As every dog owner, trainer, and professional knows, crate training dogs is so crucial, as it provides so many benefits. A crate provides a safe space, allowing for dogs to enjoy some much needed relaxation time for themselves. Not only that, but crates ensure that dogs are well protected during travel- whether it's via plane or car. Fortunately, crate training doesn’t have to be a complicated process, and there are many incredible resources out there for dog owners to best assist them through the process (see our guide to crate training your dog).
However, as every dog owner knows, no two dogs have the same temperament or personality. Thus, you can’t take a “one size fits all” approach to finding the best crate for your dog. Every dog has their own unique needs, so it's important to invest in a crate that’s best suited for your dog’s behavior and lifestyle.
Why Should You Crate Your Dog?
Many people within the dog community likely hear many praises of crate training dogs, but some people may not be aware of the endless benefits crate training provides- for both you and your dog. Whether you’re at home or on the go, a durable crate ensures your pup always has a secure environment to keep them away from harm.
The Benefits of Crate Training
- Crates provide a safe, relaxing space for dogs
- Crates protect your dog during vehicle or airplane transport
- Crates can aid with housetraining
- Crates can keep your dog safe during emergencies
- Crates protect your pup and your home
Moreover, a secure crate can be a great tool for managing and decreasing anxiety in dogs. Nowadays, there are still some misconceptions about crate training dogs suffering from anxiety, as some people may assume that’s counterintuitive and heightens their anxiety. In actuality, it's the exact opposite. A heavy duty dog crate is one of the most commonly recommended solutions for helping a dog overcome their separation anxiety.
So why is that? It’s pretty common for dogs to sometimes get overwhelmed when there is a lot going on around them. However, this feeling is much more heightened when the dog is suffering from anxiety, as loud or busy environments can be particularly triggering for them. By ensuring your pup has a secure crate, you’re essentially providing them with their very own safe space where they can relax and de-stress. You’ve probably heard many people say that dogs are “den animals”. Well, there is some truth to that, as dogs are naturally inclined to seek out their own safe, quiet places to retreat to when they’re feeling overwhelmed. For dogs struggling with anxiety, having a safe space is even more crucial for them.
What Causes Dogs to Escape Their Crates?
When starting the crate training process for your dogs, it's actually quite normal for them to feel intimidated or even scared of their new crate. Think about it, wouldn’t you be a little nervous about a new, unfamiliar environment? Hence, it’s important to help your dog get adjusted to their new crate, which is most effectively done by crate training them. However, there are instances where dogs can still be unsettled by crates, which can prompt them to embark on some destructive escape attempts. So what causes this behavior in dogs?
One of the most common reasons why dogs escape- or attempt to- escape their crates is because they are suffering from anxiety. Yes, just like us humans, dogs can experience mental health conditions such as anxiety. Dogs suffering from anxiety are more prone to adopting certain anxiety-induced habits, such as excessive whining, barking, or chewing. When anxious dogs are secured in flimsy wire crates, these crates are often an easy target for anxious escape artists.
Nonetheless, a secure crate can be a great tool for managing and decreasing anxiety in dogs. Nowadays, there are still some misconceptions about crate training dogs suffering from anxiety, as some people may assume that’s counterintuitive and heightens their anxiety. In actuality, it's the exact opposite. A heavy duty dog crate is one of the most commonly recommended solutions for helping a dog overcome their separation anxiety. However, it’s absolutely crucial that your dog has an escape-proof crate that offers them the maximum protection.
So why is that? It’s pretty common for dogs to sometimes get overwhelmed when there is a lot going on around them. However, this feeling is much more heightened when the dog is suffering from anxiety, as loud or busy environments can be particularly triggering for them. By ensuring your pup has a secure crate, you’re essentially providing them with their very own safe space where they can relax and de-stress. You’ve probably heard many people say that dogs are “den animals”. Well, there is some truth to that, as dogs are naturally inclined to seek out their own safe, quiet places to retreat to when they’re feeling overwhelmed. For dogs struggling with anxiety, having a safe space is even more crucial for them. That being said, flimsy wire or plastic crates offer little to no protection for escape artist dogs, as they are not constructed to withstand destructive behavior. Thus, for anxious dogs to receive the soothing benefits of a crate, dog owners must invest in a crate that will actually keep them safe and secure inside.
Why You Should Invest in an Escape-proof Crate
Oftentimes, anxious escape-artist dogs will go through many different crates, leaving their owners feeling quite frustrated. For example, after their dog effortlessly destroys a flimsy wire crate, a dog owner may next invest in a plastic crate. Well, plastic crates, like wire crates, lack structural stability and are likely to meet the same fate. While your dog escaping their crate is likely not going to be the end of the world, it’s important to recognize that there are more hidden dangers than you may initially realize.
