Wire Dog Crates: Choosing the Right One for your Dog

Dog crates are important for any canine household. It provides a way to confine your pet when you cannot supervise him, in order for you to ensure his safety and protect your house from damage. Crate training is also recommended by dog trainers as a way to provide dogs with a safe place where he can stay in comfortably at any given time.

There are various types of dog crates and those that are made from wire are the most popular because they are durable and can be taken down for ease of transport from one place to another. Wire crates are quite heavy, which can be a positive feature if your dog is likely to rock around while inside the crate.

A good thing is that these crates are available in various sizes and styles, so you can freely get the one that you think is best for your pet. However, what you should remember when purchasing a wire dog crate is to pick the one where your dog can comfortably turn around and stand up in. Do not be enticed to provide him more room by getting a larger crate as this will give him the impression that he can eliminate there.

Normally, wire dog crates have a pan on the base, which prevents the dog from standing up on the metal slats. You can also place a blanket, pillow or crate pad on the base for added comfort. However, if your dog is a chewer, it is safer for your pet to avoid using such items. Most wire crates also have 2 doors – one door on its side and one door at the end.

Depending on the situation, you may find that the door on the side or the other is more convenient to use. For example, you can easily switch locations without worrying about access to the crate’s door. The doors close with 1 or 2 latches and a dog will rarely find out how to unlock the latch. With a wire dog crate, you can simply add another clip or a padlock to the door, which the dog cannot operate. Other styles of crate cannot be modified in this way.

Where should you place the wire dog crate at home?

The location of the wire dog crates at home depends on how you will use it. If you’ll mostly confine your dog in the crate when you’re not at home or when there are workmen, then a quiet location is the best choice for you. However, if you will be putting your dog in the crate while you’re at home such as when you’re taking care of other things or you’re busy cooking, a more central spot is better. This is because dogs love to check on the flow of activities even if they’re snoozing.

If you want to provide more privacy to your dog and match the crate’s appearance with your home decor, you can get a cloth cover that fits well around 3 sides. Cloth covers are available in various designs and most of them can be machine washed. If you are on a budget and you are crafty, you can make your own cover. This way, you can personalize the design of the cover and match it with your dog’s personality. There are also various ways for disguising a dog crate such as putting it under the side table.

Most dogs love to spend their time in the crate even if they have not been placed there. This is also one of the reasons why you have to put the dog crates in a location where he will still be able to observe the activities at home. You may also consider putting several dog crates at home like one in the living room and one in your bedroom.

Since wire dog crates can be folded with ease, you can store it away when it is not needed. For this reason, they’re also more convenient to travel with. If you travel a lot with your dog or you frequently join your pet in dog sports competition, a wire crate is a better choice than a large plastic one. It is however important to keep in mind that wire dog crates are not accepted for airline travel, so if you’re traveling by plane, better choose another type of crate.

Wire dog crates are also a good option for home use. This type of crates are versatile and can be positioned anywhere. They are heavier than cloth or plastic crates, which is very beneficial if your pet becomes restless. Most dog owners also prefer wire crates as it has the most flexibility and can be decorated through using a fabric that suits the room’s décor. More than that, they’re chew-proof, thus it can be used for any kinds of dog.

Other things to consider when purchasing a wire dog crate

When purchasing a dog crate, be sure to get it from a reputable store, be it an online or an offline store. This is to make sure the dog crate you will purchase it really durable and will last for a long time. Aside from the store where you will purchase the dog crates, you also need to consider the size that best suits your dog.

As mentioned, you should not get a wire crate that is too large for your pet nor should you get one that is too small for him. Choose the right size for your dog as he will surely grow very comfortable in it and this will allow you to easily confine him in when you need to.

Most dogs also love being in a comfortable crate. It satisfies their inborn need for a cozy spot that is surrounded on all sides, where they can completely relax all the time. By putting your pet in a dog crate when you cannot supervise him, you can have the peace of mind that your dog is in a safe and comfortable place. Dogs love routine, so usual crating can also become their source of comfort in that way.