If you are looking for how to build a puppy crate, this short article will provide some tips on what materials you should purchase. Crate training involves holding your puppy strictly for specified periods of time within a secure and closed-off area to discourage the puppy from having an uncontrollable accident inside the home. This closed-off puppy crate is both sturdy and simple to clean, which makes it perfect for both travel and in-home usage, and it typically comes with a locking device to prevent unauthorized access to the den. If you are considering crate training for your puppy, you may want to start by choosing from among three basic designs: metal, wood, or plastic. All three types have their advantages and disadvantages, so which one you choose will depend largely on your budget and what kind of puppy you have (which also determines material selection).
Metal crates, sometimes called “hard-ware crates,” are strong and durable. They are available in a variety of sizes and prices and usually have a flat bottom for easy cleaning. The divider between the two compartments can be constructed from various materials, ranging from heavy-duty nylon or vinyl to lighter but more expensive plastics.
Wood pet crates are the cheapest, but some dogs do appreciate the feel of a wood crate. Some dogs actually savor the warmth of a wooden crate, although they are not very practical because they are difficult to get in and out of. If you do decide to go with a wood dog crate, be sure to paint or stain the divider in a pleasing color. Some people like to leave their wood dog crate plain, and prefer to give their puppies a plain dog crate to use as a sleeping place.
A popular type of dog crate for new pet owners is a “frisco” – which is Spanish for Martin. These sturdy crates have a divider that can be closed, but can also be opened so your pup can enjoy the outdoors. Many’s come with a tray for resting the puppy’s snuggled body on while sleeping. These trays are often washable. Most Frisco will have a sliding door leading in and out of the crate.
An inexpensive way to get your pup into and out of his or her own personal space is to build an “icrate.” An iorate is simply a smaller version of the traditional dog crate. It has two doors, one in the top and one in the side, allowing you to close off part of the room while keeping the pup happy and safe. You can purchase clear glass or plastic models, but wooden ones are widely preferred, due to the increased security they offer.
Like any new pet, it’s important to start crate training at a very young age. This helps prevent destructive behavior problems that can arise as dogs get older. However, most puppies are already comfortable living without their own space, which makes it easier to transition them to crate training. Dogs who’ve been crate trained are known for being calm and relaxed, even when left unattended.
If you’re not quite ready to start crate training your new pet, there are a few things you can do to make sure he or she gets the hang of it. First of all, always make sure your dog isn’t left alone in the crate for any length of time – even for a minute – without you supervising. It’s also a good idea to use the same color, material, or size of the crate that you used for training, so that your dog learns to associate it with safety and security.
Crate training your puppy is important for several reasons. First, you can give your dog the extra security and comfort that comes from knowing that he is safe and secure in his new puppy crate. By removing those stimulating sights, sounds, and smells, your puppy will have a better time to acclimate to his new environment. And, if you decide to switch him out to another dog later, you’ll be able to quickly find a suitable replacement since he’ll be familiar with his place in your home. So start crate training your puppy today to give him a comfortable home.