Are you looking to purchase a crate for your dog, but aren’t sure which one to choose? Dog crates can be very useful. They provide a sanctuary for your pet when it needs some privacy, they serve as an important training tool, and they’re a necessary item for travel. 

But, with all the options out there, choosing the right dog crate can sometimes be difficult. 

If you’re not sure which crate to purchase, check out this guide to learn the top tips for choosing the right dog crate. 

1. Figure Out the Correct Crate Size 

First things first, you need to figure out the right-sized crate for your pup. Just as you would be uncomfortable sleeping in a bed that’s too small, so too will your dog be uncomfortable sleeping in a crate that they feel cramped in. 

To figure out the correct crate size, you’re going to need to bust out the tape measure. 

Length

To figure out the appropriate crate length, have your dog stand on all fours and measure them from the base of their tail to their nose’s tip. 

When measuring, it’s best to have your dog’s tail pointing into the air. If it’s sticking straight out at a parallel angle to the floor, then you’ll end up with a crate that’s too large. Once you’ve measured the length of your dog, add two to four inches to that measurement. This will tell you how long the crate should be. 

Height 

To figure out the right crate height, have your dog sit with their bottom on the ground. Then, measure your dog from the top of their head to the floor. Again, add two to four inches to this measurement to determine the crate height. 

Width is not something you need to measure for, as this will be based on the height and length. The only other thing you need to check in terms of dimensions is your dog’s weight. 

If your dog is a normal weight, you shouldn’t have anything to worry about, but you want to make sure your dog’s weight is within the manufacturer’s recommendations. 

2. Consider Your Dog’s Age 

When choosing a crate for your dog, you also want to consider their age. Or, more specifically, how much growing they have left to do. 

If your dog is still a puppy, then it’s best to invest in a crate with a divider panel. Once your puppy begins to grow, you can just remove the divider panel, so they have more space. 

Now, you may be asking yourself, “Why not just buy a big crate and forget about the divider panel?” While this may seem like a good idea, buying too large of a crate can derail your potty training efforts. Your dog may figure out that with the extra space, they can pee in one corner of the crate and sleep in the other. Buying an appropriately-sized crate ensures that this doesn’t happen. 

3. Consider the Different Materials 

Another very important thing to consider when choosing a dog crate is the material. The most popular types of dog crate materials are metal, plastic, fabric, and wood. Here’s what you need to know about each material:

Metal 

If you plan to keep your dog’s crate in one spot in your home, then a metal crate is a good option. 

Metal crates are the most popular among dog owners, as they can be modified in different ways using crate covers, dividers, and furniture. As we mentioned earlier, crate dividers are useful if you have a growing puppy, so metal might be your best bet in this case. 

Metal crates also offer plenty of ventilation, and they make it easy for you and your dog to see each other. If you want to give your dog some privacy, then all you need to do is toss a cover over the crate. 

However, it’s important to keep in mind that metal can be heavy and it’s prone to rust. Also, if your dog is prone to chewing on things, chewing on a metal crate can severely damage their teeth. 

Fabric 

Fabric is another excellent material worth considering. A fabric crate (also referred to as a soft-sided crate) is great for anyone who is looking for a lightweight crate for travel purposes. 

If you’re allowed to bring your dog into work, a soft-sided, portable crate can be easily tucked under your desk. These crates are also inexpensive and allow for easy setup. 

The downside to fabric crates is that they’re not very durable and they can be easy for dogs to escape from. They can also be a bit difficult to clean. You can check out Pet Life for some great fabric crates. 

Plastic 

If your dog needs a bit more privacy while it’s in its crate, then a plastic crate is a great option. 

If you plan on traveling with your dog on a plane, this type of crate is a great option. In addition to allowing for extra privacy, plastic crates also typically come with handles at the top that make them incredibly portable. 

Plastic crates are also great because they’re lightweight, easy to clean, and hard to escape from. Plastic crates also tend to have low ventilation. 

While some may see this as a drawback, the low airflow can actually help insulate your dog from the cold air, which is especially useful when traveling. Many plastic crates can also be converted into dog beds. 

