Pros and Cons of Wire General Cage Dog Crates

General Cage dog crates have been around for a long time, since before the pet industry became big business. They started by making wire dog crates, and though their market has expanded, wire crates are still the core of what they do. We have a wire crate,and love it, but is it the best option for you and your dog? Take a look as the pros and cons of using a wire dog kennel.

In 1964 there was a manufacturing company in Indiana called Monticello Manufacturing, they made square, wire mesh trash burners. One of their customers was using and selling these as a cage to hold puppies. Now, unlike today, the pet trade was practically nonexistent. But, as a forward thinking company, they saw the opportunity and formed a spin off company called General Cage and started making wire dog crates. In the last 40 years, their product line has expanded, but lets take a detailed look at the pros and cons of the original wire General Cage dog crates.

Benefits of wire dog crates:

• They allow your dog to see what is going on around them. This can either qualify as a pro or a con, depending on your dog. Your dog may normally have the run of the house, but sometimes he needs to be put in his crate. A wire General Cage dog crate allows your dog to feel more like a part of what is going on in your home because he can see what is going on around him.
  
• Wire crates are well ventilated, this can be especially important if you live in a warmer climate or if your dog has a longer coat. It allows plenty of air flow for your dog to stay cool.
  
• Wire crates are collapsable for easy storage, and can be broken down quickly and conveniently.
  
• They are easy to clean with their slide out tray. If your puppy does have an accident, the wire bottom keeps your puppy out of his mess. Being well ventilated, General cage dog crates allow any obnoxious odors to escape.
  
• One of the things that I really like about our wire dog crate is that it has two doors, one on the side and one on the front. Mostly we use the front door, but there have been times when traveling when only the side door has been accessible.
  
• Last, many General Cage dog crates offer dividers. A divider can be used to keep two dogs separated without getting a second kennel, or are great if you have a puppy that will grow to be a large dog. It saves you money by only having to buy one crate that will last your puppies growing spurt. A small puppy in too large of a crate removes one of the benefits of crates in general - allowing your dog to feel secure with a 揹en like?environment. This problem is overcome with a divider panel that can be adjusted as your puppy grows.

Disadvantages of wire crates:

• If your dog has a tendency to whine or bark, then a wire crate can accentuate the problem because he can see what is going on around him but he cannot join in the fun. Sometimes this problem can be solved with a cover or a chew toy.
  
• Wire General Cage dog crates offer less insulation than a plastic crate, this can be bad for smaller dogs or puppies, or if you live in a colder climate.
  
• They are not airline approved, so if you travel, you will need a second crate.
  
• Another bad thing if you travel or have to move the crate often is that they are heavier than plastic crates, especially if you have a large dog.

It is funny how an advantage for one person, can be a disadvantage for another, depending upon circumstances such as where you live, the breed of dog or even your dog抯 personality.?We have a wire dog crate, and it works great for our dog and lifestyle. But if a wire crate does not fit your needs, remember that General Cage dog crates come in other styles as well. The one thing I do know, is that a crate trained dog makes for a happier dog and dog owner!