By now, most dog owners have heard of crate training. While it may sound harsh, crate training is actually based on the fundamental nature of dogs. Descended from den animals, they naturally feel safer in small, safe, den-like quarters. Teaching dogs to go to their crate isn’t about punishment- quite the opposite! It’s about teaching your pet that they have a secure space of their very own…while also protecting your house from damage while you’re gone!
While numerous dog experts, including the Humane Society, recommend crate training, the unattractive design of most crates is enough to put many dog owners of the crate training trail. A big cage made of black wire just doesn’t look great as an accent table! Luckily, someone designed a solution to this very issue, designing crates that are functional but attractive. Read on for our top picks!
The Casual Home Wooden Pet Crate is an Amazon bestseller. It comes in five different sizes, and five different finishes, including black, espresso, taupe grey, white, and walnut. It’s chew resistant and is built with slats along the sides for plenty of ventilation. At $119.98, it’s a lot pricier than the typical wire crate, but it’s worth it. It matches almost any decor, and doubles as an end table, too!
Then, there’s the “Internet’s Best Decorative Dog Kennel“. It’s about $200 and comes in only two colors compared to Casual Home’s five, but it does have a few bonuses thrown in. It has locking doors on both sides, and comes with a cushioned bed that fits the crate perfectly. It’s easy to assemble and has a 4.5-star average rating.
If you travel a lot, this soft-sided crate is for you. While it’s not meant for planes, it’s perfect for keeping your best pal comfortable while staying in hotels. It looks nice, so it can be used at home as well. It’fits dogs up to 40 lbs, it’s foldable, and it has mesh sides to keep dogs cool.
While those are definitely the best looking options, if you already have a crate, consider getting a crate cover. Crate covers make wire crates less of an eyesore while providing a greater sense of security for your pet. Happy shopping!
