How to Choose a Dog Crate Bed

By eHow Pets Editor

Instructions

Step 1:
Determine what size crate you'll need for your dog. If he's a large breed puppy, you may need to buy more than one crate in his lifetime. A dog crate should be big enough for him to stand and turn around in, but not much bigger than that, so you may need a small crate when he's a puppy and a larger crate when he's full grown.
Step 2:
Choose the type of crate you want. An outdoor dog or hunting dog may do well with a wire crate outside. You may choose a plastic crate for an indoor dog, or a crate that looks like a piece of wicker furniture. Remember that you'll want your dog's crate to be where you are most of the time.
Step 3:
Decide how much you're willing to spend. A wire crate or a fabric travel crate may be the cheapest option, but you may prefer to get a crate that fits your home decor, even if it's more expensive. Your dog's crate is a commitment for the life of your dog.
Step 4:
Consider your dog's comfort. The crate isn't just his bed, it's also his den, a place where he'll feel safe. He may want to nap in his crate during the day or hide a treasured toy inside it.
Step 5:
Make whatever crate you choose more comfortable by lining it with a washable pad and a blanket. Leave a couple of treats and toys in your dog's crate to make him happier inside the crate. If you're home during the day, leave the crate door open so he can come and go from his bed when he chooses.

Tips & Warnings

There are dozens of types of dog crates or crate-beds. You can see some of them, and even order one, at the PetSmart website or the Drs. Foster and Smith website, among others (see Resources below).
If you have a small dog, you may want to consider getting a fabric travel crate in addition to his crate bed. A travel crate allows him to travel under your seat on a plane or to be safer in a car. A variety of travel crates can be found at the Pet Street Mall website (see Resources below).
If your dog is a hunting dog, you may want to buy him a travel crate that will fit in the back of your hunting vehicle, along with his crate bed. Having two means his bed at home won't smell like the hunt to the rest of your family.
Don't make your dog stay in his crate too much. If you leave him in the crate all day while you're working, then all night, that's too much time for a dog to be in a confined space. Consider using a small room, such as a mud room or utility room, for a daytime space if you don't choose to give your dog the run of your home.

Resources

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