The Crate Conundrum: A Safe Place for Your Pooch
In a perfect world, our dogs are furry angels who spend their alone time dreaming on their dog beds, munching on kibble and chewing the dozens of squeaky toys we spoil them with. But in reality they’re more like mischievous teenagers who begin racing around the house the second the door closes, shedding on furniture, nosing through the garbage and destroying our new shoes.
Crating is often the best solution for many pet owners who need a convenient way to safely confine their dogs for short periods. Dog trainers consistently recommend crate training as the the most effective method of housebreaking, a key tool in avoiding separation anxiety and the best way to prevent bad — and potentially dangerous — behavior by unsupervised pups. In fact, if the crate is outfitted with soft bedding and extra-delicious chew toys, most dogs come to think of it as their den and will often retire there happily, even when their owners are at home.
Creating a safe, comfortable space for Bruiser doesn’t have to mean your house has to literally go to the dogs. Here are eight options for creating a secure and cozy pet enclosure without sacrificing style.
The easiest and most affordable solutions involve finding creative ways to hide a wire crate. If you're lucky enough to be doing a remodel, save money on expensive cabinetry by leaving space for existing crates.
A home office nook can be easily and affordably repurposed into a happy home for a smaller dog with some help from an attractive crate cover.
Another affordable alternative: Have a custom crate built to match your finishes. Use it as an accent table or a convenient spot for folding laundry.
Looking to create a custom pet cave? A kitchen or laundry room cabinet can be easily transformed into an inviting enclosure simply by swapping out the door.
Use understair storage as an attractive den for your doggy. A matching railing helps this gate blend seamlessly with the decor.
Can’t sacrifice storage? Build a cozy cuddle zone for multiple pets by enclosing a space, as this homeowner did by fencing in a seldom-used breakfast nook.
A large shower might also be the perfect place for your pup — especially one not housebroken yet. Simply swap the shower door. Bonus: no running and hiding at bath time.
If you’re simply looking to confine your dog to a specific part of the house, consider a pocket partition that disappears when it’s not in use. But think twice before taking this on as a DIY; while the materials will run you only a couple hundred bucks, the design and construction can be tricky and are best left to the pros.
Tell us: What kind of den or other temporary enclosure works best for your dog?
More: Ways to Keep Pets Comfy-Cozy at Home
