What kind of dog kennel

A roomy crate might just be big enough for your dog to eliminate on one end and curl up for bed on the other, foiling your housetraining initiatives. They are usually made of canvas or nylon, and are therefore more destructible than wire or plastic crates. For already crate-trained or exceptionally calm dogs, a soft kennel is a comfortable, lightweight travel option for dogs of any size. This type of crate is commonly marketed for giant breed dogs, dogs who destroy their crates, or for master kennel escape artists.

Remember: the point of a crate is not to be a prison, but a haven for your dog. If you need maximum security just to keep your dog inside a crate, your dog is not reaping the training benefits a crate is supposed to provide. This kind of crate is exactly what it sounds like: a dog kennel that doubles as home furniture.

The most typical example of this crate is in the form of an end table or credenza. WDJ does not recommend these crates for dog training. They are not portable or easily cleanable, but they are quite expensive. Dogs find comfort in having a crate of their own — when they have a positive association with the crate, it becomes a place to retreat when the house environment gets overwhelming, or when they want to sleep unbothered by housemates.

Naturally, dogs are motivated not to eliminate in their own space. For this reason, you can avoid accidents in the house overnight by crate training your dog.

Dog crates are NOT supposed to be used as punishment! There are alternatives you can try if your dog dislikes being crated. You can also probably rebuild a more positive association with the crate through careful, calculated conditioning. In summary, the best kind of crate to use to train your dog depends on your lifestyle and intentions.

Do you need a dog crate that pops up and breaks down easily for relocation, or something sturdy for frequent car rides? Invest in a properly sized wire crate. No more chewing or escaping. You can choose from medium, large or extra-large styles, and the seller offers a variety of popular finishes to match just about any decor style.

They were able to accommodate our custom requests with no issues. The crate is beautiful and very well made. If your dog has no interest in escaping their crate, you can probably get them a soft-sided option, such as the popular AmazonBasics Soft Dog Travel Crate, which features a PVC frame covered in polyester fabric.

The soft-sided crate pops up in seconds, and it offers two doors on the front and top, as well as mesh windows on three sides. The soft dog crate comes in sizes between and inches long, and many reviewers use it for camping, traveling, as well as everyday use. Planning on traveling with your pooch?

The wheels make transporting the crate through the airport very easy. This is a BETA experience. You may opt-out by clicking here. More From Vetted. Dec 22, , am EST. Nov 12, , am EST. Nov 11, , pm EST. Edit Story. Aug 17, , pm EDT. Camryn Rabideau Contributor.

Forbes Vetted. You do not need to measure for the width of the dog crate, as this is based on the length and height measurements of the dog crate. Double-check that your dog is within the manufacturer's recommended weight limit for the crate you choose — just in case you're carrying the crate with your dog inside it.

If you have a still-growing puppy, there are crates that include a divider panel that you can use to make the crate space "grow" with your pup. This is extra useful because it means you don't need to buy multiple sizes of crates, as they get bigger, which will save you money. You don't want to give your puppy too much space in their crate because it can derail their potty training if they learn it's okay to potty in one corner and sleep in the other.

Metal dog crates and newer hybrid models like the Diggs Revol , usually include an extra panel to make the interior of the crate the correct size. If your puppy's crate doesn't have a divider panel, you can create a DIY version, using a large box to block off the back section of the crate. Here's an example of a DIY crate divider:. If you're purchasing an adult-sized dog crate for your puppy because you know what size they will grow to, estimate their full-grown height and length based on their breed or breed-mix or speak with your breeder about what size is best for their eventual adult size based on their parents' size.

Plastic crates are a great option if your dog needs a bit more privacy while in their crate. If you plan on traveling with a large dog on a plane , these crates can be a good option which is why they're commonly called airline kennels.

If you're setting up and keeping your dog's crate in one place at home, a metal dog crate is a great option for you. These are the most popular crates as they can be modified in a variety of ways with dividers, crate covers, and DIY furniture built around them to camouflage into surrounding home decor. Check out some DIY ideas later on in this article.

I recommend the affordable and popular MidWest iCrate because of the two-door option, divider panels, and the ability to easily attach to their ex-pen panels. I personally use a "hybrid" metal dog crate, called the Diggs Revol crate. The Revol Dog Crate is what I consider a "hybrid" crate — a great mix of a traditional wire dog crate and heavy duty crate, but without the set-up hassle of a metal crate and a much nicer look than many heavy duty crates.

As a dog trainer, I'm a fan of the extra features of the Revol crate because they make crate training easier. Having a ceiling hatch made giving my puppy a stuffed food puzzle a breeze without having to open the front door. I kept both the front door and side "garage" door open for my puppy to go in and out as he wanted throughout the day, and was pleased that he chose to go in for naps in the crate on his own. The included puppy divider was simple to adjust as my puppy grew. And this crate has wheels!

Being able to move the crate around the room without having to disassemble anything is perfect for whenever I want to rearrange the room or travel. The design is made to be safer and more escape-proof than traditional wire crates. The diamond-shaped mesh means it's less likely a puppy will get their jaw or paws stuck on the metal, and there's no way for them to pop out a panel and wiggle out. Setting up the Revol crate was much easier than other wire crates I've used in the past, but even with the simple lift-and-lock, I needed a human helper to get it done.

I have the medium size and I'm just under five feet tall — I think I just needed longer and stronger arms to make sure the sides were aligned right before locking. Set up was still done in less than a minute! And at first, the front lip of the crate was a bit high for my Corgi puppy to hop over, but as he's grown he's figured it out with his short legs.