A Versatile Piece of Furniture

If you have decided to purchase a rattan dog crate, you are actually getting a functional piece of furniture, if you want it to be. If you already decorate your home with rattan and wicker, rattan dog crates will be an awesome looking addition to the room. Many people who own these crates say that they have had glass cut to place on top of their crates, which then become lovely end tables that you can set things on (of course, if you have a rambunctious dog, you may want to not put anything breakable on top, just in case).

Why Should I Crate Train My Dog?

There are a couple of reasons why dog owners should crate train their pets. For starters, this is an excellent way to house train a dog, and if you work all day, it is necessary to avoid little messes all over the house. Also, dogs like to feel secure, and having a crate is similar to the dens of their wild cousins, and they feel safe and secure while inside. Having your puppy in a crate, but still near you may help with separation anxiety, and they are also great to keep your dog in while you are cleaning, so it doesn’t get into any poisonous chemicals. It should only take two or three weeks at the most to have your dog completely crate trained, and some are ready within a few days.

Choosing The Right Crate Size

The size of your dog is the most important consideration when it comes to purchasing rattan dog crates, or any other dog crates for that matter. A good rule of thumb to remember is that the cage should be at least six inches taller than the dog at the head while standing, and at least six inches longer than the actual length of the dog. Here are some more tips that you should keep in mind when buying rattan dog crates:

• Small crates are for toy breeds (Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, etc.)

• Medium crates are for medium breeds (terriers, corgis, etc.)

• Large crates are for large breeds (retrievers, labs, setters, etc.)

Rattan dog crates are an excellent choice for crate training your dog. Not only are they a sturdy, well-made type of dog crate, they will also look great in your home.

Soft crates for dogs are a terrific little invention. Not only are they lightweight and easy to transport, they are totally collapsible, so they are extremely easy to store in tight spaces. There are many different styles of soft crates, and they come in a variety of colors. In fact, you can pretty much customize most soft crates to your exact specifications.

Reasons To Have Soft Crates For Dogs

There are a number of reasons why soft crates for dogs are an excellent choice for your dog. Some of the reasons you should consider purchasing a soft crate include:

• They are incredibly easy to set up.

• They are lightweight.

• They are just as easy to disassemble as they are to assemble.

• They are easy to transport.

• They are ideal for traveling in vehicles.

• They are comfortable.

• They have no wires for your dog to rub against and get irritated by.

Choosing The Right Soft Crate For Your Dog

When you are choosing any dog crate, your first consideration should be the size of your dog. You need to provide them with a space that is at least six inches taller than they are at the head, and six inches (at the very least) longer than the total length of the dog. Soft crates are an excellent choice for all sizes of dogs, and they are particularly good for small breeds.

Make sure that the soft crate you choose has a sturdy bottom, and one that is easy to clean. Accidents do happen once in a while, no matter how well the dog is trained. Also, make sure that the fabric is one that is easy to clean.

Getting Your Dog To Use The Soft Crate

Once your dog realizes that the crate is for him, he will probably go right to it. But, you should set it up and leave it for a day or two, and let the dog sniff it out. Place one or two of your dog’s favorite toys inside, along with a soft blanket and after a while, your dog will probably go in on its own. If your dog still doesn’t get in the crate after a couple of days, you will have to intervene. Try coaxing him with a treat that you put inside, and if you have to, pick up the dog and put him inside yourself, closing the door behind him. He may not be pleased at first, but he should get used to it pretty quickly. Once your dog is used to the crate, he will love having his own cozy little spot to relax.

Why Use A Crate?

Crates are an essential tool when it comes to house training your dog. They are a great place for your dog to stay when you are at work all day, and also when everyone is asleep at night. Also, because dogs are much like their wolf cousins, they enjoy the comfort and coziness of being in a den, and a crate can serve this purpose nicely.

How To Select The Right Size Crate For Your Dog

When it comes to dog crate sizes, you have a whole lot of room (no pun intended) for ideas and suggestions. One of the best things to do is discuss it with a staff member at a pet store, or with your veterinarian. One of the first things you will need to consider is the size and breed of your dog. For example, if you have a Chihuahua, you really don’t need a large-sized kennel. On the other hand, you still need a crate that is large enough for your dog to move around in, and lay down in, both comfortably.

Your dog crate’s ceiling should be at least six inches taller than your dog. If you are purchasing the crate while the dog is still a puppy, you will need to take the breed and the expected size into consideration, or spend money on another crate later on. You’re probably wisest to purchase one that your puppy can grow into. Many have dividers, so you can make your puppy’s living area smaller and cozier, and then remove the divider as the puppy grows bigger.

