There are many factors that make crate training a great choice for dog owners.
In puppyhood, a crate provides a secure place to sleep and prevents dogs from having accidents when they're left alone. A crate can also prevent your dog from destructive behaviors, or separate them from other pets.
There are also misconceptions about crate training. For instance, some people may think it's mean to keep a dog in a crate. But the American Human Society actually recommends crates as a safe place for dogs.
Others think crates are just for puppies. But an XL wire dog crate can actually be a great place to keep your large dog during the day.
The key is getting the right crate for your dog. Here's what to look for when buying a reliable XL wire dog crate.
Why a Wire Crate?
Before we get into the specifics of choosing the right XL wire dog crate, let's take a close look at what factors set wire crates apart.
Dog crates typically come in three materials: wire, plastic, and soft-sided. Plastic dog crates are usually made out of a hard shell material and have a wire door. Soft-sided dog crates are made from a material like nylon or canvas and are collapsible.
Wire crates are also collapsible, which makes them easier to store than plastic crates. Additionally, they provide the most ventilation for your dog. This makes them a good option for folks who crate their dogs when they're at work.
Also, unlike a soft-sided crate, wire crates are made out of sturdy material. A dog left in a soft-sided crate might get bored, and decide to start chewing on their crate. This is much harder to do with a wire crate.
Wire crates are also easy to clean. Usually, the bottom portion of the crate slides out easily. If your dog has an accident, this part can be removed and quickly cleaned.
Simply put, wire crates are a great option for pet owners who leave their dogs in the crate for a long period of time. If your dog sleeps in their crate or stays in it during the day, a wire crate will provide sturdiness and airiness. Also, you'll be able to easily stow the crate when it's not in use.
Choosing the Right Size
One of the most important features of choosing an XL wire dog crate is choosing one the right size for your dog. For a quick cheat sheet, you can check out our dog crate sizes by breed chart.
A good rule of thumb is that the crate should be big enough for your dog to stand up in without hitting their head on the top of it. They should also be able to fully turn around inside the crate.
You should also make sure that the crate is not too large for a dog. Puppies can get overwhelmed if their crate is too big. They also may start soiling one side of the crate and sleeping on the other.
Consider a Partition
If you get your dog as a puppy, choosing a crate can be challenging. If you get a crate that is too large, the puppy could have accidents. With a crate that is too small, however, the puppy will quickly outgrow it.
Some dog owners choose to use a smaller crate while their dog is a puppy and then purchase a bigger one while they are full-grown. But this can be an expensive option. Also, your dog will become accustomed to their crate, and may not take as well to the new one.
Another option is to get a crate that will grow with your dog. In many cases, you can get an XL wire dog crate that comes with a partition. This way, you can close off half of the crate while your dog is a puppy, giving them a more appropriately sized space.
When your dog gets bigger, you can take down the partition. This makes using a partition is a good alternative to buying new crates as your dog grows larger. This is another advantage of choosing an XL wire dog crates, as other types of crates usually don't come with partitions.
Making the Crate Your Dog's Space
Once you find the perfect crate, the next step is to make it a space your dog will love. The crate should be a positive place for your dog, rather than a place of punishment.
Always make sure to leave a water bowl for your dog in their crate. You can also give them a Kong toy with frozen peanut butter or a bone to chew on while they are in there. Just be careful not to leave any toys or treats that your dog could choke on.
The siding of a wire crate is hard, and not very comfortable. Make sure to put soft bedding in the crate for your dog to snuggle up with. This is especially important in colder climates, where the wire crate can be a bit drafty.
Some dog owners like to leave a shirt that smells like them in the crate with their dog. This helps the dog not to feel as lonely. Also, if your dog likes more of a "den" space, you can drape a towel over the crate to make it feel cozier.
You should also consider where you want to place the dog's crate. It's recommended to place the crate in an active area of the house, so your dog will be able to see what's going on. Also, many dog owners choose the keep the crate in their bedroom at night, to provide additional comfort for the dog.
Getting the Best XL Wire Dog Crate for Your Dog
Using these tips, you can make sure that your favorite furry friend has the perfect crate for their needs. Their crate will become a safe space that they will love to retreat to.
What features do you look for when purchasing an XL wire dog crate? Let us know in the comments below!
