| Choosing a dog crate is an important first step in the | | | | together in such a way that the entire cage can be |
| process of crate training your dog. Of the three basic | | | | collapsed flat when desired. These designs are not |
| types of dog crates- wire mesh, hard plastic, or soft | | | | quite as sturdy as the drop pin design, but allow the |
| fabric- the wire mesh variety is the oldest, and | | | | user to transport the crate much more easily. They |
| perhaps the most popular. According to one source, | | | | are popular with owners who must frequently |
| the practice of keeping dogs in cages such as these | | | | transport their pet in crates- if you plan to show |
| began in the 1960s. An enterprising individual from | | | | your dog or take it to agility competitions, this is a |
| Indiana apparently bought cages originally intended for | | | | good choice. |
| burning trash, and began reselling them as dog crates. | | | | Apart from the basic design, there are a few other |
| Today, despite the fact that they have been | | | | features to look for. Many cages have a removable |
| adopted by the competitive pet supply industry, the | | | | catch pan in the bottom for when the dog soils its |
| basic design has not changed much. However, there | | | | crate. Unless your dog is thoroughly housebroken, |
| are a few factors to consider when purchasing a | | | | you'll want one of these, which can be bought |
| wire mesh dog crate. | | | | separately for about twenty bucks. On the contrary, |
| This style of dog crate can be further split into two | | | | if your dog is consistently soiling its crate, you may |
| basic designs- the folding "suitcase-style" variety, | | | | consider picking up a "floor grid"- a simple wire mesh |
| versus "drop pin" designs. The difference refers to | | | | floor that keeps your dog from sitting in its own |
| the manner in which the sides of the crate are | | | | waste in case of an "accident". |
| connected. A drop pin is a long metal wire with a | | | | Finally, look at the quality of the cage. Test doors to |
| hooked end. By inserting the pin through a series of | | | | make sure they swing open and closed easily, and |
| loops along the edges of the crate sides, it holds the | | | | latch securely. Check all welds and ends of wire for |
| entire assembly together. Although this process | | | | sharp edges that may injure your dog. Once you're |
| requires no tools or mechanical expertise, it is | | | | assured of the quality and safety of the crate, you |
| sufficiently time-consuming that these cages are not | | | | can buy with confidence, knowing your dog will have |
| considered "collapsible". | | | | a happy and comfortable home. |
| Suitcase style designs, on the other hand, are hinged | | | | |