| Crate training a dog is not only good for your dog - | | | | awkward to transport or store. |
| but good for you! Dogs love having their own | | | | These types of crates have many different price |
| personal space or "den" to cozy up in. | | | | points. It depends on the size and material. A good |
| There are several different types of dog crates to | | | | valued priced dog crate is $149. |
| choose from. But which one is the best? | | | | There are also canvas or tent-like dog crates perfect |
| The best training dog crate really depends on how | | | | for smaller dogs. |
| you will be using it. | | | | Canvas dog crates or "purses" can run from $29.99 |
| Do you want a permanent dog crate? Do you want | | | | on up. |
| one that is collapsible for transporting your dog? Do | | | | HOW BIG SHOULD THE DOG CRATE BE? |
| you want a stylish dog crate that fits in with your | | | | The crate should be long enough to allow the dog to |
| decor? | | | | lay down stretched out flat on his side, and tall |
| These are all important in making your decision. But | | | | enough to allow the dog to sit up without hitting his |
| the best dog crate fits your needs AND your budget! | | | | head. |
| Collapsible wire mesh dog crates have the advantage | | | | With purebred puppies the adult size is fairly easy to |
| if being collapsible for transport or traveling. They | | | | predict. Most crates come in standardized size ranges; |
| have great air flow, and enable your dog or puppy to | | | | so selecting one that is appropriate for your dog has |
| see a wide portion of his surrounding area. | | | | become a lot easier. |
| They are super easy to assemble with no tools | | | | When in doubt, get the next larger size. It is always |
| involved...and you can get them with 1, 2, or 3 doors. | | | | better to have a crate that is too large than too |
| But they are difficult to clean because the mess can | | | | small. |
| get trapped in the meshing. | | | | WHERE SHOULD YOU KEEP THE DOG CRATE? |
| You can buy wire mesh dog crates for as little as | | | | Your dog LIKES being near you. So the crate should |
| $52.95 on up - depending on how many doors. | | | | be placed in, or as close as possible, to a "people |
| A wooden crate may "fit" more appropriately with | | | | area". |
| your furniture, but they are heavy to move, and | | | | The kitchen or family room works great. The dog |
| wood can not be cleaned as well as a non-pourous | | | | crate should be positioned in a corner or have the |
| surface. I've seen lighter weight wicker dog crates | | | | sides and back loosely draped with a sheet or towel |
| that are nice looking. But they're more expensive. | | | | to make it more like a den for the puppy. |
| Wood or wicker dog crates start at $189.95 on up. | | | | The dog crate location should also be free from |
| Pricey but worth it if you consider it a piece of | | | | drafts and far away enough from a direct heat |
| furniture. | | | | source. You don't want your dog getting overheated |
| Metal crates also come in a collapsible style, but they | | | | and irritable! |
| are heavy to move and can cause scratching on your | | | | A dog crate provides your dog or puppy his very |
| floor. Molded plastic crates are lightweight, and easy | | | | own, cozy room! It also keeps your puppy from |
| to clean, however they do not collapse, making them | | | | "accidents"... or trashing your living room! |