What Crate Is Right For My Dog
We carry a huge selection of crates and cages to fit just about every need you could have. Whether you are looking for a crate for training, transporting or
flying cross country, we've got you covered! We carry only top quality cages from the leading Manufactures so you are guaranteed to find the ideal sized crate specifically engineered to fit any size dog from the largest to the smallest.
- Soft Sided: These are an excellent choice for those that love to travel as these dog crates are lightweight, easy to set up and breakdown yet exceptionally durable. The soft sided are some of our most popular cages and they are available in a variety of sizes and shapes.
- Folding Crates: Also known as suit-case style crates, these provide maximum security, yet fold in seconds for easy portability when traveling or training. These all come with deluxe features such as being easy-to-clean, having tough ABS plastic pans, secure slide-bolt latches and attractive finishes. The soft sided are some of our most popular cages and they are available in a variety of sizes and shapes.
- Drop Pin Crates: This is the style of crate to use if you do not need to move the crate frequently as the drop pin feature provides maximum stability and durablity. These all come with deluxe features such as being easy-to-clean, having tough ABS plastic pans, secure slide-bolt latches and attractive finishes.
- Plastic Crates: These crates best duplicate the dog's natural urge to find protection in a den environment. Most can be made airline ready and the Sky Kennel is already completely equipped to meet all stringent ATA requirements.
- Crate Accessories: Everything you need to pamper your dog - from mats to fans.
- Ex-Pens, Outdoor Kennels & Dog Houses: Ideal for small to medium dogs, you'll find ex-pens from Midwest and General Cage to fit any need. We stock the newest soft-sided pens and traditional wire ex-pens with an excellent selection of tops and sunscreens to make complete outdoor systems.
4 Steps to Successful Crate Training
4 Steps to Successful Crate Training
Crate training can be useful for a number of things. It you have a new dog or puppy, a dog crate can limit your dog’s access to your house until he learns your rules; this will impede unwanted items from being chewed and will also cut down on house-wide accidents. It also serves as a way to safely transport your dog by car or taking him to places that running around unattended may not be an option. If you properly train your dog, the dog crate will be thought of as a safe and welcome place. Water should always be available when your dog is in the crate; spill-proof bowls are a good idea.
Types of Crates:
Crates can be plastic (also known as “flight kennels”), or collapsible, metal pens. Collapsible fabric kennels are designed to be used when the owner is present and should not be used for long periods of isolation. Crates come in many different sizes and are available at most pet supply stores. It is important that the crate is large enough for to allow the dog room to stand and turn around.
Starting the Training Process:
The length of the training process depends on individual factors (i.e. your dog’s age, temperament and past experiences). Always remember that the crate is supposed to be a place your dog will want to go, so don’t use it as a form of punishment. Start off slow and work gradually.
STEP 1
- Put the crate in an area of the house that the family spends a lot of time. Put a towel or blanket in the crate and, in a calm and reassuring voice, coax your dog into the crate. Make sure the door is securely fastened open, this way it can be somewhere the dog doesn’t feel trapped and you won’t have to worry about it hitting and possibly scaring the dog.
- Place treats near the crate to encourage your dog to spend time around it. Then start placing treats near the front of the crate, eventually move the treats further into the crate. If your dog doesn’t go all the way inside don’t force him. Stop laying treats around the outside of crate to persuade your dog in if it wants a treat. If treats aren’t working, try using a favorite toy.
STEP 2
- Once the introductory phase is over, start placing the dog’s regular meals near the crate; this will reinforce the idea of a welcome place. Start placing the meals further inside the crate, just as you did with the treats.
- When your dog is comfortably entering the crate and eating meals you can start closing the door. At first, only keep it closed while he’s eating. Leave the door closed a little longer with each successful feeding. If he starts to whine, you may have increased the time too quickly. If this occurs shorten the time, if he continues to whine DO NOT let him out until he has finished, otherwise he’ll think that whining is a way out.
STEP 3
- After your dog has been eating meals while confined without any fear or anxiety you can move on. Start putting him in the crate for short periods of time while you’re home. Use a treat and a command to let him know to enter the crate; once he has, praise him and give him the treat. Sit quietly near the crate for 5 to 10 minutes (don’t give the dog attention), then move to another room for a short time. When you come back to the crate sit quietly for another 5 to 10 minutes before opening the door.
- Repeat this a few times a day, each time increasing the periods of time you’re gone. Once your dog will sit quietly with you out of sight for 30 minutes you can begin leaving him in the crate for short periods while you’re gone or letting him sleep there at night.
STEP 4
- Once your dog is spending 30 minute intervals without getting anxious, you can start leaving for extended short periods of time. Follow the basic idea featured in Step 3, Part I; use treats and stay near the cage for 5 minutes or so, then leave. Refrain from making a big deal when you leave and try not to be gone for extended periods of time. Also, don’t make a big deal about returning and keep him crated for a few minutes after you return so he doesn’t associate the crate with being alone.
- Use the same command and treat routine at night. It may be a good idea to put the crate in your bedroom or nearby in a hallway for starting nighttime crating, especially if you have a puppy because they sometimes need to be let out at night. You also do not want to imply social isolation. Once your dog has a few successful nights, gradually move the crate to your preferred location.
Potential Problems
Too Much Time in the Crate:
Don’t depend on the crate or expect it to be a solution to unwanted behavior. If used improperly, your dog may feel trapped, neglected or frustrated. Don’t keep your dog crated for too long. For example, don’t leave him crated all day while you’re at work and then again when you’re sleeping. Puppies under 6 months shouldn’t be crated for more than 3 hours because they have limited bladder control.
Whining:
It may be hard to tell, at first, if your dog is whining to be let out or whining because it needs to be let outside – there’s a big difference. Try to ignore the whining; yelling or another aggravated response will make the situation worse. If the whining continues after a few minutes of you ignoring him, use your “go outside?” phrase; if he responds excitedly, take him out. Make sure the trip is only a bathroom break; do not allow the dog to play. After you determine whether or not he has to go, put him back in the crate and ignore the whining; giving in will teach your dog that whining will get him out, the whining may get louder in that case. If this is a repeated problem you may need to start the whole process over again.
