If you are a dog lover, getting a crate for your dog is a good way of creating personal space for your dog. It also gives your dog a sense of belonging and security within the house. Even though it may look like you are confining your dog, positive reinforcement through persistent training can help your dog to treat the crate as its home rather than a cage used to restrict its freedom. It will regard the crate as a place where it can stay when it doesn't want to be bothered or to relieve stress and fatigue after an active day. Choosing the right crate is key to ensuring that your dog gets the most of it. Here's a discussion on plastic and wire crates to help make the right choice:
Plastic Crates
Plastic crates are made using firm, reinforced plastics for sturdiness and durability. They create a den-like scenario that allows your dog to enjoy privacy, yet there is adequate space to be active. The lock mechanisms used on the plastic crates make it hard for the dog to break if it is an escape artist. This makes them ideal when you want to travel with your dog by plane.
Storage is another important consideration when you are choosing a crate for your dog. Plastic crates are designed to take up less storage space. When it is not in use, you can dismantle the crate into two halves that fold into each other, consuming less space. On the down side, plastic crates do not allow much outdoor visibility, which can frustrate your dog if it loves to see what's happening around it.
Wire Crates
Wire crates are made by knitting strong pieces of metallic wires together. The floor of the crate has a removable panel (can be made using wood or plastic) with soft cushions on the floor to maximise comfort for the dog. They are the ideal alternative if your dog is a bit messy because the removable panel is easy to dislodge from the crate and clean. With wire crates, you don't have to worry about ventilation issues because the design allows air to flow freely into and out of the cage from all directions. Furthermore, you can use them to provide space for many puppies because wire crates allow you to use dividers to create separate compartments within one crate.
On the downside, these crates are noisy when your dog moves around, unlike their plastic counterparts.
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