Picking The Perfect Dog Carrier And Dog Cage

Even with domestication, denning instincts continue to be strong in dogs and they tend to seek out a private space where they feel safe and relaxed or a place to recharge. Therefore, dog beds and dog crates are some basic pet essentials that every responsible pet owner should get. Aside from being a safe haven for your pet, a dog crate is also an important tool for training, especially in housetraining puppies. Dogs are wired to keep their space clean as much as possible. Puppies that are teething tend to chew anything they can get their mouths on and short periods of crate time can help control this undesirable behavior. However, it’s important that the crate should never be used for punishing your pet. Dogs should have happy and positive experiences inside their cages. It should be a happy and safe place for them.

Tips For Choosing the Best Dog Cage

• Consider your dog’s size

The size of your dog is a top factor to consider. The cage should be spacious enough to allow your dog to enter and move inside without crouching down. He should also be able to easily turn around while inside. The dog should be able to have plenty of room to stand. As a rule of thumb, add 4 inches to your dog’s height and length to determine the best cage size that will suit your pet. Make sure that there is enough space in your home to accommodate your pet’s cage.

Some dog cages are designed with divider panels that can easily be adjusted as a dog grows bigger. The dividers will prevent a dog from having too much space. A cage that is too big may encourage your dog to allocate one end as the potty spot. The versatility that an adjustable crate offers can save you money in the long run as you do not have to buy a bigger cage to keep up with your growing dog’s size.

• Materials

Dog cages can be made of plastic or wire. There are also travel dog cages that are travel and most plastic dog crates are also approved for airline travel. Dog crates made of wire offer excellent ventilation and security. It is also portable. Some can be folded down for easy storage. Wire cages are also easier to clean and less easily destroyed. For the style-conscious pet owner, wooden dog crates can add aesthetic value to the home while being functional containment solution for your pet. There are also soft-sided crates that are made of lightweight and flexible materials that can comfortably accommodate small-breed dogs or puppies. These crates are designed for easy set-up and tear down.

Is it cruel to crate a dog at night?

Many pet owners feel that crating a dog at night seems cruel. While it is true that dogs are pack animals and may feel left out in a crate, having your dog in a crate near you helps them with identifying a safe spot and gives them a sense of security.

What is the Best Dog Carrier? -- Tips for Choosing the Best Dog Carrier

Certain types of dog cages can be used to keep your dog safe when you travel with your canine buddy. Dog carriers make it easier to carry your dog around compared to heavy and bulky dog cages. Since there are so many types of dog carriers out there, here are some guidelines that will come in handy when choosing the right one for your pet dog.

• Size of your dog

To choose the correct size of a dog carrier, know your dog’s height and length. The carrier should be spacious enough so your pet could easily turn around, stretch out his legs when lying down or curl up comfortably. After getting your pet’s size, add a few inches to the measurements to get the right fit.

For dog carriers with soft-sides, add 2-3 inches to the dog’s shoulder height. If it’s a hard-sided dog carrier, add 3-5 inches. If you are looking for wearable carriers, take note that there is a list of the size and weight limits of the carriers that is provided by the manufacturer. If your dog falls between sizes, go for the larger size.

• Choose a style

There are various styles of dog carriers which allows you to choose which ones would suit your pet and your lifestyle.

Standard hard-sided dog carriers -- These carriers are durable, and the hard side offers additional protection for your pooch. It is easy to clean, too. Some types of hard-sided carriers are approved for airline travel.

Soft-sided dog carriers -- These carriers work great for transporting smaller dogs. They are designed to be light and portable. They can be folded when not in use for easy storage. Some soft-sided dog carrier airline approved can be placed under the seat.

Wearable dog carriers -- These dog carriers are just like the ones that are used for human babies. A wearable dog carrier makes it easy to take your furry friend almost anywhere and they keep your hands free which is a bonus! They are a good choice for little dogs. One example is a dog carrier backpack and some can be worn as front packs and even dog carrier sling bags. They are washable and lightweight, and some are designed with zippers or velcro for added security.

Are dog carrier backpacks safe?

Dog carrier backpacks are great as a hands-free option, especially on long walks when your dog gets too tired. However, make sure that you have introduced the backpack to your dog and they feel comfortable with it! In addition, while there are no scientific proof at the moment, backpacks are not a natural position for dogs to be in and may hurt their back or organs, especially if it’s too tight.

How do I get my dog into a carrier?

1. The first step is to ensure that your dog is comfortable with the carrier, especially since it is a foreign object. Placing it in their favourite room will help them get accustomed with it.
2. Make the crate a fun and comfortable place for your dog to enjoy. Placing treats, toys, their favourite blanket are some items you can use to help them associate the crate as a positive place. Never use the crate as a time-out.
3. Once your pooch is in, try closing the door for a few seconds then lengthening the time the door is closed.
4. Try carrying your dog after he or she is comfortable with staying inside. This will help get them used to the movements.