Product DescriptionFeatures: Floor grid for extra large crates. Keeps pets clean and their feet well supported. Provides the practicality of removing the pan without disturbing the pet. Fits Dog Crate Models 205, 215, 225, 205SD, 215SD, 225SD, 405…. More >>

Dog Crate Raised Floor Grid for Extra Large Crates

Whether you need padding for a crate or kennel or you are repeatedly washing your dog’s bed or if you travel extensively, a flat dog mat that is easy to care for may be the perfect solution. You can easily transfer a dog mat to wherever your dog goes, and it can be thrown in the washer and dryer for easy cleaning.A dog that likes to stretch out when he sleeps will find a dog mat to be perfect for him, but it is also a great place for him to curl up, so if your dog spends much time changing positions, a flat mat won’t hinder his comfort. Dog mats are also good to use for training as they can be used as the “spot” for your dog to follow the “stay” command and to “go lay down.”Flat dog mats come in a variety of standard sizes and your choice of fabrics. Some dog mats are made from recycled material, in case you want to “go green.” There are high quality but economical dog mats made with reinforced fabric that makes for a soft but tough dog mat that will stand up to multiple washings. They come in a variety of beautiful colors but, because they withstand repeated washings, you won’t mind getting them dirty. If you are a little more fashion conscious or a little on the wild side but want the same ease of use, you can find dog mats that come in chic animal patterns, such as cow and giraffe.If you want to go even greener, you can find dog mats that are made with eco-friendly fabric made from 85% recycled fibers from recycled plastic bottles, milled in the USA for optimum quality and durability. Just one extra-small mat diverts over 9 bottles from the landfill, and an extra-large diverts over 40 plastic bottles. It takes less energy to create fabric from recycled fibers than to produce the same fabric from virgin fibers.Regardless of what kind of dog mat you choose, if you are using it for a crate or kennel, it’s best to buy a flat mat that is the same size as the crate or kennel or a little larger. Some dog mats have a slight edge that easily folds up so that your dog has a resting place alongside the wall of the enclosure.Your dog doesn’t have to sleep on the hard bare floor in your house or on the hard surface of a kennel or crate. His joints can be protected as he rests comfortably on a thickly padded flat dog mat.
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Dog crates, including wooden dog crates, are a great idea. Whilst some maintain that to crate your dog is cruel, there are many reasons why a crate for your dog is a great idea. And wooden dog crates make some of the best.Why would you want to crate a dog? Well if you think about it there’s good reasons to do so. All dogs are a result of their breeding. They are descended from thousands of years of wild dogs, specifically wolves, and have instincts that are derived from all those generations of wild dogs.One of the instincts that wild dogs have is to find a den to sleep in. Wolves don’t generally sleep in the open unless forced to, they prefer to find a small den where they are out of the elements, dry and comfortable. A den is the dogs own place, and they sleep and raise their puppies in a den.What is a dog crate but a dogs den? It’s his own place, his place to sleep, and dogs love having their own place just like you do. It’s good practice to buy your dog his own crate right from the time you get him, and he’ll love it and use it all his life.So if dog crates are a good idea then why would wooden dog crates be good dog crates?There are many different materials that can be used in making crates. There are hard and soft ones, and there are crates with open sides, with slats, and totally enclosed sides. Generally you should choose a crate that isn’t too small for your dog, but isn’t too large as well. The dog should fit inside comfortably, but it’s not necessary for him to have lots of space inside. Remember, wild dogs had small dens.Some dog crates are a bit suffocating, especially in hot weather. They often only have ventilation from the door at the front, the sides are fully enclosed. But if you live somewhere where it gets hot and humid, you need good ventilation. Both for the comfort of your dog and to dissipate any smells.Wooden dog crates are usually made with wooden slats on the sides, so have plenty of ventilation.And there are also crates that are made of soft materials. Whilst it might sound nice to give your dog a nice soft place to sleep, they have problems. They can be hard to keep clean, and in the event that your dog spoils his crate, which can happen even with the best trained dog in the wrong circumstances, they are difficult to clean and remove the smell.A wooden crate is easy to clean, well ventilated and if you really want to give your dog something soft to sleep on put a nice blanket in there for him, and you can then remove his blanket and wash it from time to time.And wooden dog crates look great too, the best ones are like a piece of furniture.So if you’re thinking of getting your dog a treat, then treat him to a wooden dog crate. He’ll love it.
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There are many different dog crates on the market today, but only two main types of dog crates: plastic and wire kennels. So, you have a new puppy, what type of crate is best for you? Three years ago we got a Labrador Retriever puppy. We had never crate trained a puppy, but knew other people who had and were happy with the results. We bought a large plastic crate because we knew our puppy was going to grow. After getting through about three days of whining, we had a puppy who considered his crate his place of refuge, his den and home. When he was about one year old, we bought a large wire crate. Through the years we have used both dog crates for different reasons. We keep the wire crate on the back porch and use it whenever needed, which isn’t very often anymore since Buddy normally sleeps inside. But when he is outside, it is not unusual to see him lying in his crate. Whenever we traveled in our suburban, we would use the plastic crate. Though the plastic crate is now a tight fit for Buddy, it still works well for travel. He lays back there quietly and we never here a peep out of him. Without going into any detail, lets take a quick look at the pros and cons of both types of dog crates. Advantages of wire dog crates: That they allow your dog to see what is going on around them – allows them to feel like part of the family. Are well ventilated so it allows plenty of air flow for your dog to stay cool – great in a warmer climate! Are collapsable for easy storage, and can be broken down quickly and easily. They are easy to clean with their slide out tray. Especially nice if your puppy has an accident, the wire bottom keeps your puppy out of his mess. Last, many wire crates offer dividers. This can save you money by only having to buy one crate that will last your puppies growing growing months. A divider panel that can be adjusted as your puppy grows.Disadvantages of wire dog crates: May lead to excessive whining and crying (greater visibility can be a pro or a con!). Not airline approved Less insulation than a plastic crate – problem if you live in a colder climate! Can be heavy, especially the larger ones. This can be a pain when traveling.Advantages of plastic dog crates: Most are airline approved Provide better insulation for maintaining body heat – especially important for puppies, short haired dogs or if you live in a colder climate. More privacy so it can cut down on whining since there is less to distract you puppy. Normally lighter than a wire crate. On most of them the top will come off for storage, or for allowing the bottom of the crate to be used as an open dog bed.Disadvantages of plastic dog crates: Plastic can trap smelly odors over time that are hard to eliminate. Harder to clean than a wire crate. Do not fold flat for easy storage. Reduced ventilation and air circulation – especially bad if you live in a warm climate. If your dog really likes being around people, a plastic dog crate can create feelings of isolation.So, what is best for you, plastic or wire dog crates? Only you can answer that question. After reading through the advantages and disadvantages of each type of crate, you have probably realized that what may be an advantage for one family or type of dog, is a disadvantage for another. So, consider what breed of dog do you have or are you planning to get? Some dogs like moments of privacy, while others want to feel part of the family at all times. Where do you live, what is the prevailing climate and will your dog mostly be outdoor or indoors? What type of coat does your dog have? Will you be traveling a lot? Make a list, answer these questions and any others that may be applicable, and make a wise choice the first time around. It will save you money, and give you a happier dog.
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You are bringing home a new family member – this one with four legs, not two – and he will need a place to sleep.

