The Best Crates for Puppies

A dog’s natural instincts lead him to seek refuge in his own shelter or den. A crate provides your dog with a place where he can feel safe, cozy and maybe just take a breather from the rest of the family. While many pet parents utilize a crate for potty training purposes, a crate, when introduced correctly, can serve as a lifelong retreat for your puppy.

There are so many crating options out there on the market these days that the selection process can become quite overwhelming! It’s really not as daunting as it seems. In fact, the most important thing to keep in mind as you are selecting a crate is size. As you research crates, the size of your dog is equally as important as the size of the crate. Your puppy must be able to stand up, turn around, and lay on his side with his legs stretched out while in his crate. If he can’t do those three things then his crate is the wrong size.

Once you have the size of the crate nailed down, there are two basic options to choose from. Plastic crates are popular choices for small breeds while on the other hand, collapsible metal wire crates are a favorite for larger breeds. A plastic crate allows for easy removal of the top half and is easily transportable with or without the puppy in it. The metal wire crate is collapsible so it’s also easily transportable and can be store quickly in a trunk, closet or even under the bed. Additionally, the metal wire crate can easily be partitioned off which means it can grow with your puppy.

If you’re looking for something a little more unique or even functional, there are many cool options out there too. This wood adorned crate is quite functional as it closely resembles an end table. It can fit right in with your home décor and not disturb the look of your home. If you’d rather a crate with a more casual feel, this rattan adorned crate is another option. For a beautiful, unique spin on the average metal wire crate, you may want to consider these crate covers. You could have a different cover for each season.

As you can see, even the most basic crates can be dressed up to fit any style. No matter what style you choose, be sure to do your research on how to responsibly crate train your puppy. A puppy should not be left in a crate for more than 3 hours without being let out for a potty break. If you are unable to enlist the services of a pet sitter to come in and walk your puppy for at least a mid-day break, you may be doing more harm than good. The last thing you want is for your puppy to learn to hate his crate. Also, a puppy should only be confined to his crate until he is properly trained, after that he should be allowed to come and go from his crate at his own leisure.

For more information on proper crate training techniques or assistance from one of our Puppy Care Professionals, contact Trusty Tails Pet Care today!