There are many reasons to use a dog crate or kennel. For those that decide to use one there are many options.
After during a survey on our Facebook page 43% of Boxer families give their dogs access to a crate in the house.
Dog Crates for Large Dogs
Finding the perfect dog crates for large dogs can be challenging. The traditional dog crates are wire and come in a variety of sizes from small to extra large and ginormous dog crates which fit the extra large dogs such as Great Danes, Mastiffs, and St. Bernards.
However Boxers are on the medium large size of dog breeds and an extra large crate has plenty of room to be comfortable.
The Vari kennel dog crates are very popular and you can even find them second hand at garage sales and on Facebook. We have a couple of different sizes. Lady sleeps in a one when we are both gone, Leah prefered her wire crate.
Dog Crate Mats & Pads
You like sleeping on a soft mattress or cusion and so does your dog. It’s also important to have a soft surface for larger dogs to lay on, especially when they get older.
Chose a firm cushion though for a crate mat. There are many beds and pads that have filler that move around when they walk. This results in your dogs feet slipping and sliding.
They don’t like this and one day, it will happen, you will come home to your new crate cusion that exploded into a LARGE pile of fluff.
All of the crate mats above are made from sturdy foam. They are soft, supportive and will discourage digging for a comfortable position and being torn apart.
Dog Crate Covers
Large dog kennel covers come in handy
If your dog likes a den-like environment you can use a a blanket to cover your kennel. But, some dogs have a habit of pulling the blanket inside the kennel and ripping it to shreds.
This is where a fitted dog crate cover comes in handy.
Furniture Style Dog Crates
Furniture style dog crates are starting to become more available. If you don’t like the traditional wire or solid sided dog kennels you can get end table dog crate furniture.
I truly believe this concept is ingenius. End table dog crates save space in small living areas. They also fit into a stylish decor. But really, if you have large dogs your livingroom is already decorated with dog hair.
You can even build your own dog crate furniture with plans you can order from Etsy. There are so many varieties that I don’t know which one I like best. I do have a spot for one under my picture window in the living room. I can still put a small Christmas tree in the window and even a Christmas village.
If you have a homemade dog crate I would love to see it. Please post in our Facebook group.