The length of the crate should be at least six inches longer than the length of the dog, if not more. This will ensure that your dog has plenty of room, and is not cramped and uncomfortable.  Here is some information that should help when it comes time to choosing the right dog crate sizes:

• Tiny dogs (up to 25 lbs) – the crate should be 24”

• Small dogs (up to 40 lbs) – the crate should be 30”

• Medium dogs (up to 70 lbs) – the crate should be 36”

• Large dogs (up to 90 lbs) – the crate should be 42”

• Extra large dogs (up to 110 lbs) – the crate should be 48”

• Giant breed dogs (over 110 lbs) – the crate should be 54”

If your dog is full grown, you should definitely weigh it, and take some measurements before you make your purchase. You want to make sure that you are looking at the right dog crates sizes, and crates that will fit in with your décor and lifestyle.

No matter what size crate you get, you need to make sure that it is one that your dog will be comfortable in. This means that the crate is large enough for the dog to lay down comfortably, as well as move around a little bit. Also, the crate should be at least as tall as your dog, so the poor thing doesn’t get a sore back and neck from having to crouch down all the time.

Incorporating Big Dog Crates Into Your Home Décor

You may have been into many homes where there are dogs in crates, and you probably thought that the crates did absolutely nothing to enhance the décor of the home. These days, there are all kinds of crates available that are actually really nice-looking. Some of the fancier big dog crates are made to look like the crate is sitting beneath a table. The table looks nice, and is also a functional piece of furniture.

Make sure that when you are picking out your big dog crate that you have already cleared away an area in your home to put it in. Some people put their big dog crates in the basement, but this is no run for dogs, who love to be with their people, or people, who usually love being with their dogs. Having the crate set up in a corner of a family or living room is ideal, because not only is it out of the way, it is in an area where the dog will usually have plenty of company.

Getting Your Dog To Use The New Crate

Some dogs will run right into a crate, and claim it as if it had always been theirs. Others may take a little coaxing. It’s best to set up the crate and just let your dog sniff it out and get used to it for a couple of days. You could even place some food and water, or a couple of treats, and a few of your dog’s favorite toys inside to entice him. After a couple of days, your dog will probably be used to it, and going in and out on his own.

Got Two Dogs? Stack ‘Em!

How would you like to give your dogs a two-storey condo of their own? There are many big dog crates that offer just that. These crates are divided in the middle, so you can have a dog on each level, and they will both fit comfortably. These crates do not cost much more than a regular crate, and are great if you are going to dog shows. No matter what you get for a crate, it is going to make your life, and your dog’s, a whole lot easier.

So, you get a new puppy and bring it home, and within minutes, there is a mess on the floor. How are you going to break your new puppy of doing its business in the home? With you working all day, and the kids at school, the last thing you want to come home to is a lonely puppy that has made a mess on the floor. One terrific way to combat this problem that is very popular crate training, and there are loads of different dog training crates available that will help make your job a whole lot easier.

Types of Dog Training Crates

There are many types of crates for dogs, and you will have to decide which one is best-suited for your home, and your dog. If you do not plan to move your crate, a large metal one is ideal, because your dog will have loads of room to move around and lay down. Plastic crates are popular, because they are also great for travel, as are canvas or nylon dog training crates. These are also really easy to take apart and store.

How To Get Your Dog To Use The Crate

Your puppy will probably be nervous of the crate at first, but this is to be expected, just like a few little accidents should be expected too. Don’t expect crate training to happen over night. When you purchase your crate, you should set it up, but not lead the puppy to it. Let her check it out on her own, and you may find that she just goes right in without needing to be coaxed. If after a day or two your puppy still won’t go hear the crate, put in a toy or a treat to entice her.

If your dog is a very young puppy, she may not be comfortable being left alone at night, so you may want to keep the crate in your bedroom for the first week or two, and gradually begin moving it farther and farther away until it is in the place you have set up for it, usually in a living room or a family room.

Once your puppy is comfortable in her new surroundings, she will be thrilled with her own special little den, because after all, dogs, like their wolf cousins, are pack animals, and love the comfort of a nice cozy den.

Travel crates for dogs are essential if you plan on traveling with them. Not only are they a place where the dog can feel comfortable and at ease during the trip, they are also wonderful for keeping dogs from distracting drivers. There’s enough of that when the kids are along! And don’t think that you are locking your dog away from everyone, because most of the travel crates for dogs that are available are very open, and your dog will be able to see everything that is going around it.

