a 1-Year Manufacturer’s Warranty on all products.”
Secure Construction: Sturdy metal-wire construction with dual slide-bolt latches on each door for safety. Double-
Door Design: Convenient front and side entry with two doors.
Dog Kennel great for traveling in a SUV vehical
This one of the only crates that has an angle on the sides, which lets your SUV’s do close without, need to put down the back seats.
Three-door design ensures ventilation, and reinforced mesh prevents tearing or biting.
Side pocket adds convenience for storing treats, toys, and waste bags.
Lockable Zippers for Safety on the front and side doors.
Beatrice Home Fashions Pop Up Kennel, Portable, Collapsible
Portable Pop-up dog crate is great for travel, camping or hiking, best for pups, but probably will not hold a grown medium to large breed dog. But still great temporary fix when you need to travel.
Small to Medium size dogs, cats and other pets. Comes with a convenient storage pouch, for backpack or luggage.
Indoors or Outdoors crate
How to Size the Crate for Your Pup?
Use a crate that is just large enough for your puppy to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Avoid making it too small where they stay in a scrunch-up position; there should be at least one position that they can stretch out comfortably. But make sure you do not compartmentalize too big of a crate; then the pup will pee on the other side of the crate. We have to find the Goldilocks size, then expand as the pup grows.
Height – imagine your pup as an adult size dog, they should be able to sit up straight without needing to lower the head
Length – As an adult dog it can stretch out from the tip of the nose measure to the base of the tail.
Where Should We Place the Crate?
Crate or cage placement depends on if it is daytime or night. During the daytime, it can be in an area where you spend most of your time, and where you can easily train them. At night, it’s best to place close enough where you can hear the pup cries in case they have to pee at night. Nothing worse than finding the crate soaked with pee; it just makes more work for you. These suggestions are to prevent the pup from feeling isolated when they are inside.