
Best 10 Dog Crates
As Of June 2022
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Welcome your Puppy to a new home with the Best Dog Crate!
A dog crate is something that is a necessity for almost all dog owners. You may ask why when you have a whole house for your pet to roam around or sleep.
If you want your puppy or dog to be trained on how to live in the house, a dog crate is necessary. It sets boundaries and makes your puppy more comfortable at home. Otherwise, it can be overwhelming for a small dog to be left around a house without limits. If the puppy doesn’t know where to sleep or sit to relax, it can feel lost and the first few days at home can be a disaster without a crate. Plus, a pet crate will come in handy when you need to go on a trip, and your new puppy cannot walk properly.
Now, if you want to get a dog crate for your furry friend, there are a bunch of choices listed above. But, just opting for any of them will not do the job for you. You need to be aware of how to choose the ideal one. So, we have crafted some informatory sections below for your reference. So, keep scrolling to learn all you need to know about which is the best dog crate for you and your four-legged friend.
What is a Dog Crate?
A dog crate is a secure cage where a dog can be kept for safety and transportation. A dog crate is a great option for your home as it can be used for:
- Potty training
- Behaviour training
- Sleeping
Apart from this, it reduces your hassle to keep an eye on the dog once he is trained. A typical dog crate is available in a number of sizes and materials for you to choose the best based on your dog’s size.
What type of Dog Crates are there?
There are three different categories of dog crates to pick the best that will fit your home and needs. Here they are:
Metal Wire Crates
The first category is the most sturdy one. The metal wire design of the crate makes it super strong that can last for years to come. Most of the metal wire crates come with a removable tray that is super easy to clean, thus maintaining hygiene. The crate is ideal to be used in summers as it has ventilation, but in winters, you may need to add extra accessories to it, like a cover and a soft cushion to keep the dog warm and comfy. They are also comfortable to carry anywhere with you as most have a foldable design.
A drawback of this crate is the sharp edges that can cause injuries, although many come with rounded edge, so you might want to keep that in mind when browsing. In winters, metal can get cold and make the dog uncomfortable if you don’t use pillows and blankets. Lastly, watch out for the wire spacing as some have wider spacing, so pet paws and jaws may get stuck among them.
Plastic Crates
The second on this list is the plastic crates. The best thing about a plastic crate is that it is small in size as compared to metal crates. That makes the best refuge for puppies. Also, the plastic design of the crate makes it lightweight to carry along. Solid plastic crates are durable, but if your puppy loves chewing, you may have to keep an eye on him more.
One aspect that can refrain you from opting for plastic crates is maintenance. Plastic crates may not be as easy to clean as metal ones. Plus, the ventilation isn’t as good and during summertime your puppy may get too hot. Plastic crates are the perfect safe space for your puppy or small dogs though travelling.
Soft Crates
A soft dog crate is more of a comfortable version of dog crates and mainly for smaller dogs. It is usually a fabric crate that it’s the most comfortable of all the three choices. It does not have a steel frame but just fabric that is zipped to close. Hence, a perfect crate to take your little fluffy four-legged friend on a short outing.
If your dog has the habit of chewing and scratching, this crate might need to be replaced sooner than others. This is where soft crates level down.
What are the benefits of using Dog Crates?
Why do you need a crate and how will a crate help you and your furry friend in your daily life? Keep reading to find out.
Transportation
The key benefit of a dog crate is the safe and convenient transportation of the pet. The size you buy will surely depend on the dog’s size, whether it is a large dog or a small puppy. A metal crate may be a bit heavy to transport, but the plastic or fabric crate will be easier to carry around with you.
Safe place
Another great benefit of a crate is that it acts as a safe place for both larger and smaller dogs in the house. Dogs are den-dwelling animals, and a crate acts as a den for them. But, you need to train them for this. Crate training is necessary to make your dog familiar with the idea that it is a safe and secure place for them. When this is done, you don’t need to worry about the safety of your dog.
Relaxing refuge
Unlike any other place in the house, a dog crate can be the best relaxing place for your dog. You can make it cosy and comfortable for the pooch by adding a dog bed to it. Plus, you can get comfy covers for the metal crate to keep the dog comfy during the cold winters.
