Besides being a great source of excitement, welcoming a new pet in your home also means you get the chance to prove you’re a responsible person as you have to provide them with all their necessities. Like offering a comfortable place to retreat to when they need it, to sleep in at night, to go to when the world is chaotic or frightening, or keep them safe when you can’t keep an eye on them.
That’s why choosing the right crate for your little friend is an important and wise investment to make. It will not only give your dog a spot to de-stress, but it will also help with potty training, as well as travelling, attending shows and events, or recovering from surgery.
However, being a first-time pet parent also means having doubts about which crate will be best in making them feel at home. To help you in the selection process, there are some important factors to keep in mind when shopping.
Decide on Collapsible or Not
Having in mind that everyone needs a private haven where they can relax and retreat, including your pet, sturdy and lightweight pet cages made of premium materials are the best welcoming gift to give to your little friend. When narrowing down your choices, you can opt between a collapsible and non-collapsible design.
Collapsible crates for pets are easy to move from one place to another and fold up for convenient storage, which can be especially handful when on a road trip with your dog. Non-collapsible pet crates, on the other hand, do not fold up as their name implies. However, this doesn’t mean that they are inconvenient as many models do not collapse but are lightweight and easily portable.
Collapsible or not, the materials these crates are made from play an important role in their durability and comfort and ease of transport as well. Since metal can endure more tenacious teeth and claws, it is the most common material for cages for pets. Metal is excellent for crate training and pups. These are often at the lower end of the price range and frequently come with removable dividers so that your pet may grow with the chosen one. The sole disadvantage? They can be a little unattractive.
Wood crates, on the other hand, are far more appealing because they are frequently manufactured to be stylish and go well with your home décor. They’re frequently more contained, giving reactive and anxious dogs some isolation. Make sure your dog has been housebroken before putting them in a foldable dog crate made of wood, though, as they aren’t recommended for shark-like breeds. Because they frequently are “one-size-fits-all,” adult dogs are better suited to use them than growing puppies.
Many pet owners are still wondering “Are soft-sided dog crates any good?” and it’s understandable. Rest assured, they are lightweight and easier to pack and carry. But that’s not all. They can commonly be used in several settings, including at home, in a car, and even when camping. Additionally, while relocating to a new house, soft padded foldable cages might make things easier for the pet ground transport service.
Remember Size Is Important
Size is undoubtedly one of the most crucial factors to consider when choosing between different pet cages because they require adequate room to stand, sit, and lay down inside the crate without feeling crowded. Consequently, you’ll want a cage that is roomy but not too large because doing so can tempt your pet to go potty there.
For puppies, you should also take into account an extensible crate that is the same size as the breed’s typical mature size. As your puppy grows you may adjust the divider in these crates to get an additional space. To get the right size, measure your pet’s height while they are standing, from the top of the head to the bottom of the feet. Measure your puppy’s length from the tip of the nose to the tip of the tail. Finally, add three to four inches to each dimension to get the height and length of the model you’ll need.
Keep the Comfort and Sturdiness in Mind
All pet crates must have sufficient air holes or mesh fabric on the sides to allow your animal to breathe properly. If your pet doesn’t usually chew on fabric items, make the crate more inviting by placing a cosy, machine-washable bed inside. In addition, a lot of cages come with beds that you can remove and clean.
It’s critical to pick a model that can withstand the test of time because these designs are utilized as a safe location for your BFF to spend the day and night as well as undergo proper potty training! The best models on the market come with sides made of vented wire mesh so you can easily watch your pet from any position in the room. Make sure the crate you select is built of sturdy, non-toxic materials that won’t corrode because the animal’s safety should always come first.
A strong one with numerous access points is another option since they give your tiny friend multiple entries, which is particularly beneficial for senior breeds with mobility concerns. Additionally, a top door will make it simple for you to reach in and pick up tiny dogs and young puppies when you need to clean out their cage.