The drawback to plastic crates is that they’re not as attractive as some other options on the market, they can overheat in hot weather, and they can absorb an unpleasant odor over time. 

Wood 

Wood dog crates are another great option for pet owners who plan to keep their crates in one place.

They’re also great for those who have style in mind, as wood crates are definitely the most aesthetically-pleasing crate option available. Wooden crates are also available in many different designs that you can easily integrate with your home decor. 

The downside of wooden crates is that they can be more expensive, and they’re not easy to move around. 

Now that you know what to look for in a dog crate, it’s time to start shopping! Comment below if you have any questions about choosing the right dog crate.

Imagine a lovely summer day in your yard or patio, relaxing in a lawn chair with an icy lemonade and your dear old friend Lucille Nolley on the chair next to you. Or on the floor, or the grass. Lucille is a grande dame, a sylish senior citizen at age 14 who happens to be a Lhasa apso mix. She’s what you call spry—she loves her walks and is a real sweetheart to her friends and anyone she meets. She’s a mellow soul and would love the company of someone content to spend lazy days with her. Because the shelter is closed to the public, adoption appointments are conducted through appointment, so call 562-570-PETS or email AnimalRescue@longbeach.gov to meet Lucille Nolley. Ask for ID#A643709.

(This rescue encouraged by the usual suspects.)

Thufferin’—well, you know. His name’s Sylvester, but the resemblance between his personality and the iconic cartoon character’s ends with his name and color pattern. Syl’s a mere babe at 3 months old, but he promises to be a handsome guy, with that cross between a milk mustache and Salvador Dali’s! No smug attitude like his namesake’s—just a whole lot of friendly and playful—but we’d still keep Tweety Bird at a distance! Because the shelter is closed to the public, adoption appointments are conducted through email, so contact AnimalRescue@longbeach.gov to meet Whiskers. Ask for ID#A643327

.

(This rescue encouraged by the usual suspects.)

When you’ve gone out for dinner in the evening, have you left lights on for your dog? If so, then you’re not alone! Many pet parents do this. But is it really necessary? It depends.

Can Dogs See in the Dark?

Yes, in fact they can see better than we do in the dark. However, they don’t see as well as cats can in the dark. How can dogs see better than we do when there are no lights on?

First, you’ll need to understand how the eyes work. Our eyes and dogs’ eyes have cones and rods, which are light receptors inside the eye. Rods make it easier to see when the light is dim, while cones help us to discern colors.

Dogs have a different number of cones and rods than we do. They have fewer cones than we do, meaning they don’t see as many colors. While we have three, dogs only have 2; researchers aren’t sure what two colors dogs can see, but many believe dogs can see yellow and blue.

In addition, our canine friends have more rods in their eyes, which makes their night vision much better than ours. Dogs also have an extra layer of tissue in the eye called the tapetum lucidum, which literally means “tapestry of light.”

Have you seen your dog’s eyes glow in a photo or when the light hits just right? In a photo, you may see your dogs’ eyes flow yellow or green. That’s the tapetum. The tissue reflects light onto the retina, somewhat in the same way a mirror shines light. The effect is that dogs have more night vision. They can see in the dark and when there’s a limited amount of light.

Even though dogs can see better in the dark than we can, they’re not able to see when it’s totally dark.

Along with the ability to better in the dark, dogs also have 250-degree vision, compared to our 190-degree vision. This wider field of vision allows more light into the eye, making it easier for them to see in low-light or darkness.

What About Leaving My Dog in the Dark?

The answer depends on the circumstances. Just like us, dogs usually sleep at night, in the dark. They don’t need a light on in most cases. So, it may not be necessary to leave a light on for your dog when you’re home and in bed sleeping. Your dog knows the routine and will settle down to sleep.

If you go out for the evening and leave your fur baby at home, he may feel better if you leave the light on. Some dogs may feel afraid of the dark when you’re not there. This could be a part of separation anxiety. Other dogs may be scared of the dark if they were abused or neglected before you adopted them. Sometimes it may be difficult to tell if your canine companion is afraid because you’re away, or if he’s had reason to be afraid in the past.