Types of Travel Crates For Dogs

If you are planning on traveling, and want to take your dog with you, you really should have a travel crate, for safety reasons. There are three popular types of travel crates for dogs: plastic, wire and canvas/nylon.

Plastic Dog Crates – These are ideal for travel, and many are approved for airline travel. Plastic dog crates are lightweight travel crates for dogs, and they can be put together quickly, and taken apart just as quickly, for easy storage. These travel crates come in sizes to fit most dogs, and are available in a number of different colors. In addition to travel, these crates can be used inside for house training as well.

Wire Dog Crates – These crates are not only good for travel, but they can also be used for at-home use and house-breaking. These crates are made from heavy gauge wire, many with aluminum or stainless steel, and they are really easy to take apart and store. The two types of wire dog crates are: drop pin, which are more or less for in the home, and have six sides with a drop-pin in each corner; and quick folding, which basically are collapsible.

Canvas/Nylon Crates – These are the ideal travel crates for dogs if you want to be able to have quick access to your dog while you are traveling. Canvas/nylon crates have front doors and screened windows, so your dog will get plenty of fresh air, and be able to see what is going on around him. You can even save some money by purchasing one of these crates that is actually to big for your puppy. Many of these crates have dividers, so you can portion off enough space for the puppy, and remove them as the dog grows.

When you go out to shop for travel crates for dogs, make sure that you take measurements, and make sure that your dog will fit comfortably in it. After all, your dog is a member of your family, so you want to make him as comfortable as you would like to be.

Just Like A Den

Dogs, just like their cousins, wolves, are pack animals. And, just like wolves, dogs like to have a cozy den to sleep in or go when they are nervous or out of sorts. When you train your dog to go into foldable dog crates, he will learn to associate it with comfort, safety, and being rewarded for good behavior when he goes inside. This will create a calming atmosphere for your dog, and will make him want to be in the crate, as opposed to animals who are forced into it and don’t understand why they are being caged up.

Convenient and Lightweight

There are many foldable dog crates that are really simple to set up and take apart. It only takes a couple of minutes to set up one of the newer models of foldable dog crates, which can be really handy at time, such as house breaking or if you are going away on vacation and are bring your beloved pet with you. These dog crates are usually very lightweight, so it takes little effort to put them into your vehicle. Of course, you may want to get the crate set up and in your vehicle before letting the dog in, to make it a little bit easier to move and maneuver. They are also very easy to take apart so you can stow them away until you need them again.

Choosing Foldable Dog Crates

If you are considering purchasing one of the many foldable dog crates that are available on the market, there are a number of things you need to consider. Of course, you want to get a crate that is within your budget, and is also well-made. You need to make sure that the foldable dog crates that you consider be large enough for your dog to move around in, and lay down comfortably in. These crates are available in different sizes, so you should have no problem getting the right size for your dog. Also, make sure that the crate is not too big. Your dog won’t feel as secure in a larger crate, and if you plan to use it in the home, it needs to fit into your space.

Styles of Foldable Dog Crates

There are different styles of dog crates available, depending on your particular needs. If you are looking for something that is extremely lightweight, you may want to opt for soft-sided crate. Or, there are many hard shell crates available that are ideal for travel, including air travel, and of course, there are stainless steel and aluminum crates.

No matter what your choice, your dog will cover you in doggie kisses when you give him his very own home to sleep and play in.

Many aluminum dog crates come already assembled, so all you have to do is load them in your vehicle, put the dog in, and you’re ready to go. They are extremely durable, and will sit nicely in the back of a pickup truck without getting damaged, or jostling your dog around too much on those back roads if you and your dog are going on a hunting trip. And, not only are they good for the long drive, they also make a great kennel if your hunting trip is to be an extended one.

Made From Quality Products

A good aluminum dog crate will be made entirely of aluminum, and have a durable, no-rust finish. All of the products used to create aluminum dog crates should be top quality, and to make sure that it is going to hold up in all kinds of weather and situations, from dog training to hunting expeditions.

The crate doors and locks should be spring-loaded, so you don’t get the noise of rattling handles. The rivets should be no-rust rivets, and of course, even though the materials need to be strong, the crate should be lightweight. There should be a padlock assembly that is easy to use, but also made from the highest quality materials.

