Buying a crate for your puppy is one of the first and most responsible things to do as a proud and fresh “dog mommy” or “dog daddy”. Still, given the wide range of choices there are when it comes to dog crates, it is perfectly understandable if you feel at least slightly confused by their variety.
What are the top 5 characteristics you should look after when buying a crate for your pup? We have gathered some tips for you – so read on and find out more.
The size
You should pay extra attention to this because the right size is absolutely crucial both when it comes to your pup’s comfort and when it comes to his crate training as well. You want the crate to be large enough to allow the puppy a bit of space, but you don’t want it to be large enough to encourage him to escape! Measure your dog in height and length, add a few inches to this and add a few more inches if you want to introduce a crate bed for your puppy too.
The material
The material the crate is made from can say a lot about it. Wire crates are among the most popular options due to their low prices, but there are many other options too – such as heavy duty or fabric. Each of these comes with its own pros and cons, so it’s important to consider all of them.
Air travel compliance
Planning to travel with your puppy? Be sure your crate is suitable for this! There are some very clear IATA guidelines all pet owners have to follow when transporting their pets via airplane – so check twice and be sure your own puppy will be ready for embarkation with you.
How easy it is to handle
If you plan on using the crate outside of the house, you will want something that is at least remotely easy to handle. Also, you will want something that allows you to have easy access to your puppy whenever needed as well.
How easy it is to clean
You want your puppy to be healthy – and he cannot be healthy if he spends so much time in a crate that’s dirty. Some crates are easier to wash than others (e.g. they have a detachable “floor” which you slide out and wash). Others, however, are far more difficult to handle, precisely because they are heavier and because they are not designed with travelling in mind.
Of course, these are just 5 of the most important features to look after when buying a crate for your puppy – there are many others too. Yes, prices is one of them – but keep in mind that you should never put the price over your dog’s health and safety! There may be a lot of crates that are extremely inexpensive, but if they make your pup want to escape them (or worse, if they hurt him), they shouldn’t even be considered as an option!
