Safety Considerations for Dog Crates

This post will covering some safety considerations for using crates for your dogs. While bedding and toys are the biggest consumption risk when a dog is left in a crate unsupervised, these are items that some dogs can have if they are not a consumer. One item that a dog should NEVER have on in the kennel is gear. Flat collars, martingales, e-collars, harnesses, and tags of any kind run the risk of getting caught and causing an injury. 

Moving beyond things that should not be inside the crate, let’s take a look at things that should not be around the crate either. If your dog is a known consumer and cannot have bedding or blankets in the crate, make sure there are no toys or blankets close enough to be pulled into the crate - about a dogs leg length away from the crate, as some will stick their paws through the bars to fish for something nearby. Additionally, make sure there are no electrical cords or other items in the general vicinity. If your crate doubles as table, be aware of how restless (or not) your dog may be in the crate, and choose things to set on top that are not easily knocked over, do not easily roll off, and are not easily breakable. 

Ask questions, join the conversation, and post pictures of your crate set up in the Facebook group!

𓃡 𓃩 𓃡 Human End of the Leash 𓃡 𓃩 𓃡

Ask questions, join the conversation, and post pictures of your crate set up in the Facebook group! 𓃡 𓃩 𓃡 Human End of the Leash 𓃡 𓃩 𓃡

Lastly, let’s talk about safety around crates or runs meant for the outdoors. While you should be conscious of airflow and temperature in creating a comfortable crate indoors, it is crucial to be aware of when working outdoors especially. If you are going to use a crate for outside they MUST be designed for using outside and properly insulated against BOTH the cold and the heat, and offer shade and water at all times. Some climates are more conducive to setting up dog runs outside, and some dog breeds are better suited for the venture as well. Be aware of your dog's breed in relation to the temperature - even mildly warm weather can be dangerous for northern, heavy coated breeds or brachy breeds, and likewise for short haired, slim dogs in cooler, wet weather. 

Your dog's breed will also give you an idea of the feasibility of an outdoor run or crate. Think about their capabilities and favorite habits - do they dig, and might dig underneath the fence for a run? Might have to have it on a cement pad then. Do they actually enjoy being outside? Will they bark and terrorize the neighbors? Consider using visual blockers.