8 Best Alternatives to Dog Crates For Safe Resting Spaces
Dogs are animals that want to live a free life. Not every dog enjoys a crate and kennel. When you leave your dog alone at home and want their safety, you some times confined in a crate. At the same time, crate training can create personal space for your dog and prevent them from getting into trouble when you’re away. So, it is essential to ito know that a crate should never be used as a punishment. If you use it for punishment, your dog does not feel comfortable and safe with you.
You must ensure your dog is relaxed or comfortable in the crate. If it doesn’t like the crates, alternatives to dog crates are available to keep them safe while you’re out of the house. These crate alternatives can provide a sense of security for your dog.
What to Do When Your Dog Dislikes the Crate?
If your dog shows a strong dislike for the crate, there are alternative approaches you can consider. While crate training is commonly recommended, it is not the only way to raise well-behaved dogs.
For the training of the crate, you have to make sure that the crate is the right size for your dog. It should be spacious enough for them to stand, turn around, and lie comfortably. You must also check the crate for sharp edges or uncomfortable elements that might bother your dog.
Add comfort items such as safe toys, blankets, or crate mats to make the crate more attractive. These can make the space feel cosy and familiar to your dog. You also have to consider the location of the crate as well. If your dog feels lonely or isolated in a particular spot, try moving the crate to a more central area where it can feel connected to the family.
8 Best Alternatives Ideas to Dog Crates
Using Baby Gates or Dog Gates for Pet Safety
Baby gates or dog gates are the best alternatives for dog crates. You feel more secure by using the dog cates in front of the place where you kept your dog. Dogs feel comfortable and convenient without crates. Gates are easier to clean and allow your dogs to view the surrounding from the gates.
You must log for the long gate according to your dog’s size. Don’t choose a short gate if your dog is large. This is comfortable for every dog breed. It also prevents them from going outside through the bars.
For smaller dogs, baby gates can work as well. But measuring your dog’s height is essential to prevent them from jumping over the entrance. If your dog is decided to escape, consider adding extra protection like a baby blanket or pillows to keep them safely contained.
Using a Playpen
A playpen is an excellent alternative to dog crates. It provides a safe and fixed place for dogs to place them in it. It is the same as a small house for your dog to put in them. It is a good choice if you want to give your dog a separate place to sleep and play. This also helps them stay safe from the outside and feel comfortable in their home.
Nowadays, there are two forms of playpens indoor and outdoor. The indoor playpen is commonly made with wire mesh and is usually placed in any room or lunch inside the house. The outdoor playpen is a weatherproof canvas and can be placed anywhere in your home.
Playpens are particularly useful for puppies during house training and older dogs that need extra exercise. They can also be a positive way to introduce dogs with terrible crate experiences to confinement. However, they may not be suitable for dogs that tend to escape or chew through things.
Creating a Pet-Friendly Room
It is the best choice to make a separate and comfortable room for your beloved dog. Suppose you want to give your dog a different place to live. It would help if you considered changing a room into a dog-friendly area. Every dog wants a separate site in which they live happily and freely. Building your dog in its room is an excellent option to keep it safe and the best alternative to dog crates.
Suppose you are wondering how to build a separate room for dogs. Then I will give to some advice on making it. Because I have a dog named Jeny, I also built a separate room with toys in it for it. I feel pleased to live in it. There are various ways to create a dog-friendly space. If you want to make room outside for the dog, you can set up an outdoor kennel in your backyard. It gives your pup a private spot and a place to go outside. You can also create an indoor dog-friendly room using pet-friendly furniture and accessories, now readily available. Even without unique furniture, there are simple things you can do to make your home more welcoming for your furry friend. Just remove any dangerous items from the room and add interactive dog toys for entertainment. Having a designated dog-friendly room gives your beloved pet a cosy and secure spot to call their own, even when you’re not around.
Using Exercise Pens
Exercise pens are also the best alternatives to dog crates to give your dog a separate and safe place to live. It is more significant than the playpen, but it has the same purpose of keeping your dog safe. It is significant in size, in which your dog plays and lives freely. They feel comfortable in it because there is a significant place in it. Like the playpen, you can also use it indoors and outdoors. They are suitable for all kinds of dogs. But it would help if you kept your dog inside when there is bad weather and rain outsole to keep it dry and safe.
You have a slow option to buy the readymade exercise pen and create one for your dog. You can cover it with any fibre and use the wire playpen to set it up anywhere. But you need to check the exercise pen regularly to see that it is good in condition and safe for your dog. With an exercise pen, your furry friend will have ample space to play and stretch their legs, keeping them happy and active even when you’re not around.
Safe and Spacious Backyard
A fenced yard can be a great alternative to crating your dog. It gives your do the freedom to roam and play outdoors. But ensuring your fence is escape-proof before letting your pup loose is essential.
An escape-proof fence should be at least six feet tall, preventing your dog from climbing or jumping over it. Permanently close the gate securely when letting your dog outside to avoid any unexpected adventures in the house. Having a secure and fenced-in backyard is a great convenience for your dog if they don’t have a habit of digging or trying to escape. It can be one of the best alternatives to crating, allowing your dog to enjoy a good romp in the yard whenever possible.
Convenient Dog Doors
A dog door can be an excellent option for many dogs, allowing them to come and go as they want. It is an alternative to dog crates for custody, allowing your pup to go outside to relieve themselves and exercise without waiting for you.
Dog doors typically have a flap that your dog can push through with their head or paw to access the outdoors. Some models even have a weatherproof flap to keep out rain and snow. But monitoring your dog when using a dog door is essential, as it can be an escape route for dogs likely to wander or chew. To ensure safety, have the dog door professionally installed and choose an escape-proof flap for added security.
Doggy Daycare
Doggy Daycare is an excellent alternative to dog crates for busy pet parents or those living in busy areas. Doggy daycare offers a safe and enjoyable place where your dog can play and interact with other dogs throughout the day. Your dog feels happy With other dogs if it is friendly. You need to check that your dog fell comfortable in the gathering of other dogs. If it is not comfortable, then it is not a good option for you to take your dog to a dog daycare. Before registering your dog:
- As most daycare centres require, ensure they are groomed and up-to-date on vaccinations.
- If you need more clarification about how your dog will handle the new environment, consider drop-in daycare for a few hours to see how they do before committing to a full day.
- Always leave your dog in the care of trained professionals who can handle various situations with dogs and keep your pet safe.
A well-run doggy daycare is a beautiful alternative to crate training, giving your furry friend more freedom to enjoy their day.
Install Fenced Gate
If your dog spends a lot of time outdoors and you want to keep them safe from street dangers, a fenced gate is a great option. It’s like a usual fence but easier to install and maintain. You feel easy to install it and check your dog. This helps them to keep safe from other dogs and street danger. With a fenced gate, your dog can freely examine the backyard without needing you to let them out all the time. While fenced gates are generally sturdy, they may not be suitable if your dog loves research or chewing. In that case, consider an outdoor kennel or a wire playpen as alternatives. The fenced gate provides a simple and effective way to keep your dog safe and happy in the backyard.
Conclusion
Explore alternatives to dog crates for safe and cosy resting spaces that offer various options for pet owners. Consider dog beds, playpens, and designated cosy corners as alternatives to traditional crates. Each option has its benefits, catering to different dog personalities and needs. Reflect on your dog’s comfort, behaviour, and space availability to make the best choice. Consult with veterinarians or pet experts for personalized recommendations. By selecting the right resting space alternative, you can ensure your furry friend feels secure, relaxed, and content in their cosy spot at home.