Is My Dog Afraid of the Dark?

You may be able to test whether or not your pup is afraid of the dark. One thing to try is leading your dog into a dimly lit room and watching his response. Or you could pretend to be going out for the evening, leaving your dog in the dark at home.

Some people have found their dogs will become more vocal when left alone in the dark. Their dogs will bark, howl, cry and whine. These could be signs that a dog is afraid of the dark and/or experiencing separation anxiety. One more cause could be that he is experiencing vision troubles, so he can’t see very well in the dim light or the dark. This could be a problem that develops in older dogs, or dogs that have certain eye/vision conditions.

Dogs may also act out when they’re alone in the dark. They may become more destructive, chewing up anything and everything as a way to release their fear or anxiety. You may come home to find couch pillows in shreds scattered over the living room, or maybe your dog has knocked over and chewed the potted plants, etc.

Other dogs may hide in a small space, such as a bathroom or under a table or bed while you’re away. And they may be more sensitive to noises outside your home at night.

If you believe your dog is suffering from separation anxiety, then it’s a good idea to talk to the vet about this. Anxiety is a medical condition that can be treated with medications and/or behavioral modification.

Your fur baby may have a vision problem, which will also need to be checked by the vet.

Maybe your fur baby just doesn’t like being alone in the dark—that’s OK.

Ways to Help Your Dog Feel More Comfortable in a Darker Setting

There are some things you can do to help your dog feel more comfortable when it’s dark.

1). Use light timers or light sensitive bulbs: one solution is to buy some light timers or light sensitive bulbs. Timers will turn the lights on at a time you set. Light sensitive bulbs will turn on when the light becomes dim. Either method will turn on lights for your dog, so he can feel better.

2). Use night lights: for dogs that have vision problems in the dark, nigh lights can help the dog to see better. For instance, if your pup sleeps with you at night, but then goes to another room or downstairs, leave night lights along the route he uses. This way he’ll be able to see better and feel safer in the dark.

3). Leave a radio or TV on: this may be helpful for dogs that are suffering from separation anxiety. You may choose to leave the TV or a radio on while you’re away for the evening. This way, your fur baby will have some normal sounds in the background to soothe and calm him. It will feel like he’s not alone.

Did you know there are TV programs and YouTube videos that are made especially for dogs? These often work well for dogs who have separation anxiety. However, if your canine companion has a strong prey instinct, you may want to avoid programming that includes small animals like squirrels, etc. Your dog may get so excited he decides to chase that animal on the screen, knocking over the TV in the process!

Being afraid of the dark, experiencing vision problems in low-light, or having separation anxiety in the dark can be scary for some dogs. It’s OK to leave the light on while you’re away to make it easier for your canine companion to get around and feel more comfortable.

Orange cats are special—they just are. This boy, just 11 months old, is already a Captain! Yep, that’s his name—we think that his good looks, charm, kindness and constant desire to be held raised him in the ranks. Despite what the song says, you don’t need to wait another day for the Captain of your heart. The ship’s come in! Because the shelter is closed to the public, adoption appointments are conducted through appointment, so call 562-570-PETS or email AnimalRescue@longbeach.gov to meet Ninja. Ask for ID#A643336 and special instructions about Ninja’s care and condition.

(This rescue encouraged by the usual suspects.)

Could Anne be any more adorable, or any more obvious that she’s making up to you so you’ll take her home? Anne’s a silly girl who loves to play at being shy, but she’s actually coquettish—or is that co-cat-ish? She’s a year-old tabby who loves nothing more than to lounge around and turn her world literally upside down! If you’d like Anne to do the same for you, find out how you can adopt her by calling 562-570-PETS or emailing AnimalRescue@longbeach.gov. Our shelter’s closed to the public right now, so adoptions are conducted through appointment. When you contact us, specify Anne and ID#A642922 .

(This rescue encouraged by the usual suspects.)