Selecting Aluminum Dog Crates

When you are shopping for an aluminum crate for your dog, one of the first things you need to take into consideration is the size of your dog. You need to make sure that you get a crate that your dog will not only fit into, but one that they can turn around in and be comfortable.

Your aluminum dog crate should have drain holes so that it is easy to clean. After all, your dog may be in this crate for many hours at a time, and he will need to relieve himself sooner or later. If you do plan to be on the road for many hours at a time, it may be a good idea to schedule road stops so you can take your dog out for a quick walk and a “bathroom” break.

Another thing to keep in mind when purchasing aluminum dog crates is your own vehicle. You should take measurements, either inside the vehicle if it is an SUV or something similar, or the back of a pickup truck. Bring these measurements along with you when you go shopping for your crate.

If you have decided that an aluminum dog crate is what you need, there are many different types to choose from. You really should shop around, to make sure that you are getting the best quality crate for the absolute best price.

There are many types of dog crates on the market today, but one of the most popular is still the stainless steel dog crates. Sure, they may not be as flexible as some of the plastic or vinyl dog crates that are available, but they provide more ventilation and light than any other type of dog crates. And, your dog will be able to look out from all sides to see everything that is going on around him. This could in turn make your dog less nervous, because he can see when people are coming toward him.

Steel Dog Crates Provide Loads of Room

No matter how large or small your dog is, there are just the right sized stainless steel dog crates available for all dogs. It is important that you remember that not only should the crate be large enough to hold the dog, but should also be large enough so that your dog has plenty of room to move around. You don’t want your dog to feel cramped and uncomfortable. This may also lead to behavioral problems, and your dog may put up a fuss when you try to get him to go in the crate, because he doesn’t like it.

Steel Dog Crates Save You Money In The Long Run

You can get most stainless steel dog crates for under $150, and even if you think this is a high price to pay for a cage for your dog, think about the cost of not having one. Some dogs love furniture, and we mean love furniture. In other words, they chew and scratch at the furniture, meaning that you are going to have to replace it eventually. If you have one of the stainless steel dog crates, you can keep your dog in the home, without worrying about having your furniture destroyed.

How To Get Your Dog Used To The Crate

The easiest way to get a dog used to being in a stainless steel crate is to begin training it as a young puppy. But, you can still follow these steps with older dogs too. For starters, bring the crate home, and leave it out so your dog can sniff it out and get used to it being there. You can even put a toy or treat in too so your dog will want to go in. You may eventually have to coax your dog into the crate at first. Make sure to leave the door open at first, so your dog doesn’t feel trapped. Once your dog is used to being in the crate, you can begin closing the door, and voila, your dog is crate trained.

Types of Portable Crates for Dogs

Today’s portable dog crates aren’t like the ones you may remember from years ago. Although you can still get the type that look like cages, there are all kinds of new crates designed to make traveling more comfortable for your dogs.

Soft-Sided Collapsible Kennels – Many newer dog crates are actually made from lightweight nylon, and have vent windows. So, not only will your dog have plenty of air to breathe while you are traveling, he will be able to look at everything around him too. One of the really great things about this type of portable crates for dogs is that the fabric covers are machine washable, and the soft sides fold easily for quick storage, even under a bed.

Plastic Crate – These are great for dogs of all sizes, and especially handy for small dogs, and even cats. Many of these crates are approved for air travel, and they are made from durable plastic. The windows are made are wires, similar to a small animal cage, so, there is plenty of light and air for your dog. These crates are also collapsible, but do not fold up as small as the soft-sided kennels. There is usually a storage compartment for such things as treats and leashes, and these kennels are available in different sizes, for small, medium and larger dogs.

Wire Crates – These are very sturdy crates that are made from heavy-duty wire frames, with a locking door. Wire crates are easy to set up and tear down, and when collapsed, can be stored quickly and easily. These crates also usually have handles to make it easier to transport them. If you are shopping for a wire crate, make sure that you get one with a leak-proof bottom, just in case of accidents.

How To Make A Crate More Comfortable For Your Dog

If you are going to be using a portable crate for dogs when you travel, there a few things you can do to make the ride a lot more comfortable for your pets. First of all, put a blanket or cushion (preferably one that your dog already uses, because it will be something familiar smelling) on the bottom of the crate to give your dog added comfort. Add a couple of chew toys, and don’t forget to put in a couple of treats. Remember, even when you’re using a crate, never leave your dog inside a vehicle with the windows rolled up, especially on really hot days.

For more information about portable crates for dogs, you can get all the advice you need from your veterinarian or dog groomer.