Buying the Right Dog Crate

Getting a dog crate can be a great option for your dog for several reasons. First of all, portable ones can make transporting your dog a lot easier. They're also perfect for house breaking or otherwise training your dog. Your dog will likely appreciate having a place of his own, as well.
There are two main types of dog crate. One is a wire option. These have several advantages over their plastic counterparts. For one thing, they are very sturdy. They make great permanent options for crating your dog. They are also open so they can allow your dog to see everything that's going on around them. This also prevents a smell from building up. The downside to this option is that they are very heavy and not good for carrying or traveling. They also can let a lot of light in while your dog is trying to sleep. To combat this problem, you can place a blanket or towel over the top of it to make it dark for your dog.
A plastic dog crate is much better for transporting your dog. They are the only approved type to take on a plane, if you're traveling with your dog. They also provide more privacy for your dog, which some dogs appreciate. The downside is that they're fairly flimsy. They are a great option for traveling but if you're using this dog furnishing daily this probably isn't the best option for you.
There are several times that a dog crate really comes in handy. One is for training purposes. Dogs are den like creatures in nature, and will take great pains to not soil their homes. Leaving them in one while you are away will force them to build up bladder control. Be careful though, if you get one that is too large they will have room to use the bathroom in one corner and sleep in another. A good rule of thumb is that it should not be any larger than is necessary for your dog to turn around comfortably.
Another time that a dog crate is really handy is for dogs who like privacy. These can be dogs that don't get along well with your other pets or dogs that live with families that have a high level of traffic in the home. Most dogs will appreciate having a place to go when they want to be alone. Putting a favorite blanket or other bedding in their dog crate can make it even more comfortable for them.
If you have a puppy and want to buy it a dog crate, you will likely want to buy one large enough to work for your dog as it grows. However, this large of one will not be very comfortable for your dog and is not good for training. Fortunately there are dividers that can be put into it to partition it out. This will create a smaller area for your dog and can be moved as your dog grows to accommodate their larger size