Having a functional dog crate is just part of dog ownership. They are often used for training, for restraining puppies who might harm themselves or your furnishings by chewing and can provide a secure retreat for older animals that might find visiting children too boisterous for comfort. It can also provide a secure place for your pet when workmen enter your home, or you are moving things in and out -- a perfect opportunity for your pet to "escape" into a dangerous wider world.
Bedside Table Crates
Giving your best friend a place to stay right beside your bed can be beneficial for you both. Dogs are pack animals and enjoy your close company, as their best and favorite pack member. By giving them a place near your bed, they are able to rest comfortably without being on your bed. A bedside crate can also be a safe place for your dog when you have guests who are not dog-friendly. Open grates can allow your pup to peer out and not feel confined.
Credenzas and End Tables
Credenza or end table crates also help with training a dog that is new to the family. It allows your new family member to be near you in a protected situation that can help him or her become used to those who are already resident – both human and four footed. Keep in mind that training crates are best used for limited amounts of time, rather than for lengthy absences. If you have a canine best friend who must be left behind for several hours, a doggy daycare might be a better choice. With that said, a credenza or end table can provide a protected area for your best friend to retreat from visitors who have become too friendly with a shy or nervous dog.
Slide Away Fronts
Slide away openings can slip back into the kennel cavity, putting the door out of the way. This allows the kennel to become a safe den where your pup can keep favorite toys, a rug or two or even an old garment of yours, giving your dog a special place of his or her own.