Dog Kennel Guide

Getting a new dog can be an expensive time, not only will it cost you to buy the dog himself you will also need to buy a whole array of dog accessories so that he has as comfortable and enjoyable a life as possible.  Dog crates and kennels are some of the most expensive of these accessories and there are is a huge array from which you can choose which we will discuss here.

Wooden dog kennels – These are for use outdoors and are well insulated against the cold.  They are also the most aesthetically pleasing type of kennel as well as being the most environmentally friendly, as long as they are made from a renewable wood source.

Soft dog crates – These crates can fold up when not in use and so are great for space saving.  The nylon cover can also be removed and washed and so is easy to keep clean.  They are mainly used when transporting dogs or as a temporary home when visiting friends or relatives.

Plastic dog kennel – These are easy to clean, lightweight and colourful.  You can buy one to fit in with the decor of any room but the light weight ensures that it can be easily moved if necessary.  Mass production ensures that these are cheap dog crates which can be afforded by anyone.

Life stages dog crate – These are metal crates which can be used for house training, transporting your pet or confining him when necessary.  The reason that they use the term life stages is that there is a divider which can be removed as your dog grows so it is suitable for both puppies and full grown dogs.

No matter what type of dog crates and kennels you decide to opt for you will be able to use them to improve the comfort of your pet.  They provide a safe, warm environment in which he can sleep without risk of being disturbed.  You can put in a nice, soft cushion to make a bed plus some fun toys for him to play with while he’s in there.  Not only this but a dog kennel can be used to house train your pet.  This works because a dog will not soil his own bed and so, if you keep him in there, he will wait until you take him out into the garden before he does his business.

As you can see, dog crates and kennels are invaluable to both owners and their pets.

Some people would suggest that dog crates are cruel, cage like structures which remove an animal’s freedom.  However, dogs don’t see it this way.  In their wild, undomesticated past dogs found dens where they had a safe place to go and watch the world go by.  Today’s dogs will still generally find some sort of hidey hole in their owner’s house where they can rest or sleep undisturbed.  By providing them with a dog kennel or crate you are giving them their own little den.  There are several different types of crate available.

Plastic dog crates

These crates are mainly used for transporting small to medium sized dogs, either on visits to the vet or on car journeys.  They are hardwearing and easy to clean and generally have a grate like door, which can be totally removed, at the front.  These are the cheapest type of crate available.

Folding dog crates

These crates are slightly more expensive as they have a frame with fabric stretched over it.  These collapsible dog crates are great for people who want to save space as they can be easily hidden away when not in use.  The nylon covers of soft dog crates can also be put into a washing machine, making them very hygienic.

Metal crates

These are much sturdier and make a great large dog kennel.  They will last much longer than a plastic crate and tend to be a more permanent structure as they aren’t very easy to move once put into place.  Being large they will allow your dog more freedom to play and exercise while still being a safe, secure environment.

Car crates

These are specially designed to fit into the boot of a car and represent a safe, clean way to transport dogs.  The dogs can’t escape into the front of the car where they could cause an accident by paying the driver a visit and, should an accident occur it will prevent them from being thrown across the car.

In short, crates are a form of dog kennel to be used for keeping your dog safe, either while in transport or in your home or garden.  They represent somewhere that a dog can sleep or relax without worrying about any noise or chaos going on around him.  They come in all different sizes and the material from which they are constructed will vary depending on the main use that the crate is for.