A cage provides your dog with a safe, secure, indoor refuge. While some might initially consider a cage to be a "doggie jail," your dog, who is instinctively a den animal, actually appreciates having a private, quiet space of his own.
When used appropriately, a cage is beneficial and calming. A cage is also extremely helpful in housetraining and in controlling destructive behavior resulting from teething, stress, or separation anxiety.
When selecting a cage, pay close attention to:
- Construction - Choose either square-back (non-foldable) or fold & carry (foldable for easy transport). And look for welded steel, which is the strongest and most durable.
- Wire gauge and spacing - The lower the wire gauge number, the tougher the wire. And the closer together the wire, the stronger the cage.
- Weight - Choose a cage that is not too heavy for you to move.
- Cage tray - Look for polyethylene trays, which are quiet, durable, and easy to clean.
- Headroom - Select a cage that lets your dog stand, sit, and turn around comfortably as an adult. Add a divider panel to regulate space while your pup is growing.
- Lock - Look for a dog-proof cam lock, especially if your dog is an escape artist.
| BEST Quality Cages | Special Features |
| Kennel-Aire Professional Fold & Carry Cages | Strong, very tight wire spacing for extreme stability and security, easy to fold and move. |
| Drs. Foster and Smith Compact Dog Crate | Strong, very stable side and end doors make access very easy, simple to fold and move. |
| BETTER Quality Cages | Special Features |
| Drs. Foster and Smith Elite Classic 3 Door Dog Crate | Strong, heavy-duty wire, very stable. Perfect non-traveling model. |
| GOOD Quality Cages | Special Features |
| Drs. Foster and Smith Basic 1 Door Dog Crate | Affordable basic cage with secure cam lock latch and same easy-care tray as Best models. |
| Drs. Foster and Smith Classic Crate 2 Door | Affordable basic folding cage with secure cam lock latch and same easy-care tray as Best models. |
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