| There are many different dog crates on the market | | | | visibility can be a pro or a con!). |
| today, but only two main types of dog crates: plastic | | | | - Not airline approved |
| and wire kennels. So, you have a new puppy, what | | | | - Less insulation than a plastic crate - problem if you |
| type of crate is best for you? Three years ago we | | | | live in a colder climate! |
| got a Labrador Retriever puppy. We had never crate | | | | - Can be heavy, especially the larger ones. This can |
| trained a puppy, but knew other people who had and | | | | be a pain when traveling. |
| were happy with the results. We bought a large | | | | Advantages of plastic dog crates: |
| plastic crate because we knew our puppy was going | | | | - Most are airline approved |
| to grow. After getting through about three days of | | | | - Provide better insulation for maintaining body heat - |
| whining, we had a puppy who considered his crate his | | | | especially important for puppies, short haired dogs or |
| place of refuge, his den and home. When he was | | | | if you live in a colder climate. |
| about one year old, we bought a large wire crate. | | | | - More privacy so it can cut down on whining since |
| Through the years we have used both dog crates | | | | there is less to distract you puppy. |
| for different reasons. We keep the wire crate on the | | | | - Normally lighter than a wire crate. |
| back porch and use it whenever needed, which isn't | | | | - On most of them the top will come off for |
| very often anymore since Buddy normally sleeps | | | | storage, or for allowing the bottom of the crate to |
| inside. But when he is outside, it is not unusual to see | | | | be used as an open dog bed. |
| him lying in his crate. | | | | Disadvantages of plastic dog crates: |
| Whenever we traveled in our suburban, we would | | | | - Plastic can trap smelly odors over time that are |
| use the plastic crate. Though the plastic crate is now | | | | hard to eliminate. |
| a tight fit for Buddy, it still works well for travel. He | | | | - Harder to clean than a wire crate. |
| lays back there quietly and we never here a peep | | | | - Do not fold flat for easy storage. |
| out of him. | | | | - Reduced ventilation and air circulation - especially |
| Without going into any detail, lets take a quick look | | | | bad if you live in a warm climate. |
| at the pros and cons of both types of dog crates. | | | | - If your dog really likes being around people, a plastic |
| Advantages of wire dog crates: | | | | dog crate can create feelings of isolation. |
| - That they allow your dog to see what is going on | | | | So, what is best for you, plastic or wire dog crates? |
| around them - allows them to feel like part of the | | | | Only you can answer that question. After reading |
| family. | | | | through the advantages and disadvantages of each |
| - Are well ventilated so it allows plenty of air flow for | | | | type of crate, you have probably realized that what |
| your dog to stay cool - great in a warmer climate! | | | | may be an advantage for one family or type of dog, |
| - Are collapsable for easy storage, and can be | | | | is a disadvantage for another. So, consider what |
| broken down quickly and easily. | | | | breed of dog do you have or are you planning to |
| - They are easy to clean with their slide out tray. | | | | get? Some dogs like moments of privacy, while |
| Especially nice if your puppy has an accident, the wire | | | | others want to feel part of the family at all times. |
| bottom keeps your puppy out of his mess. | | | | Where do you live, what is the prevailing climate and |
| - Last, many wire crates offer dividers. This can save | | | | will your dog mostly be outdoor or indoors? What |
| you money by only having to buy one crate that will | | | | type of coat does your dog have? Will you be |
| last your puppies growing growing months. A divider | | | | traveling a lot? Make a list, answer these questions |
| panel that can be adjusted as your puppy grows. | | | | and any others that may be applicable, and make a |
| Disadvantages of wire dog crates: | | | | wise choice the first time around. It will save you |
| - May lead to excessive whining and crying (greater | | | | money, and give you a happier dog. |