A long list of products would have confused anyone. But don’t fret, as we are here to help you choose the best dog crate for your little four-legged friend. Here are some factors that you need to be bear in mind when you are in the market for a dog crate:
1. Type
Based on the breed & size of your dog, it is necessary to decide on the type of dog crate you need. If you plan to buy a durable and heavy duty crate for a big dog, it is best to go for a metal wire crate. On the other hand, if you want a low profile crate like, for short trips, or something lightweight and small, go for a soft or plastic crate.
2. Size
When buying a dog crate, it is imperative to check its size. As the crates come in a range of sizes, you can pick the one in which your dog fits most comfortably. For instance, if you have an extra-large dog like a Great Dane or Saint Bernard, it is best to go for a larger size.
On the other hand, if you have a little Pugg, a small crate will be great. The length of a dog crate can vary from 60cm to as high as 120cm. It is also critical to make sure that the crate you choose fits well in your home.
3. Safety
The third critical factor is security. Your dog needs to be locked inside while travelling for his safety. Thus, it is necessary to ensure that the cage has a secure locking mechanism. Most of the steel crates come with a slide latch lock mechanism, but you can also buy external locks of your own if the crate does not have one.
4. Effortless Cleaning
Dogs can be messy; hence it is necessary to check if the dog crate is easy to clean or not. In the case of high-quality metal dog crates, you don’t need to worry much about cleaning. Most of them feature either plastic or removable metal plate that can be easily removed and cleaned. The plastic or soft dog crates might not be that simple to clean once they are stained.
5. Portability
The key difference between the various types of crates is the ease of carrying them. Though metal wire crates provide fantastic durability, their weight makes them a bit difficult to carry. But, the plastic and soft crates are more lightweight, thus easier to carry. It all comes down to the usage you plan on doing. If you want one solely for travelling, then opt for the more portable ones like plastic or soft crate. If not, then the metal crate might be the best option for you.
6. Additional Features
Here are some add-on features that will add more utility to the dog crate:
Carrying handle: Make sure that the crate you choose has a comfortable carrying handle not to strain your hand. Some models come with a detachable handle so you can place it wherever it’s necessary.
Dividers: If you want one crate for all of your dog ages, from puppy to elder, it will be best to buy a crate with dividers. It will help you change the space inside the crate as your little dog grows bigger.
Keep all these features in mind, and we are confident that you will make the best pick!
What Dog Crate size do you need?
As dogs are of both small and large breeds, the crate’s choice is directly proportional to their size. Hence, it is necessary to measure your dog and its weight to make the perfect pick. Dog crates come in a plethora of sizes with length varying from 60 to over 100cm.
It is better if you purchase a dog crate that has dimensions more than your dog has. For instance, go for 10-15 cm more in length and 5-10 cm more in height while buying a dog crate.
What is a Dog Crate divider?
A dog crate divider is something that helps you segment the crate so that your dog feels more comfortable. It is not that necessary to buy a crate divider. It will be wise, and you’ll save money if you buy a big crate with a divider rather than buying a new crate each time your dog grows. If you have multiple puppies, it will be even better to have a crate divider as you can keep them in separate sections.
Where to set up your Dog Crate?
The location of a dog crate is a very crucial aspect that you need to think through. Here are some tips regarding the best locations for dog crates in your house.
- Keep the dog crate in your living room or bedroom so that the pet can see you. This will help in keeping the dog calm rather than anxious. Avoid the area where people are always walking by.
- Keep the dog crate in a place that has a balanced atmosphere. Avoid keeping the crate in intense sunlight or cold areas.
- Keep the dog crate away from any type of toxic plant. Also, ensure that it is not kept at a location where there is a possibility of things falling down.
Are Dog Crates stackable?
Yes, some types of dog crates can be stacked. These dog crates are commonly used by pet hotel owners or in kennels. If you are buying multiple dog crates for your dogs, it will be better not to stack the dog crates as they may not be of the stackable category. Stacking dog crates can lead to instability and maybe an injury to the pets.
It is best to have them on the floor, so your dogs can walk in and out of their crate whenever they want. This allows them to feel more at home and more free.
Final Words
If you have a dog at your house, it will be best to train him about where to sleep, where to pee and where to roam while being safe. And what will help you achieve all that? A dog crate. Bear in mind what type of dog crate you need based on your dog’s breed, size and how portable you need it to be.
Our comprehensive guide will help you choose the best crate for your dog, and you will not regret it! So, do your research and provide your little furry friend with the comfiest corner in the house!