Everybody needs their own private space, a haven where they can relax and recharge. That includes your pet, which is why a dog crate is one of the best gifts you can give your new pup. If your dog is comfortable in their crate, it can be a safe and secure place for them, as well as a helpful training tool. The best dog crates provide coziness and a place that belongs just to them.

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Crates are also often used when housetraining puppies, because most dogs will not soil their space if they can help it. Likewise, for puppies who are going through a chewing phase, short periods of crate time can help with controlling their chewing behavior.

The key is using your dog crate strategically and not for extended periods of time.

&#;If you want your dog to crate happily, then it should never be a punishment,&#; explains Irith Bloom, a certified dog trainer, certified behavior consultant, and owner of The Sophisticated Dog in Los Angeles, California.  &#;Your crate should be a happy, safe place for your dog.&#;

So, how do you choose the best dog crate? Let us guide you to the perfect pick.

What&#;s Your Dog Like?

Knowing your pup well will help you choose a safe and comfortable crate for them. Here are a few questions to answer when purchasing the best dog crate for your pet.

• How big (or not so big) is your dog? When choosing a dog crate, the top factor to consider is size. Your dog should be able to walk into the crate without crouching down, and be able to comfortably turn around with the door shut. Because dogs are usually taller when sitting, it&#;s OK if they are unable to sit up in the crate, but they should have plenty of room to stand. A good way to determine the correct size is to measure your dog&#;s height when standing (top of the dog&#;s head to the floor) and length (tip of the dog&#;s nose to the base of its tail). Then, add 4 inches to the dog&#;s measurements to determine the best dog crate size. Get more tips on measuring your dog for a crate.

  After you&#;ve figured out what size crate you need, measure the area of your home where the crate will be kept to make sure it fits.

• Will your dog grow? Puppies need a smaller space right now, but plenty of room as they grow bigger. If your new pet is a puppy, consider a crate with divider panels, like the Frisco Fold & Carry Double Door Dog Crate. Dividers prevent a dog from having too much space and can be adjusted as the puppy grows into the crate.
• Does your dog want to look around? Some dogs really like to see what&#;s around them, but for other dogs, feeling exposed can heighten their anxiety. Think about whether your dog would do best in a covered crate or a more open one.
• Will your dog try to escape? Crate usage and crate training go hand-in-hand in ensuring your dog feels secure in their crate. &#;You don&#;t want a dog that injures itself trying to escape its crate,&#; Bloom says. &#;If the dog is uncomfortable, they are much more likely to hurt themselves in a wire crate than in a soft sided dog crate. Although it would take some time and effort, a dog could chew its way out of a soft dog crate. On the other hand, dogs can break their toenails and teeth trying to escape the bars of a wire crate.&#;

  Find out how to teach your dog to be calm in their crate.

You should also consider the size and layout of your home when making your decision. Will you need to put your dog&#;s crate away when it&#;s not in use? Consider a collapsible crate for easier storage. Crates with multiple doors give you more flexibility when it comes to positioning the crate in your home. And if you plan to use your soft-sided crate outside, look for water-resistant material.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What size crate should I get for my dog?
The size of the crate should be determined by the size your dog will be when he is fully grown. A divider panel can be used to adjust the length of the living space as your puppy grows. Ultimately, your full grown dog should be able to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably in his crate. MidWest offers a breed size chart for help with determining the crate size recommended for your dog.

Where can I purchase a replacement pan?
Replacement pans can be purchased by contacting us direct at 800-428- to place an order with Visa/MC/Discover. You can also purchase online through multiple pet stores. Find a list of retailers or Google &#;Midwest replacement pan&#;, to find specific sites that sell them. Our product does have a year warranty, pan included. If you&#;re still within warranty, please contact Customer Service at 800-428- and we&#;ll send you the pan at no charge. Just have a copy of your sales receipt, online order confirmation, or credit card statement handy.

Can I purchase direct from Midwest?
MidWest does not sell direct.

Does your product have a warranty?
Our product has a one year warranty against manufacturing defects only. The warranty does not cover damage by the dog. Find more information about our warranty here.

What is the hook on the side of my crate, what do I do with it?
That is the locking clip and the only purpose it serves is to hold the crate together when it&#;s in the folded, carry position. When not in use, it just lays off the side of the crate.

How do I install the stabilizers on my exercise pen?
The stabilizers are separated by sliding them apart. They are then placed on the edge of the top of the panel, where the panels come together. Hold the panels straight and then roll the stabilizer on, making the moon shape go over where the panels come together.

What do I do with the divider panel that came with my crate?
Initially, your pup&#;s home may be too big for him. Puppies tend to sleep in one end of the home and eliminate in the other end, their natural instinct being to keep themselves and their homes clean. MidWest Divider Panels are designed to solve this problem and help you control your pup&#;s elimination. Just insert a divider panel into the home allowing only enough room for your puppy to lie down. Not wanting to eliminate where he sleeps, he&#;ll stand up and let you know when he has to &#;go,&#; so you can take him out. As your puppy grows, you can move the divider panel back to accommodate his larger size. Eventually, he&#;ll be big enough&#;and well-trained enough regarding his elimination habits&#;that you can remove the divider panel altogether.

What should I do if I&#;m missing a piece from my product?
Contact our Customer Service by at 800-428- (Mon &#; Fri, 9am &#; 4pm EST) or send an to . Be sure to include as much information as possible, such as your product&#;s brand name (iCrate, LifeStages, QuietTime, etc.) as well as the product&#;s item number. 

The company is the world’s best dog crate manufacturers supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.