In recent years, many households have become more pet-centric than ever before. As more and more people become dog owners, proper pet care has become even more essential. A crucial element of pet ownership is investing in high-quality products and care that keeps your four-legged friends happy, healthy, and safe.
Dog crates are one of the top must-have products for pet owners around the world, as a secure crate ensures your canine companion is receiving the safety they deserve whether you're at home or on the go. While many dog owners understand the necessity of getting a crate for their dog, it’s also important that dog owners understand how vital it is to get the right crate for your dog. Not all dog crates offer the same features and benefits, so we’re breaking down which crate option is best for your precious pup.
Why Crate Your Dog?
A high-quality dog crate provides many benefits for dogs. Not only do many pups enjoy the comfort and security that this “den-like” environment provides, but a crate keeps your dog and home safe too. Additionally, crate training itself can be a great tool for encouraging positive behavior and emotional regulation. Thus, crate training is really a win-win for dogs and their human counterparts. Take a look at some of the biggest benefits of crate training your dog:
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Crates can aid in potty training.
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Crate training can be a powerful tool for encouraging positive behavior.
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Dog crates protect your pup and your home.
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During an emergency, a crate will keep your dog safe.
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Vehicle and airplane travel is safer with dog crates.
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Crates provide a safe, comforting space for your dog to relax.
What to Know About Wire Crates
For many dog owners looking for the perfect crates, wire crates are typically some of the first options to come to mind. Not only have wire crates been around practically forever, but they are readily available at most pet stores. Additionally, they tend to be the cheapest dog crate option.
That being said, while wire crates may seem like a great choice at first glance- they most certainly are not. Wire crates have a very weak structure, making them very susceptible to dog-related damage. Unfortunately, this is why wire crates are not even close to being the top choice for dog safety. In fact, wire crates can be incredibly dangerous for dogs, seriously injuring many dogs every year.
During escape attempts, or even just regular day-to-day playing, it’s common for the crate wires to become dislodged, bent, or broken. Needless to say, no dog owner wants the sharp edge of a wire bar to be anywhere near their dog. Unfortunately, due to the poor construction of wire crates, it is very common for dogs to injure themselves in these crates- especially during escape attempts.
Another downside to wire crates is that they are not durable, meaning that they break easily and frequently require replacements. So while their low price tag may be appealing, dog owners should prepare to incur additional costs through repurchasing crates after their wire crates break, a cycle that can be incredibly frustrating. Furthermore, in extreme cases where dogs are seriously injured, dog owners may also be faced with high veterinarian bills as well. Thus, not only do wire crates pose serious safety risks for dogs, but the short lifespan of wire crates make them a poor investment for many dog owners.
What to Know About Plastic Crates
Another crate option for dogs are plastic crates. Generally speaking, plastic crates tend to have a superior build quality than wire crates. Plastic dog crates have a thicker overall construction than wire crates, and they do not have the potentially dangerous sharp edges found in many wire crates. Thus, dog owners can expect plastic crates to offer an overall superior level of protection in comparison to flimsy wire crates.
Look at the damage this dog was able to do without a secure crate!
However, plastic crates can still pose a significant risk for many dogs due to their construction. While wire crates can be easily broken or bent, plastic crates are more likely to face chewing related damage. Dogs suffering from anxiety tend to be more prone to chewing, and the interior of plastic crates offers very little resistance against avid chewers. Even though plastic crates are more difficult to escape from than wire crates, the chewable material of these crates make them another poor choice for pet protection.
There are numerous distinctions between plastic and wire crates. Wire crates typically have a thinner construction than plastic crates, taking up less space overall. However, the biggest difference between these two crate styles is their collapsing capabilities. Wire crates can easily fold down, allowing for convenient storage when not in use. On the other hand, most plastic crates are stationary and do not fold down, taking up valuable space in your home. For pet owners living in smaller spaces or who anticipate storing their crate for long periods, a stationary plastic crate will be a massive inconvenience.
What to Know About Impact Dog Crates
Impact Dog Crates, unlike wire or plastic crates, are built from heavy-duty aluminum. With their sturdy construction, these crates offer an unparalleled level of safety and security for dogs.
Unlike wire dog crates, which contain many potentially dangerous components, Impact Dog Crates are meticulously designed to put pet safety first. The smooth aluminum material means there are no sharp wires for your dog to injure themselves with, nor are there any plastic corners for your dog to chew on.
Impact Dog Crates are also equipped with smart features to make keeping your pup safe easier than ever. The Impact Collapsible Dog Crate provides premier protection for dogs of all breeds and sizes- and it can easily fold down to just 8 inches tall when not in use. For anxious dogs, the stationary escape-proof High Anxiety Dog Crate is designed specifically to provide a safe and calming environment. This crate model is even equipped with smaller ventilation holes that are specifically engineered to prevent dogs from chewing or getting their nails stuck.
Another primary difference between plastic or wire crates and Impact Dog Crates is the price. Wire and plastic crates are generally a cheaper option, whereas Impact Dog Crates are more expensive upfront. However, dog owners should keep in mind the difference in lifetime value that each crate provides. Wire and plastic crates are not built to last, resulting in dog owners having to spend more money frequently replacing crates. Additionally, many dog owners with escape-artist pups have seen first-hand the household damage that dogs can do after breaking out of their wire or plastic crates. While the upfront costs of wire or plastic crates may seem low, these costs can quickly rise when you take into account the cost of destroyed furniture, the unexpected vet visits, and the cost of replacing your broken crates. So what is the solution? Invest in an Impact Dog Crate to provide a lifetime of unparalleled protection for your furry friend.
Impact Dog Crates are designed to be the last crate you will ever need. So while the upfront costs may be higher than plastic or wire crates, it’s a one-time investment with no hidden costs later on.
The Final Verdict: Why Investing in an Impact Dog Crate is Worth It
As every dog owner knows, our four-legged companions make life so much better- which is why they deserve nothing less than the best care. A secure crate should be a lifetime investment in the safety, comfort, and security of your precious pup. While there are many various crate options on the market, when it comes to the protection of your dog, the choice is clear.
Investing in an Impact Dog Crate gives dog owners peace of mind knowing their precious pup is receiving the safety and security they deserve. Discover why dog owners and pet professionals worldwide trust Impact Dog Crates to protect their pups here.
