Crate Training Beagles - Choosing the right crate
Feb 16th, 2009 by tommy
Securing your beagle in a crate can appear cruel at first. However, most beagle owners realize that their dog enjoys staying in her crate. The key to crate training beagles is to assure the dog’s comfort level will be high. In essence, successfully crate training beagles depends on choosing the right crate.
When choosing the right crate, try to keep in mind what you plan to ultimately use the crate for. Are you crate training a beagle for housebreaking or riding in a car? Perhaps you plan to keep your beagle away from other animals by crate training.
If housebreaking is your ultimate objective for crate training your beagle, a small crate will work well. When your beagle puppy outgrows this crate, she will already be potty trained. A crate for this purpose only will probably be the least expensive. Crate training beagles for a longer term objective will require a larger crate or an additional one to accommodate growth.
→ “Here’s the fastest, most effective, and most FUN way to train your puppy or dog.” ←Another consideration for short and long term crate use is the durability of the crate material. Two common choices for use when crate training beagles are wire and plastic crates. Today’s plastics can be very rigid and stand up well to long term use. A well made plastic crate with a sturdy wire door can last several years. Plastic crates are also good choices for safety when compared to some cheap wire models. Crate training beagles will put any crate through a good test of strength. It’s smart to pay more for safety and security.
One of the main characteristics of a crate for crate training beagles is the size. For short term use such as housebreaking, it’s fine to choose a smaller size. However, don’t go too small. It’s important that your beagle puppy be able to get away from her accidents in the crate. Dogs don’t like to lay in their own mess but they will if they have no other choice.
If you are crate training beagles for long term use, a larger size is optimum. It will work for potty training and for other purposes as your beagle grows. Adult, crate trained beagles need room to move around and to stand especially if they spend several hours at a time in the crate. A good rule for crate training beagles for long term use is to purchase a crate that is at least 20 inches high and two feet longer than an adult beagle to provide ample space.
A final consideration when choosing a crate for crate training a beagle is you! If you plan to travel with your beagle or move the crate around for any reason, a good solid handle is paramount to your comfort. Also, consider storage when the crate is not in use. Some versions fold up for easy packing if you are short on space.
Crate training beagles is rewarding for both the dog and her owner. Considering your goals for crate training your beagle before you purchase a crate will assure you have a piece of equipment that will last and be comfortable for you and your beagle.