Is this an irrational thought?

[fluffypuppylover]

Okay, let me just first start by saying that I have never crate trained a dog, nor have I personally known anyone who crate trained. Honestly, the dogs I've had so far just didn't "need" it, they were never destructive and were always housebroken. But now Abbie has started becoming a bit naughty in the house. Not so much that she's destructive, but she's got an awesome knack for opening up doors and drawers and cabinets. Even with extra locks everywhere, I'm always afraid when I come home that she'll have gotten into something bad. So I'm starting to think that she could really benefit from crate training. I'm never gone for extended periods of time and she will still get her normal good amount of exercise.

I thought about something today though and it kind of freaked me out. When Abbie sleeps, she doesn't sleep on her side on belly, she rolls from side to side. All of the crates i've seen are barred. Is it completely irrational of me to think she can roll, get her foot stuck in the side, and possibly hurt herself? It just seems that if I can stick my hand or a good amount of fingers through, her doggie leg can fit. Has anyone ever heard of something like this happening?

Feel free to laugh at me if it IS completely irrational. I laughed at myself a few times over it, but its still bugging me so I had to ask somewhere and I figured it was safer to ask here than to appear like an idiot in front of a salesperson who may agree or disagree just to get me to buy the more expensive product.

Also, crate recommendations are welcome. Is there a particular brand thats nicer/sturdier than the others?

[bigdoglover]

There are many types of crates....you can go to just about any farm or pet store and find all varieties. Personally, I use the plastic ones where the top and bottom halves are screwed together. The holes are on the top half, and the door is made so feet/legs can't get through. Judging from your siggy picture, she would need an extra large. These types provide a bit more of the "den" type atmosphere, and are easy to clean.

Don't feel stupid....consider yourself one of the lucky ones that has never had to do it! LOL I would also check out the Articles thread on crate training....tons of great info there.

Good luck and let us know how it goes!

[Shadowkins]

I use the same kind of crate bigdoglover describes, I too find it easy to clean and it can also double for transportation in a vehicle. My dog loves his crate..not that he uses it daily, anymore, but if he is not feeling well or just wants to be left alone he will go in the crate on his own and seems quite content.

[Crossfire Bulldogs]

I've always crate trained and used the exact type of crate your describing ( with the bars ) and have never had a problem with any of my dogs getting a foot or toe stuck. Although between the bottom pan and bars looks like a tight squeeze there is actually alot of room and that pan floats from side to side.

[mrsgrubby]

I have both the plastic crates with only holes on the top, and the metal ones.

I have seen the puppies tails sticking between the bars, but that is about it, and no one has ever gotten hurt and I've had over a dozen foster puppies this year alone.

[Pondwader]

I have the ones with bars, and my one dog Sky sleeps on her back spread eagle, or flops to the side legs all over the place. LOL
She has never gotten anything stuck....
That is definitely not an irrational concern though... you've got me thinking about it now. I've been considering buying a vari kennel (plastic, top and bottom screw together kind) for dog shows. As it is my dogs sit on the seat like a person, or for long trips, in the wire crate. It's safer for them to be in a crate I know, but up until recently I only had a small car so no room for a vari kennel. I just bought a new van for my dogs...lol... (how sad is that, I've been a mother for 15 years and never bought a mini van for the kids....LOL) so now I'll have room for a vari kennel....

For those of you who have used both, which do you find is best for home use? Which do you like best for shows?

[Tiffany0204]

I've got the bar one as well, and I've got a smaller travel kennel, of the plastic variety.

Gizmo will sleep in any position that takes his fancy. He's never gotten anything stuck either. I've seen "bumper pads" of sorts sold with the wire crates as well, that you can put around the crate to give it that 'den' atmosphere, and could keep any potential paw trappings at a minimum.

Abbie should be fine I wouldn't overly worry about him... but there's nothing wrong with worrying about your dog! It shows that you are a responsible pet owner! I was worried SICK about Gizmo when I left him in a crate for the first time, but it's really the best thing for him.

Keep us updated!

[Crossfire Bulldogs]

I've used both but really don't care for the plastic crates, their poorly vented, especially during the summer and I'm never thrilled with anything that I can't truly sanitize well.

[mulroony]

I think it is completely rational. At the shelter I volunteer at they have this problem w/ cats. People will be removing them from a cage and they will get a foot caught, and w/ younger cats bones being so brittle it does not take much to break them. I am sure there is something you can put in them to prevent this or go w/ a different type of cage.