Cage Training Puppies – What Type of Cage Is Best

When you have decided that you want to go with cage training puppies, then you need to pick out a cage (more commonly called crates) for your pup.  There are many different types of dog training crates on the market, but the one thing above all else that you need to think about is the size of the cage compared to your dog.  

Your dog must be able to turnaround in it, but equally you don’t want the crate so large that you run the risk of the dog finding a corner to do his business.   The right size crate for your dog is when he can stretch out and also has enough headroom to enable him to stand up and turn around in.  However it should still be cozy for your pet. 

If you are buying a crate for your puppy, then you may have to think about getting a smaller one one and then buying a another one once he is fully grown.  Alternatively you could go for a crate that has a divider in it and then just remove the divider as he grows. 

 Not only do you have to consider size, but also the material with with the dog crate is made.  Basically there are four main types of dog cages, and these are:

Hard plastic crates 

These are often used for dog travel and are very popular.  They will normally have plastic top, bottom and sides with a metal gateway to the front.  These are generally the type of crate that can be used on an airline.  You could also put one of these into your car when travelling around with your dog, as they will probably offer the most protection should you have a mishap.   These types of crates can be very secluded and some dogs don’t like not being able to see out of more of them.   On the other hand some dogs love them because they like to feel safe and secure.  Another great point with this type of crate is that the are really easy to keep clean.
 

 Aluminum crates or metal crates

Some people use these as a temporary crate, as they can be folded and stored.  Because of this they are really easy to move around when you go and visit someone for instance, although there is no reason why you cannot use an aluminum or metal crate permanently – at least with this style you could move it to another home temporarily.

This particular style can have just the door in one end, or it can often have a door along the front or back as well, so you can be sure that it will fit into your home and that at least one of the doors will be usable.

The crates made from wire are more often than not the type you would see in a kennel or at dog shows.  They are made of wire all around and they will  usually have a plastic bottom for you to insert so dog isn’t standing on the wire which can really hurt his feet.  

This is the type of crate that I use with my dog and she loves it, she can see out of the front back and side and the plastic tray is totally removable for cleaning.  Some dogs like a little more seclusion and if yours does then you can always put a towel or blanket over the top to make him feel more snug.  We have a blanket on the side that faces out into the yard, so she is not distracted by any nocturnal visits by other animals like hedgehogs etc!  

Soft crates   

 This type of crate is great if you have a smaller breed of dog and you want to take them to the store or to the vet or just visiting.  These would in all likliehood not be approved by the airlines, and would certainly not be recommended for travel.

They are also not great as a permanent crate in the house, as they are just too flimsy and flexible.  This type of crate will generally be made from nylon material with zippers on the top and a front zippered “gateway”  that the dog can use to get in and out.  This could be a good style for you to simply take your pet around, but not one that you would necessarily want to use for cage training puppies. 

I hope that this has given you an insight into the best type of crate or cage to look for when you are cage training puppies, or for that matter cage training dogs. 

Full range of crates and cages for dogs here