A dog needs to enjoy a good rest in a box that is comfortable and one where they can fit well. A good dog box should make the dog feel safe and protected. From the time they are puppies, they are naturally inclined to keep their boxes clean. It is important to ensure that from the time they are young, they have their own place where they sleep. By doing this at an early stage, it becomes easy to train them on some simple rules since they know their boundaries.
The boxes come in various sizes and as the dogs grow bigger, one should ensure that they are big enough to accommodate them. The best size for them is one where they can stand up, turn around in and stretch out comfortably.
While plastic boxes are lighter in weight, cheaper and portable compared to those made of steel wire, they are less resistant to chewing and so not have much ventilation. The box should also be easy to clean once in a while and also disinfect.
If one is using the same box to transport the dog, one will need to consider a few more additional factors to ensure that the dog is safe.
The boxes can be bought from most hardware shops or departmental stores and there is a wide variety to choose from to suit your needs. Before going out to buy, one should first determine what they need and perform an online search to know the availability.
There are companies that make customized boxes depending on what one may need. Some of the main features of a good dog box and especially those that are used to transport the dogs are:
• Key locking doors
• Good visibility and ventilation
• Light, cool and washable
• Quality thermal insulation
• Liners, guards and tailgates
• Spacious
They need to be made to feel comfortable regardless the distance that is being covered and also the mode of transportation being used.
Steps to consider before buying:
• Measure the dog from head to tail to give the width of the box then add an extra three inches.
• Measure the dog from the floor to the shoulder to give the height of the box and add three inches.
• If the dog is full grown, consider buying a larger box.
• If you are buying a box for a puppy, consider a divider to accommodate the growth – you can make your own divider.
• Compare the different sizes available in the shops before buying
