Tips For Finding The Best Cage For Your Dog
One of the best ways to help your dog feel comfortable is getting a dog crate. Whether you’re trying to housebreak a new puppy or trying to give your large-breed dog a comfortable place to rest, dog cages are great tools. From your local pet superstores to specialty online retailers, there are a wide variety of cages (in both size and price) to choose from.
It can be easy to become overwhelmed by the selection available to you, but having more options to choose from will ensure that you find what you’re looking for. The one thing you need to pay close attention to is the size of the cage and whether or not your dog will be able to fit comfortably when inside. As a rule of thumb, your dog needs to be able to stretch, turn around and lie down comfortably. Some dog owner’s make the mistake of getting their small dog a crate built for a larger animal, thinking the bigger the better. This is not the case and it is not wise to get a dog crate that is too big.
Your dog may become lonely inside a cage that’s too vast, and will in turn resist going inside it; this is why you’ll want to choose one that’s cozy, but not cramped. Metal, plastic and wood are some of the common materials that dog cages are made from. You need to pay close attention to the material and structure to ensure your dog will be safe and the cage is strong enough to keep the dog secure.
The best options for a larger crate are woods or metals. Although you will find many made of plastic, these can become brittle, lose their shape or develop cracks. Check how well the cage is made to ensure your dog’s comfort. An important safety measure to take is to make sure there are no sharp edges in the cage, which could easily hurt your dog.
Another thing that can potentially cause harm to your pet would be the locking mechanism, which should be carefully inspected for safety. One you buy the crate, there are also some other things to think about. Adding a soft bed and a few of your dog’s toys will create a comfortable atmosphere for your dog.
This helps to encourage and invite your dog to enter the cage and makes it easier for him to feel he has a spot of his own. You can also use treats sparingly to entice your pet to investigate its new cage; this practice should help your dog be more willing to spend time inside.
Ran writes many articles on metal dog cages and about how to find car dog cages online.
Filed under Dog Training by on Mar 28th, 2010.