Photo credit: Adam Szantay. Read how Impact Dog Crates helped his Husky, Dakota, overcome his Separation Anxiety here.
When dogs embark on their epic escape attempts, this usually causes severe damage to the crate (if it's not completely destroyed). So not only can escape-artist dogs cause financial burdens, but there are many hidden costs and dangers as well. For dog owners, the financial burden of having to constantly buy new crates can be extreme.
Moreover, for dogs suffering from anxiety, their destruction may not stop at just the crate. A secure crate can ensure that anxious pups are not able to partake in destructive habits, such as tearing up the couch cushions or chewing the baseboards. However, if a dog is able to easily escape from their crate, there is nothing stopping them from resorting back to these destructive habits. So, while you may be at work believing your dog is safe and secure in their crate back at home, they’re actually just getting started on tearing up your favorite pair of shoes.
Furthermore, unfortunately, dogs escaping their crate (or attempting to) can also result in injuries of various degrees. When a dog exerts force on a wire crate during their escape efforts, it’s not uncommon for the wires to come undone- and be left poking out. Needless to say, wires sticking out or being bent can pose a serious risk of injury to dogs. Additionally, many dogs may try to chew their way out of a wire or plastic crate, resulting in damage to their mouth or lost teeth.
As every dog owner knows, nothing hurts us more than seeing our precious pups in pain. Thus, while it’s easy to dismiss your dog’s escape artist tendencies as nothing more than a nuisance, it’s of paramount importance to recognize that this behavior can seriously jeopardize their safety.
So, how can dog owners prevent this endless cycle of having to continuously purchase new crates for their escape artist pups? The answer may be simpler than you might think. Rather than going through numerous poorly made crates that can’t withstand your dog’s skilled escape attempts, instead, invest in an escape-proof crate designed to provide a lifetime of protection- for even the most skilled escape artists.
Investing in an escape-proof crate for your pup will also provide you with unparalleled peace of mind knowing that your canine companion is safe and secure. As detailed above, a secure crate can be a very powerful tool for managing your dog’s anxiety, providing them with a much needed safe enclosure where they can de-stress. Plus, with a heavy duty dog crate, dog owners will have complete confidence that their home will remain undisturbed and not face any anxiety-induced dog destruction. Thus, investing in a crate protects not only your dog, but your home too. It’s a win-win.
Fortunately, there are speciality dog crates constructed to put your dog’s safety first- even if they are a Houdini level escape artist.
The Impact High Anxiety Dog Crate
The Impact High Anxiety Dog Crate is the one-of-a-kind dog crate that is meticulously designed to protect anxious or destructive dogs. Constructed from heavy duty aluminum, this crate takes safety to a whole new level. With unique security features designed to prioritize your pet’s safety, this one-of-a-kind crate is unparalleled for escape-artist canines. Trusted by veterinarians, dog trainers, and pet professionals worldwide, the Impact High Anxiety Dog Crate is the premier crate of choice for escape artist dogs.
Constructed from 62% thicker aluminum alloy and equipped with four secure butterfly latches, the High Anxiety Dog Crate is built to withstand even the most determined escape artists. With a steel paddle latch for extra reinforcement, this escape-proof crate offers unmatched durability and protection for your four legged friend. Additionally, the crate’s smart engineering ensures your dog’s safety and wellbeing while they are inside of the crate. The small ventilation holes throughout, measuring 0.05 inches, are specifically designed to provide proper ventilation while also prioritizing your dog’s safety, as the small size prevents dogs from getting their teeth or nails stuck.
Furthermore, smart features make the crate very functional for everyday use. Military grade handles make transporting the crate easy and the stackable corners allow dog owners to save space in by stacking like-size crates. To provide the maximum protection for dogs of all breeds and sizes, the Impact High Anxiety Dog Crate is available in five sizes and three colors.
Knowing the importance of providing peace of mind for dog owners, this industry leading crate is the #1 choice for keeping escape artist dogs safe and calm. Going above and beyond for pet safety, the Impact High Anxiety Dog Crate is backed up by a Lifetime Dog Damage Guarantee and Lifetime Warranty. At Impact Dog Crates, we stand behind our products, which is why we make this promise for our High Anxiety Dog Crate: if your dog breaks it, we’ll replace it. With the Impact High Anxiety Dog Crate, invest in the only crate you will ever need for your escape artist pup, guaranteed.
To learn more about how an Impact High Anxiety Dog Crate can make a difference in your dog's life, check out the following testimonials: A Dog's Anxiety Journey: How an Impact Dog Crate Changed Everything, How Impact Dog Crates Changed Zeus's Life, and How Impact Dog Crates Helped this Dog's Separation Anxiety.
