Every dog owner needs a dog crate. Most people are very happy with their wire dog crates, but if you are someone who likes to travel a lot with your dog and wants more style, you are probably tired of assembling and disassembling plain wire crates. If you fall into this category, you might want to take a few minutes to consider wicker dog crates.
Why are Wicker Dog Crates so Popular?
The great thing about wicker dog crates is that most of them are designed in such a way that they collapse when you want to move them from one place to another. This means that it will only take you a couple of seconds to have it ready to move. Once you have it flattened, the crate is a synch to carry or store.
Another feature that you will quickly learn to appreciate about wicker is that they are very easy to clean. If your crate gets dirty all you have to do is dampen a washcloth and use it to wipe down the crate. You do not want to use any chemical household cleaners that will not only damage the crate, but could be toxic for your pet.
While not as open as a wire crate, a good wicker crate will be well ventilated. This is important, especially if your pet is going to be spending a long time in the crate. The best way to make sure that your dog remains comfortable while in the crate is by placing the crate in a location where it will not be exposed to direct sunlight. While it is in the crate, it is important that your dog has access to plenty of cool, clean water.
Wicker dog crates look fantastic. More and more dog owners are also starting to use the crates as a part of their furniture. The crates are a perfect and stylish way to create an additional coffee table or flat surface.
The Not So Positive Traits
The biggest downside to wicker dog crates is that they are not the most durable of crates. They do not hold up to a great deal of abuse. If you have a dog that is well behaved, the wicker crate will be a great crate. However, if you have a dog which tends to be rough on things, you are going to want a crate which is more durable such as a heavy duty wire or plastic crate.
Choosing the Right Crate for Your Dog
The most important thing to keep in mind when you are purchasing a wicker dog crate is that you need to get a crate that is appropriately sized for your dog. Little dogs can go in large crates (although having too large of a crate for a dog may lead it to make a mess inside), but you should never try to force a large dog to use a small crate. If you are purchasing the wicker dog crate, you are going to want to purchase a crate that is going to be big enough to accommodate your pet when it has reached its adult size (this is where dividers can come in handy). When your dog is in its crate, it should be able to lay comfortably with its paws fully extended, which means that it will have plenty of room to turn around while in the crate. When the dog is inside the crate it should have the ability to stand easily with its head lifted. If your dog cannot do this, then you need a larger crate. For more info on selecting the right dimensions for your dog see dog crate size guide.