Selecting the Proper Crate for Your Puppy
You've made the decision to crate train your new puppy. This is a good decision. Crate training is a proven way to help dogs learn which behaviors are appropriate. With proper crate training your puppy will come to view his crate as a safe place and will be happy to spend time there.
After deciding that crate training is for you and your puppy then the next decision is what type of crate to choose. Crates come in three basic forms: fabric, plastic and metal.
Collapsible fabric kennels are not for long term use. They are best used when you are present and should not be used for long periods of time unsupervised.
Plastic crates are one of the two most popular crate choices. Plastic crates are often referred to as flight kennels. They can serve a dual purpose as a pet carrier, if you plan to travel a lot with your puppy, and if your dog is small enough that you can carry him and the crate simultaneously.
Metal crates are the other most popular choice for dogs. Metal crates are collapsible. Collapsible crates are a plus if you plan to move your crate from room to room or if you plan to use the crate only while the puppy is training.
Regardless of which type of crate you choose you need to select the proper size crate for your dog. You may choose a smaller crate for when your dog is a puppy and upgrade to a large crate as your dog grows. Alternately, you may choose a crate that will be the appropriate size when your puppy is full grown. The appropriate size of your crate will depend on the size of your dog. The crate should be large enough that your dog can stand up in side, stretch and turn around.
If you opt to purchase a crate based on the size your dog will be when fully grown, then you will need to block off a portion of the crate while your dog is still a puppy. You want to prevent your puppy from having a crate that is large enough for him to eliminate on one end and sleep at the other. A puppy that has been kept in a large crate can be harder to housetrain because they have not learned not to soil in their living quarters.
After you have selected the proper crate you will be well on your way to successful crate training. If you have concerns about choosing the best crate or about crate training in general, contact your vet or dog breeder. For additional information on crate training, see our article on Crate Training Tips.
