Crate training, read in conjunction with vetbed information to make a cosy den.
Dog-it crates have silver metal trays, whilst Pet Brand trays are black. |
Not all crates are the same. We recommend a removable METAL tray not plastic as in our experience they are not strong enough especially when you need to remove the tray and hose it down. These metal tray cages have passed the ultimate test and are "Toffee-proof", the plastic tray cage from the petshop did not!
The other important consideration is the flexibility and safety of having 2 doors. This allows different positioning within the house and also provides another exit in the event of an emergency.
The crates are easy to erect and no tools are required. They come "flat-pack" in a box for ease and takes 30 seconds to put together.
You can use crates in the car but please ensure the measurements fits, and consider a shaped car-crate which may save space especially if you have a hatchback car. See the recommended car-crates in the shopping page or consider a bespoke Lintran.
A basic guide is 36" for medium, 41"- 42" for large medium/small standard whilst a full standard needs 48".
A Vetbed furry blanket inside works very well. |
| Approx. Dimensions (LxWxH) |
Price |
Doodle size |
Reference |
In stock? |
| 36"x 24" x 26.5" |
£44 |
Medium |
Dog-it 36" |
No |
| 41" x 27" x 29.8" |
£55 |
Small Standard |
Dog-it 41" |
No - we can order |
| 36"x 24" x 27" |
£45 |
Medium |
Pet Brands 36" (D803) Large |
Yes |
| 42"x 28" x 31" |
£65 |
Small Standard |
Pet Brands 42" (D804) Ex-Large |
Yes |
| 48" x 30" x 34" |
£85 |
LARGE standard! |
Pet Brands 48" (D805) Giant |
No - we can order |
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Do puppies like their crate?
Yes - they usually do, provided it is introduced correctly. It should give them a place to call their own space. Somewhere to go when tired, or when the house and children are too noisy. It is not a "bad dog's cage" and should not be used as punishment. We start their crate training here, with mum in the crate as well. If you are unsure about the benefits of crate training, speak to your vet and as many dog-owners as you can. They are like Marmite, people either love it or hate it. We love both.
Just ask yourself - doesn't the new member of your family deserve their own "bedroom"?
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Bottom Right - Colin getting ready for bed. Bottom left - Indy showing us how it is done (though someone might want to tell her the bed is up the other end...)
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Top left - Dylan happy in his crate with his stash of toys (notice the blue puppy kong, thanks mum..). This is how we recommend you prepare the crate at first. One half is a bed, the other half covered by newspaper in case of an accident. Much easier for you in the morning. |
Top right - Honey and her teddies. Either a soft toy or a covered hot water bottle help a pup settle at nighttime. |
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How to make a crate into a cosy den VetBed Gold or Thermal VetBed is very handy, or maybe some small doggy blankets to snuggle down in (a covered hot water bottle is great). When pup is visibly slowing down (its like watching the batteries fade..), then place them in the cage. Eventually pup will learn when he/she is tired and needs to rest then the crate is the best quiet place to go. If pup is not sleeping or sitting happily enjoying 10 mins quiet when in the crate, then place a toy/bone inside and see if this distracts them. Build up the time left in the crate so pup knows that someone will always come back - its very much like babies and their cots. They should not be distressed by the crate, but you do have to be firm. As soon as pup understands the command, then make them "sit", before opening the door - this prevents the mad leaping about in the morning. If you want them to go to their crate on command, then be consistent from the beginning. Say the word as you place them inside or when they walk in. Some people use the word "Bed" or "Crate". Personally I use the word "In" as this transfers to most situations when I want them to enter a cage or box (e.g. in the car/vets/groomers).
Once pup is dry overnight and you feel you are relatively safe placing a mat inside then we suggest a mat:
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Alternatives:
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Alternatives:
LEFT - a canvas crate is useful for travelling but not suitable for young pups as they will chew the canvas.
RIGHT - of course the other option is to sleep with the pup on the first few nights! |
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Where from?
You can purchase the crate from us (collect with pup, or we can send to you if you pay postage) or they are available (but cost more) from Petplanet. |
