Like a new baby, a new puppy needs to establish a sense of security and comfort in order to grow up happy and healthy. Puppy crates are an excellent way to give a new pup comfort, security and even some privacy in their new surroundings. When selecting the perfect crate the two most important factors to keep in mind are the type of crate and its size.

The most economical and practical types of crates are either a wire crate or an enclosed plastic crate. Wire crates enable dogs to have more visibility of the activities going on around them. For older dogs, being able to see what is happening around them can result in less anxiety and barking while crated. However, younger dogs may get overstimulated and anxious due to seeing their surroundings while being confined from them. Due to these factors, the security of an enclosed crate is often the best choice for a young puppy. An enclosed crate gives the puppy a safe and secure feeling by mimicking the environment found inside a natural dog den. These crates minimize outside stimulation and provide a safe and semi-secluded place for the pup to retreat to or relax in.

When considering crate size, it is important to keep in mind that puppies grow extremely quickly. A crate that is large and spacious today can easily become uncomfortably small within a couple months. When considering size, it is generally best to choose a crate that is one and a half times as long as the pup will be when they are fully grown. A grown dog should have enough room to stand up, turn around and lie down comfortably while inside the crate. However, with larger crates the puppy may initially think the far end of the crate can serve as a bathroom. To prevent the puppy from having “accidents” inside the crate, set up a temporary partition that can be adjusted as the pup grows. Many crates come with a removable partition but a partition can also be crafted out of a durable material, such as plywood, if the crate does not include one.

A good puppy crate not only gives a new pup a comfortable place to sleep but it also gives the pup a safe and secure place to retreat to. By providing a puppy with this vital sense of security and comfort, the pup can grow up to become a happy and healthy dog.