How to Assemble a Drop Pin Dog Crate

Crate training your dog is easy and has many benefits.

Dogs are, by nature, den animals. A properly fitted crate provides them a safe haven and gives them a natural place to retreat to for rest and relaxation. It can also help with house-breaking, establishing house rules and myriad of other things. If your dog must see the vet for an emergency, being used to a crate will be one less thing it has to worry about. There are many types of crates available. Wire collapsible and drop-pin types are two of the most common, and fortunately, they are quite easy to assemble.

Instructions

1. Identify the parts of the crate. The bottom panel has the widest spaces between the bars. The top panel will have hooks at each cross bar all the way down both long sides. The front panel will have the door assembly, the back panel will look the same but without the door. The side panels will have loops across each short side.

2. Place the bottom panel on the floor with the hooks facing upwards.

3. Lay the side panels on the floor next to the bottom panel. There should be one panel on each side. The loops at each end of the side panel should be facing upwards. Line the long side of the side panel up with the long side of the bottom panel.

4. Lift each side panel up slightly and place over the hooks on the bottom panel. The hooks should be over the second wire of each side panel.

5. Pull each side panel up so they are perpendicular to the floor and the bottom piece. You should now have a three sided box or a "U" shape. Make sure the hooks on the bottom panel are correctly lined up and attached to each side piece.

6. Lay the top panel on top of the two upright sides. The hooks on the top panel should be facing downward. Connect the top panel, attaching the hooks around the top two wires of the side panel.

7. Place the front panel with the loops facing in. They should line up with the loops on each side panel. Make sure the latches on the door are on the right side. This enables the gate to open outward.

8. Use a corner rod to connect the front and side panels. Insert it from the top and guide it down through each of the loops on the side and front panels. Repeat this process for the other side. Be careful not to miss any loops. The rod should be straight in each corner.

9. Repeat Steps 7 and 8 for the back panel.

10. Finish the crate by sliding the bottom pan in over the bottom panel. The door of the crate must be opened for you to do this.

Tips & Warnings

• Always associate the crate with positive experiences to keep your pup happy about using it.

• Never leave your dog in his crate with a collar or leash on--he could become entangled. Consult a professional trainer if you are unsure of how to crate-train your dog.

References

• MidWest Pets: Assembly Instructions
• Cooper Seeds: Dog Crate Instructions
• Best Friends Animal Society: Crate Training