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Your Trusted Source for Pet News and Product Reviews

The Complete Guide to Buying a Dog Crate: Everything to Know

Buying a Dog Crate

Are you chasing your tail searching for the perfect crate for your dog? 70% of dogs are prone to anxiety, so finding them a place where they can relax is important. With so many options out there, it can be difficult to know where to begin. 

So, how do you know which crate is the best one for your dog? The age, breed, and size of your dog will all be important factors when choosing a crate. The materials and features of the crate will also be important elements to consider. 

Do you need some help with buying a dog crate? Here is all the information you need to help you choose the perfect crate for your pup.

Types of Dog Crates

There are lots of options when it comes to buying dog crates. Some are designed for traveling while others are better for inside the home. The perfect dog crate will be a mixture between your dog's needs and your desires. 

Wire Folding

Metal or wire dog crates are well-ventilated with less material for dogs to chew and catch. They provide good visibility so you can see how your dog is behaving at all times. They are durable and sturdy which can make them more difficult to travel with.

Wire dog crate features can include slide-bolt latches, rust-proof plastic crate pans, and removable drop pin corner rods. Metal crates are great crates for large dogs who are prone to overheating in hot weather. They are a good choice for most dogs including puppies. 

Soft-Sided

Soft crates are excellent for dog owners who travel. This type of crate can easily be stored away when not in use. A soft-sided crate is a comfortable choice for airplane journeys and car rides. 

Good quality soft-sided crates can be a convenient and lightweight option for transporting your dog. These crates often come with storage that can hold your dog's toys and food items to make travel even easier. 

These types of crates are not suited to dogs who chew or scratch things when they are nervous. Although they are easy to wash, they aren't ideal if your dog has any accidents while they are traveling. 

Plastic

A plastic crate is more durable than a soft crate and better suited to nervous dogs. Most plastic crates only have one side that the dog can see out of. This is great for dogs who are reactive or nervous and need a calm, quiet environment. 

Although plastic crates don't fold, they are easy to wash and approved by most airlines for cabin travel.

Heavy Duty

Heavy-duty crates are for dogs who would be the envy of Houdini. If your dog is an escape artist then you probably need a heavy-duty crate. These types of crates have additional locking mechanisms and thicker materials to prevent your dog from chewing through the materials and escaping. 

These types of crates are best suited to very long, tall (and crafty) dogs that need extra security. 

Wooden

Wooden crates are great if you want something that will fit with your home decor. They are not designed for travel and are kept in one place in the home. A wooden crate is ideal for a dog that needs a quiet place to rest or hide.

These decorative crates are certainly the most stylish option but can be difficult to clean and move. A wooden crate is perfect for a smaller dog with a tendency to chew furniture. 

Size

Before you consider buying a dog crate, you need to measure your dog. If your dog is a puppy then you'll need to think about how much larger it will grow. The crate should be large enough for your dog to stand up, sit, and move around comfortably. 

Make sure you measure the length, height, and width of your dog before you start looking for a crate. There are different crate sizes for different breeds so it is important to know which size you are looking for. 

Don't forget to allow plenty of space for their tail and ears so they don't feel restricted in the crate. The easiest way to do this is to add 10cm to the ear and tail measurements. This will ensure your fur baby has plenty of room to move around.

Costs

A dog crate can cost anywhere from $50-$400 depending on size, dog crate materials, and quality. You must choose the best quality dog crate that you can afford so that your dog is comfortable and safe. Work out what your budget is before you start looking for a crate so you know what products are within your price range. 

Don't be afraid to look outside your price range when comparing crate costs. There are often promotional codes and discounts that can reduce the amount of higher ticket items. Check to see if you are eligible for free shipping or if your dog crate is on sale.

Get Extra Help With Buying a Dog Crate

Buying a dog crate can be a tricky business because each canine companion has different needs. Your task should be easier now that you know what you need to consider to find the perfect crate for you and your dog. Make a list of everything you need before you start looking for the best crate. 

Do you need some extra help looking for a dog crate? Dog Crates Direct is here to help you answer any questions you may have about choosing the right crate. You'll find everything you need under one roof from grooming to pet food.



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