Everybody needs their own private space that they can call their own. We all need that one space we can kick back, relax and recharge our batteries in peace. Our pets are no different.
One of the best ways we can give our pets space is by buying them a crate. If you own a dog, you can buy a specialized dog crate that gives your dog private space they can call their own.
Dog crates can also be used to house train our dogs and provide them with a safe space when they feel anxious (see also ‘Where Is The Best Place To Put A Dog Crate In Your House?‘). However, choosing the right crate can be difficult.
There are lots of things we have to think about to ensure our dogs are comfortable and safe. Today, we’re going to help you choose the right crate.
To do that, we’ve put together a neat guide that tells you everything you need to know. Stick around if you need help choosing the right dog crate!
Why Is It Important To Buy Your Dog A Crate?
Let us start by telling you a bit more about why it is important to buy your dog a dog crate. Whilst it might not seem that important, a dog crate can actually play a critical role in keeping your dog happy.
On top of that, we can use dog crates as training tools. For example, dog crate training can help potty train your dog as they won’t soil within their private space.
We can also use the dog crate to control unwanted behavior such as chewing, barking, and jumping (see also ‘What To Do When Your Dog Chewed Through Crate!‘). More importantly though, you should buy your dog a dog crate so that they have their own safe space.
Your dog can use its crate to relax, rest, and stay comfortable when they feel anxious. Anytime they feel overwhelmed, they can head to their safe space to de-stress.
Finally, a dog crate is an important tool we can use to teach our dogs to stay calm when they are left alone (see also ‘How Do You Calm A Dog In A Crate?‘).
How Do You Choose The Best Dog Crate For Your Dog?
Now you know more about why a dog crate is important, we can start looking at how you choose the right dog crate for your dog. When it comes to choosing the best dog crate for your dog, you will require patience.
There are a lot of important things to think about and remember. For example, you have to find a crate that is the right size for your dog, comfortable, and sturdy.
In the next part of this guide, we’ve listed the main things you need to think about when choosing a dog crate. If you take these factors into consideration, you’ll easily be able to choose the right dog crate.
1. Choose The Right Size Crate
Arguably the most important thing you need to think about when choosing the right crate for your dog is size. The crate you choose has to have enough space for your dog to comfortably sit inside.
Your dog should be able to stand up, lie down, and turn around easily. At the same time though, the crate shouldn’t be too big either.
You might think the bigger the better but actually, lots of extra space might not give your dog the security it needs. They might also soil the crate because they have space to move away.
A top tip to remember when choosing a crate is to choose one that will grow with your dog. The last thing you want is a crate that is too small for your fully-grown pooch.
We’ll show you how to measure your dog for its crate further down this guide.
2. Choose A Sturdy Crate
This one may seem pretty obvious but you also need to choose a crate that is sturdy. Whilst most crates are well-built, there are some that simply don’t live up to standard.
On top of that, you need to think about how destructive your dog is. Whilst most dogs are pretty relaxed and chill, there are some that become destructive when placed in their crate.
For this reason, you need a crate that will last the test of time. There are various types of crates we can choose from. These include wired, furniture, soft, and heavy-duty dog crates.
Generally speaking, the sturdiest dog crates are wire and heavy-duty crates. If you have a destructive dog, consider choosing one of these crates first.
3. Choose A Dog Crate With Multiple Entrances
Your dog will appreciate a dog crate that is very easy to access. Buying a dog crate with multiple entrances gives them everything they need.
Another perk to choosing a crate with multiple entrances is that it can be placed easier. Multiple access points are also very beneficial for dogs with mobility problems. Some owners buy a crate with a top door too.
This is a great option if you have puppies as you can easily reach in and pick your puppy up. Top doors also make it easier for you to feed your pooch.
4. The Crate You Choose Must Be Easy To Clean
Dog crates can get dirty very quickly, particularly during the potty training period. As a result, you need to pick a dog crate that is easy to clean. The easiest types of crates to clean are plastic and metal dog crates.
Compared to other types of crates, wiping messes up is much easier. Some dog crates even come with a removable tray so that you can minimize the time it takes to clean the crate.
5. Do You Need To Travel With The Crate?
Another important thing to consider is whether you need to travel with the crate or not. If you do, you need to choose a crate that is portable. A portable crate might have a simple feature that makes the crate easier to collapse.
A portable crate might also have wheels. Others might simply have a carry handle. It isn’t uncommon for dog owners to buy a second crate for traveling with. This ensures their dog always has a safe space, no matter where they go.
How To Find The Crate That’s The Right Size For Your Dog?
Now you know what to look for when choosing the right crate for your dog, we’ll show you how to find the right-sized crate. We’ve outlined how to measure your dog for a crate below:
For The Length Of The Crate
To work out how long your dog’s crate needs to be, you should measure the length of your dog. To do this, you should measure your dog from the tip of its nose to the base of its tail.
Make sure your dog is standing up when you do this. Don’t measure the full length of your dog’s tail either. This will leave you with a crate that is too long. For the best length of the crate, add two to four inches to your dog’s length.
For The Height Of The Crate
To calculate the height of the crate your dog needs, you need to measure your dog in a sit position. Once your dog is sat in the sit position, measure between the floor and the top of their head.
Again, for the best-size crate, you should add two to four inches to the total. This will tell you the minimum height for your dog.
For The Width Of The Crate
This next part is easy because you don’t actually have to measure the width of a dog crate. Instead, this is based on the height and length measurements of the crate.
For The Weight Limit Of The Crate
If you plan on carrying your dog in a dog crate, you will need to make sure that your dog is under the maximum weight limit. You can do this by weighing your dog on a set of scales.
Alternatively, you could ask a vet to do it. All you have to do then is compare your dog’s weight to the crate’s weight limit.
Pick A Crate That Grows With Your Dog
If you have a puppy that hasn’t grown to its full size yet, we recommend choosing a dog crate that will grow with him/her. Luckily, there are dog crates out there that make this super easy.
There are some dog crates that come with a divider panel. This panel lets us adjust the size of the crate so that we can train the dog in the right space. We can then adjust the crate as they grow.
What Type Of Dog Crate Is The Best?
When it comes to the best type of crate for your dog, things very much depend on what your and your dog’s needs and requirements are. Having said that, we would strongly recommend choosing a metal or plastic crate.
Generally speaking, these types of crates are more affordable, easier to clean, sturdy, and comfortable for your dog.
Final Thoughts
That concludes our guide looking at how to choose the right dog crate for your dog. As you can see from the guide, choosing the right dog crate for your dog takes a lot of thought and care.
However, once you know what to do, choosing the right crate becomes a lot easier. With this guide at your fingertips, you should now be able to find the best crate for your dog. Just remember to take all the points we discussed into account.
