Dog Cages, Crates, Kennels and Carriers Provide Security, Comfort and Safety
Submitted By:Jay Jacovitz

A dog crate, cage or carrier is an important item for your dog to have. It provides our canine companions with a safe environment inside, outside, for travel and vehicle transportation.

Safety is provided with vehicle barriers

In vehicle collision situations, cages/crates and/or vehicle barriers provide the protection necessary for your pet’s safety. However, it is important to note that it is vital in protecting your pet to NEVER leave your dog in a hot car, even with windows cracked. In as little as 2-3 minutes, pets can suffer heatstroke and even die from high temperatures.

Dog crates/cages are beneficial and calming when used appropriately

A crate isn't a storage area for a dog. A dog can become frustrated by feeling trapped if the use of a crate is not handled correctly. If your dog is crated all day because you are away or at work, and then it’s crated again all night, this is too much time for your dog to spend in such a small space. Different arrangements should be made to accommodate your companion’s physical and emotional needs.

The crate/cage environment is a great solution for giving your dog a private, quiet space. Our canine family members are instinctively den animals that prefer their own space when they want it. A wire cage/crate provides the secure and safe indoor refuge they seek. The inside area of the crate should offer room to move around and afford plenty of comfort space for resting that dogs know is theirs.

It is important to select the right size

Before deciding on a particular crate, cage or travel carrier, you must measure your pet. Measurements of your canine companion should be taken from the ground to the top of your pet's shoulder and then add an additional 3 inches; this will give you the minimum height for your pet's crate, cage or carrier. You must also take the measurement from the head to the base of the tail and add an additional 3 inches; this calculation gives you the minimum length for the crate, cage or carrier. It’s crucial to be sure your pet can comfortably stand, turn around, sit and lie down.

A divider panel is a wire grate inserted in the cage to make the cage smaller.

If you are purchasing a crate for a growing puppy, a divider panel can be added to reserve extra remaining space, until your pet grows into it. The panel allows you to buy one cage allowing for the future growth of the dog. When the puppy is reliably housebroken or full-grown, the panel may be removed so the dog can utilize the additional space. When selecting a cage for an adult dog, and you're not sure which is the best size, make your selection toward a larger size.

A valuable tool in housetraining puppies

A wire crate/cage is a necessity in that it is a valuable tool in housetraining puppies. Puppies instinctively will not wish to soil in the area where they sleep. For this reason, crate training helps in teaching the puppy to control its bladder. The wire crate/cage environment safely contains the dog when you're away, assisting in the control of destructive behavior resulting from teething, stress or separation anxiety. Wire crate/cages are available in two types: non-foldable and foldable for easy transport.

Casual Cratewear for safety and comfort

Casual Cratewear is a key piece to providing true comfort and protecting your pet from numerous possible crate-related injuries. Casual Cratewear is a complete 3-piece crate bed set that includes crate cover, quilted bumper, and crate pad that offers a total comfort environment for your dog. It’s an excellent solution for protecting wagging tails from painful injuries against metal bars and guarding against permanent tooth damage caused by chewing on metal. Casual Cratewear prevents crate sores and entrapped paws, and helps avoid collar strangulation by collars and tags caught between bars. Although you should always remove the dog's collar inside a cage, it is possible the collar may become caught on the wire and hurt your dog. Casual Cratewear provides comfort, a safer area for the dog, and potentially saving hundreds of dollars in veterinarian bills.

Dogs love the comfort provided by Casual Cratewear. The bumper is filled with allergy free and mildew resistant poly fiber, and it’s machine-washable. The thick durable padded sides and reversible mattress provide comfort for dogs, creating a natural and relaxing den-like security atmosphere that helps to reduce barking. Casual Cratewear features Velcro for an easy-on and easy-off decorative cover, making the crate attractive in your home.

Wicker dog crates are the ultimate in dog crates

High-quality and long-lasting wicker dog crates are the ultimate in dog crates that combine sturdy craftsmanship that will stand up to wear and tear, style and comfort, and are easily cleaned with soap and water. These luxurious looking crates will not absorb odors, water or stains. Not only do they give a dog a great safe home refuge within your home, but a beautifully designed wicker dog crate is classy, stylish, looks great and actually compliments many decors while still being very functional, providing your dog a comfortable environment while satisfying your dog's natural instincts to relax in a den and release stress. Great for dogs of all ages, but not intended for puppies in the chewing stage.

Tent-style crates

There are tent-style cages made from canvas or nylon that set up quickly making them ideal for traveling, camping, or any time you want to give your dog a place of its own.

Deluxe travel crates

A deluxe travel dog crate is built extra sturdy, combining a tough plastic frame with steel inserts for added strength and built-in wheels that allow the dog cage to be easily moved from place to place. It folds down easily for storage and transport.

Pet carriers are ideal for smaller dogs up to 25 pounds

Pet carriers are available with telescoping handles with wheels for easy travel as a rolling case. Pet carriers can be used and function as backpacks, totes or car seats, and they meet most airline travel regulations. Extendable sides give you additional space to carry all your pet supplies.

An auto carrier is intended for dogs or other pets up to 15 pounds, and includes a treat/water feeding tray. An auto carrier is a great way to take your pet securely in your car.

It all depends on the individual dog but chances are very good in the adult years your pet will become very comfortable in its crate/cage, and enter under its own desire, looking to the crate/cage as a cozy refuge when stressed, tired, or simply wishing to be alone.