| So you have read up on all the benefits of dog | | | | But what if you want a crate for your new puppy? |
| crates and what types are out there and you have | | | | Then what? We've already discussed that we do not |
| decided that purchasing a crate for your dog is | | | | want one that is too large or it will defeat our |
| something you want to do. But how do you decide | | | | house-training purposes. But investing in 2-3 crates |
| what size to buy for your pet? Does it really matter? | | | | that accommodate your puppy's different growth |
| The answer is yes. If you want your dog to get the | | | | stages is impractical and costly. The answer is to |
| most out of his crate experience then you need to | | | | purchase a dog crate that will suit your puppy when |
| purchase a dog crate that is the right size for your | | | | it becomes an adult and create a divider to use for |
| pet. This is fairly simple if you are buying a crate for | | | | the time being. A divider is a barrier that will wall off |
| an adult dog. | | | | part of the crate and allow you to adjust it as your |
| The general rule of thumb is that a crate should be | | | | puppy grows. If you shop around, some pet crates |
| just big enough for your dog to comfortably stand | | | | are sold with a divider included for this very purpose. |
| up, turn around, and lie down. Remember, a crate is | | | | Or, if you cannot find a divider to buy, then you may |
| your dog's den so it needs to be cozy and | | | | make one out of a piece of sturdy cardboard or |
| comfortable, but not so cramped that your dog | | | | even plywood and then wire it to the inside of the |
| cannot move. And if it is too large, then you may | | | | crate. Just be careful as your puppy may chew on |
| defeat some of your house-training efforts as your | | | | these homemade dividers and any wire that may |
| dog can sleep in one end and mess in the other! | | | | protrude into the crate. With proper use of the |
| Fortunately, most pet stores and websites that sell | | | | divider, your dog crate will grow with your puppy into |
| pet crates offer size guidelines for buying the right | | | | adulthood and you will have the right size crate for |
| crate for your dog. Selecting the right size crate for | | | | every stage of your dog's life! |
| you adult dog is easy! | | | | |