How to Choose a Dog Crate

There are different reasons for crating your beloved canine—with the bottom line being: to protect your dog from his surroundings and the surroundings from your dog.

If you are having a hard time with the concept, consider that dogs have a den instinct and a crate is their own private, cozy place to feel safe and secure. Sort of like the human equivalent of: “I’ll be in my room.” It is also very often the best way to potty train.

Sound better? If the answer is "yes" and you've come to terms with the idea, the next question is what kind of crate to get? A decision that will require some thought. The following are steps to choosing the right one.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Find a store or company that sells pet crates. Pet supply, hardware and department stores, and wholesale pet supply companies all carry crates. Wholesale pet supply companies often have the largest selection and the best prices. You can find them by searching online.

2. Figure out the type of crate you will need. If it's for home use, choose a heavy gauge wire crate for the best ventilation. Wire crates also provide a better view for your dog and facilitate more interaction and socialization. If you will be storing or moving it often, a collapsible model with handles that can be easily folded down into a "suitcase-style" shape will work best.

3. Choose a hard plastic pet carrier for car travel. These are normally two-piece units with ventilation areas along the sides and a steel wire door in front. You can buy one crate for both the house and car, or if you travel a lot, you might want to buy a separate crate for each. If you need a crate to take your dog hiking or camping, consider a collapsible soft crate or tent, which is portable, lightweight and easy to set up and break down.

4. Choose a crate that is 1 1/2 times the length of your dog when fully grown. Your dog should be able to stand up, turn around and lie down in the crate comfortably. If it's for a puppy, a partition should be placed so that she has 1 1/2 times her length to move around. Some crates come with a divider panel that can be adjusted to the different growth stages. If you prefer, you can choose one without dividers and make your own out of something indestructible such as plywood.

5. Size the crate according to your dog's breed.
   
   The following is a good guide:
   Extra small: Chihuahua, Pomeranian, Shih Tzu
   Small: Boston Terrier, Jack Russell, Yorkie, Maltese
   Medium: Cairn Terrier, Cocker Spaniel, Llasa Apso, Dachshund
   Large: Basset Hound, Bulldog, Welsh Corgi, Shar-Pei
   XLarge: Chow, Collie, Dalmation
   XXLarge: German Shepherd, Greyhound, Golden/Labrador Retriever

Tips & Warnings

• You are required to have a hard plastic airline-approved pet carrier if your dog will be flying in the cargo section. Wire dog crates are not approved for airline travel.
• Many hotels only allow dogs that are crated.
• The proper training can eliminate permanent need for a crate.
• If your dog is aggressive, chews, digs or experiences anxiety when crated, soft crates and many pet carriers are not a good choice. If choosing a plastic crate, look for one that is sturdy enough to resist chewing.
• Never crate an adult dog for more than six to eight hours and make sure he gets adequate exercise beforehand. Never leave a puppy in a crate for more than two or three hours, unless it's at night.
• Certain dogs and breeds don’t take well to crates, therefore you may have to figure out an alternative that works for both you and your dog.
• If the crate is too big, it may be difficult to potty train your dog. That's why it should be just big enough for your dog to stand up, turn around and lie down comfortably. Otherwise, she may urinate in one corner and lie down in the other.