Choose the Right Type and Size of Dog Crate
Different Sizes and Styles of Canine Crates Suit Different Uses
Jul 16, 2009
Many decades ago, dog crates were literally wooden “crates” used primarily to transport dogs to shows, to a kennel for breeding or to a new owner. Often the dogs travelled by rail.
These crates were heavy and awkward to handle, and often had poor ventilation. When airplanes came into use, collapsible wire crates were created for shipping dogs They were popular because they were much lighter in weight and offered good air circulation.
Years later, fibreglass and then plastic crates were invented. Fibreglass is no longer used for safety reasons, but today many types of plastic crates are available. Most have a top that can be removed for storage or to make the bottom section into an open dog bed.
Use a Crate When Travelling with a Dog
There are different reasons for using a dog crate. The most important is for transporting a dog in a car or other vehicle. If the vehicle is in an accident or rolls over, the dog is protected inside his crate. The crate keeps him from escaping into traffic, keeps him from being struck by debris and also ensures he doesn’t try to keep rescuers from helping or rescuing injured people inside the vehicle. The crate is a protective shield that can save him from the force of the impact. A canine seat belt cannot do any of these things.
A crate used for travel needs to be just barely big enough for the dog to turn around in and low eough to allow him to stand but not raise his head too high. This encourages him to remain lying down and keeps him from bouncing around inside it during a collision or a skid. It can be wire, metal or plastic, but two things need to be checked. A travel crate should have a secure door latch that will not pop open if the crate containing the dog is thrown from a vehicle during an accident. It also needs to be strong. Have an adult sit on it. If it bends (and this is especially important when testing plastic crates), it’s not strong enough to use as a travel crate. Even a small crate for a litte dog must be sturdy.
If it is plastic, it must have either metal nuts and bolts or a very strong latch system holding the two halves together. It must be tough enough to not break apart accidentally. If you are shipping a dog by air, you must use an airline-approved crate.
Dog Crates can be Bigger for Indoor Use
When using a crate to help housebreak a dog, use a small crate as described above so the dog will ask to be let out rather than soiling its bed. If the crate is too big, the dog will just use one end as a bathroom, negating the whole idea of using the crate as a housebreaking tool. Once the dog is reliably housebroken, he can use a bigger crate.
A house crate need not be as sturdy as a crate used for travelling. Once the dog is housebroken, he should have a crate that is big enough for him to stand in easily and for him to lie on his side with his legs stretched out comfortably. A crate can be wire, metal, wood or plastic. Many plastic crates have the advantage of coming in designer colours, and they have removable doors so the dog can use the crate as a refuge when he wants some peace and quiet. You can always put the door back on if needed.
Plastic crates are also easy to keep clean, especially if the floors are smooth and flat instead of indented for stacking on other crates. Some dogs prefer the openness of a wire crate, while others want the privacy of a plastic one.
Dogs generally like crates when properly introduced to them, since they simulate the confined quarters of a den. A dog bed or blanket put inside the crate transforms it into a cozy home.
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