5 Essential Tips on Choosing the Right-Sized Pet Crate

Pets help create a better life for their humans. Cats and dogs are welcomed into a household as part of the fabric that makes each member a part of the family. Dogs especially need their own space to reflect and rest before engaging with others.

A crate from www.petcratesdirect.com for example can be that rest area. Here is a list of 5 essential tips on choosing the right-sized crate for your new family member.

1. Your Pets Size

You will have to keep in mind how large your new puppy will become when purchasing a new crate. If you have adopted a toy or miniature style pup, then a medium size kennel is all that is needed.

You want the crate to have enough room for the dog to turn around and stretch but nothing more. If the kennel is too big, your dog will never sit or lie down, which is the purpose of a crate.

2. Where the Crate Will Be Located

If you are placing the kennel out in the open, like in the living room, you may want to choose a nicer model. The area of the house will dictate the size of your crate, although the size of the dog going into the crate is the ultimate deciding factor.

3.  Adjustable Style

Choosing an adjustable sized crate could be good for a puppy that will be growing. It is also useful when your dog is older or has an injury. A smaller space keeps the doggie from moving too much. Again, they should be able to stand and turn around, but not do much more than that. 

4. Weight and Height

Most dog crates are sold based on a dog’s weight. This should be adhered to as closely as possible, but you should also consider a dog’s height.

If you have adopted a mixed breed from your local pound, good for you! It may be difficult to determine just how much your new pup will weigh and how tall they will grow.

You could average out the two sizes of the parents; however, this may not always work for the parents may be of mixes as well. Your veterinarian could give you an idea of how large or small your new addition will become, but it is usually an estimate.   

5. Usage

Training your canine to use its crate is essential to keeping a peaceful home. It is also important to the development of a growing pup. A dog needs his or her own private place to rest, sleep, and sometimes eat.

Allowing your dog to go into their kennel whenever they choose is the best way to train them to love crate time. Never use it as punishment or a type of timeout.

Crate training should be fun for the pup and never a chore. Once the animal realizes it is a nice place to hang out, they will go inside often.

A crate should be used when you are out of the house. This is to protect the dog. Even the best behaved and trained dog could get into something dangerous.  

Your canine’s temperament is an important factor in deciding which crate to purchase. If you have a mellow, low-key type dog, a soft-sided crate or plastic crate should be fine. If your pup is more anxious, a wire crate would help them to see where they are and what you are doing.