Demystify Dog Crates

A dog crate is simply a secure enclosure designed for dogs.

Modern dog crates come in various sizes, from small dog crates for toy breeds and puppies to extra-large dog crates for gentle giants such as Bernese Mountain Dogs.

They include designs that are tailor-made for travel or even dual-purpose dog crate furniture, offering style alongside practicality for your home.

Whether you’re looking for dog crates for travelling or for everyday use at home, choosing the right one is crucial for your dog’s well-being. But why are dog crates so widely used?

Every dog needs a den.

A place to relax, where they can feel secure and recover and decompress if they feel stressed. A dog crate can be a great option for this. If you set it up with comfy bedding and toys, it quickly becomes this safe space. Ideal for new puppies or nervous rescues. When introduced in the right way, you will find that dogs will seek out their crate when they need to take a break.

Keeping your dog secure

When travelling with your dog, a travel dog crate can provide a consistent and familiar environment, which can help reduce the stress and anxiety of being in a moving vehicle. Specialist dog crates for travelling can also keep your dog secure. This enclosed space can help reduce the risk of injury caused by sudden braking, sharp turns, or unexpected impacts.

Rest & Recovery

If your dog has undergone surgery or sustained an injury, veterinarians often recommend a dog crate to ensure your dog rests and recovers safely.  Crate rest can make post-operative care much easier and can help avoid accidental aggravation of wounds.

Helping housebreaking puppies

It’s a fact that puppies generally try to avoid going to the toilet where they sleep. This means that crate training your puppy can help reinforce toilet training. Using a crate helps puppies learn bladder control and supports faster house training.

Keeping curious dogs safe when left alone.

A dog crate is an ideal way of keeping curious dogs safe when left alone. If you have a puppy or own a dog who is known to be a little mischievous, a crate is the ideal way to keep them safe and contained while you pop out to do quick errands. It’s also a great choice for creating a safe space when you have visitors or deliveries. A safe and calm home is a happy home for everyone.

Controlling destructive behaviour

Proper crate training can help control destructive behaviour such as barking and anxiety. Giving your dog a defined, secure area helps provide them with confidence in new or stressful situations.

Dog crates are used in many professional settings across the UK, including:

• In Police Work
  Police use reinforced dog crates in their vehicles to ensure police dogs are protected during transport and can get much-needed rest securely between deployments.
• Rescue and Welfare
  Animal charities and rescues use crates every day. Crates can help settle new arrivals, aid with adjustment to their new environment, health checks, quarantine, and behavioural observation.
• Professional Transport
  Businesses, including Bruce’s Doggy Day Care, use dog crates on minibuses for secure transport to and from daycare. Crates provide a space where dogs can travel calmly and safely, minimising stress and maximising comfort.
• Day Care Centres
  Secure, sanitised dog crates are used for quiet time and safe isolation if a dog becomes overwhelmed or unwell.
• Dog Grooming and Veterinary
  Crates also help manage dogs safely during dog grooming or medical procedures. They help reduce anxiety and support a calm and controlled environment.

Size matters when it comes to choosing a dog crate.

They are there to aid a dog’s comfort and safety, so they should be large enough for a dog to stand up without ducking, turn around, and lie down. 

Here’s a quick guide on how to find the right size crate for your pooch:

• Measure your dog from nose to tail and add a few extra inches to find the right crate length.
• Make sure your dog will have enough space to be able to stand, turn, and lie flat stretched out.
• If you are buying a crate for your puppy, make sure you select a crate that they can grow into. If needed, you can always use dividers to reduce the space whilst they are small.
• Travel dog crates, which are used for shorter periods, should be smaller than home crates for safety reasons. This helps minimise your dog’s movement just in case there is a sudden stop.

Crates are available in XS to XL sizes.

Picking the right type of crate starts with understanding how each style works and what it’s best suited for.

• Wire Crates
  These are a go-to choice for puppies and early training because they’re budget-friendly, sturdy, and let plenty of air flow through. Found in most pet stores, they often come with a divider panel so you can shrink or expand the space as your puppy grows.
  Wire crates are also simple to clean and can be folded up when you need to move them.
• Furniture-Style Crates
  If you are looking for a more modern permanent crate, a furniture-style crate could be the right choice. Made from materials like particleboard and steel, these crates are designed to blend right in with your home décor. Think end table or side table that just happens to be a dog crate. They come in lots of finishes to match your room.
  One thing to note is that they may not be the best choice for pups who love to chew everything in sight.
• Soft-Sided / Fabric Crates
  These lightweight, fold-flat crates are perfect for quick trips, hotel stays, or bringing a crate-trained dog into a new environment. Just keep in mind they’re not meant for heavy, everyday use and won’t stand up to puppies or dogs who like to gnaw or scratch.
• Travel Crates
  Built with car safety in mind, these crates are the perfect way to take your dog with you on family days out and holidays. Options include crates made for your model of car, and some travel crates are even crash-tested. It is required by law to make sure your dog is suitably restrained in the car, and a solid travel crate is one of the safest ways to do that.

At Bruce’s Doggy Day Care, we always use professionally-fitted, secure crate systems specially designed for dog safety and comfort when travelling in our doggy buses, ensuring every dog enjoys a safe, calm journey to and from our day care centres.

On-site, we have crates, and other partitioned areas available for rest, naps, feeding or situations where a dog needs their own peaceful space. Bruce’s is proud to offer dogs the freedom to run free and explore acres of secure green space, therefore the use of crates is limited and they are only used for short periods for specific reasons such as rest, feeding or at an owner’s request. 

Our approach prioritises welfare and comfort, with every crate sized appropriately. Visiting our centres, you’ll see crate options as functional as they are comfortable, supporting dogs’ well-being throughout their stay.