Crating Continued

The more I read about crating- the more I learn. Misconceptions about crating are abundant so I went out and found some information I think I can trust. A site called www.barkbytes.com seemed to me to be the most straightforward and factual. Today I continued my Crate or not to Crate dilemma but reading some more about it. Here's what I found:

A dog crate is not recommended for a dog that will routinely left alone all day. If long term crating is to be attempted, the dog must be well exercised both before and after crating, the dog will also need lots of personal attention, and should be allowed freedom at night (even sleeping near his owner). It is also critical that the crate be large enough to enable the dog to fully stretch out and freedom of movement. The crate must have a clip-on water dish. Under ideal circumstances, if you can arrange to have someone provide an exercise and attention period during the day; the crate retains it's "den" attributes as opposed to solitary confinement. The article I read also suggests that whether the animal is crated or not, the dog needs play time, training time, and a time to simply relax in the company of the family to which he is a part (his pack).

I was also interested in learning about how to crate bigger dogs because I don't want my new big dog to be running around a room getting in trouble, but I also don't want him cramped in a crate that's too small. I wondered if they even make crates that big. I found out though that they do.
Here's what the article said:

XXL Midwest Dog Crates

The Midwest 1154U Dog Crate is perfect for a Great Dane, Mastiff, Newfoundland, Saint Bernard, or other giant dog breed. Our XXL dog crate is 54 inches in depth, and is sized appropriately for your adult dog. This 54 inch dog crate is suitable for dogs 110+ lbs.

The Solutions Series 54" Double Door Dog Crate has the same great features as the 1154U except it comes with the added versatility of two doors. This allows you more flexibility when placing the crate.

The crate should be long enough to allow the dog to lay down stretched out flat on his side, and tall enough to allow the dog to sit up without hitting his head. With purebred puppies the adult size is fairly easy to predict. Most crates are now in standardized size ranges; so selecting one that is appropriate for your dog has become much less complicated. When in doubt, get the next larger size. It is always better to have a crate that is too large as opposed to one that is too small.

Since the primary reason for using a crate is to confine the dog without isolating him, the crate should be placed in, or as close as possible, to a "people area".

Areas such as the kitchen, family room etc. The crate should be positioned in a corner or have the sides and back loosely draped with a sheet or towel in order to enhance its den like appearance for the puppy. The crate location should also be free from drafts and not too near a direct heat source. Admittedly, a dog crate is not among those items considered "beautiful" furnishings ... it does however provide your puppy with his own room, and enables your home to remain intact while the pups training is progressing.


Tomorrow I'm going to research more about training a dog to be crate trained (puppies and older dogs). AND we did go to the dog park on Monday so I have a video of that I'm going to put together on Friday and also share our experiences :) Can't wait!