Wire Cages for Dogs

Wire dog cages, also be referred to as crates or kennels, are used to restrain dogs. People mostly use these wire cages for travel, as a dog bed, for house training and when the dog is left alone. The wire cages need to be designed and sized for the dog's comfort, but dogs should not live in these cages all of the time.

  1. Wire vs. Other Materials

    • Wire cages are sturdier than plastic or cloth cages, and dogs are less likely to chew on them. Wire cages are also easier to see through.

    Wire

    • The wire should be sturdy enough so that dogs can't chew or bend the strands, and should be coated, as bare wires may cut your dog's skin.

    Liner

    • Your dog's wire cage should have a plastic liner on the floor to protect it from the wire strands that make up the bottom of the cage.

    Clasp

    • If your dog can undo the clasp and let itself out, look for smaller spaces between the strands or another type of clasp.

    Size

    • A wire cage should be big enough for your dog to stand up, turn around and lie on its side in--but no bigger. When the wire cage is too big, your dog will be able to sleep in one corner and urinate or defecate in the other.

    Puppies

    • Since puppies grow quickly, buy a wire cage sized for how big the puppy will be as an adult, and one that is equipped with a divider. The divider can be moved around to fit the puppy until the puppy fits the cage.