Everyone needs a space to call their own. Managed properly your dog’s crate will become his room, a cosy place he goes for privacy. Think of it like a toddler’s cot or playpen.What must I know about puppies and dog crates?

Growing puppies alternate between periods of activity and sleeping. As long as you have a regular schedule of toileting, feeding and exercise, your puppy will be happy to use his dog crate for a bed.

Just don’t expect your puppy to stay in his crate unless he is sleeping: remember he needs lots of love and attention. If you intend to keep him in his crate for long periods perhaps you need to re-consider whether you are able to commit to a dog right now.How will older dogs and dog crates work?

If you have an older dog you think you may like to crate – perhaps you are giving a new home to an older animal from a refuge shelter – you can still happily use a dog crate as a bed.

Let him investigate the crate. Just as with a puppy, put in soft bedding and a treat, and let him get used to things while the door remains open. Once he is accustomed to his crate you will most likely find he will take himself off there to sleep or to get away from noisy children or visitors.What should I put in my dog’s crate?

Put washable bedding – perhaps a favorite blanket – in the crate to make it comfortable. Put the favorite toy of the moment in as well and perhaps a rawhide bone to chew on.

I have found my dog will happily chew her rawhide bone as she is dropping off to sleep in her crate and again when she wakes. Especially first thing in the mornings this can give me a much appreciated extra fifteen minutes of sleep!

It is a good idea to give your dog some treats when you put him in his crate, to reinforce positive feelings: a little snack before he settles down to sleep would go down well.

If your dog wears a collar make sure you remove it before he goes into the crate. Dogs have choked to death when their collar or Id tags have caught on the crate’s bars. A good idea is also a crate bumper, which is very similar to a cot bumper.How can using dog crates for beds help toilet training?

Puppies have an instinctive desire to keep their sleeping area clean. Using a crate takes advantage of this and helps your puppy learn to control his bladder between trips outside. He will have accidents, of course, but by using a dog crate as a bed and combining it with a regular toileting, feeding and play schedule, toilet training will be quicker and less stressful – for everyone involved!

Just remember never to use the crate as a form of punishment. If you shout at your dog or smack him and then put him into his crate he will see his crate as a place to be feared: those associations are the last thing you want to create.How big should my dog’s crate be?

You don’t want your puppy to toddle off into a corner of his crate to go to the toilet, so get a crate with a divider. This can be moved as he grows, and discarded once he is grown and/or completely housetrained.

If you are getting a dog crate as a bed for a dog that is already fully grown, make sure the crate is big enough for him to stretch out, stand up and turn around comfortably.What type of dog crate should I buy?

A wire crate is a good option if you’re buying a dog crate for a bed. It is a good idea to get a crate bumper for comfort and safety. Many dogs also prefer a covering over the back and perhaps the sides of the crate to give them a greater sense of privacy. This doesn’t have to be expensive: we have a blanket draped over our dog’s crate.

Using a dog crate for a bed doesn’t mean that you can’t be stylish as well. There are many crates that are both comfortable for your dog and will fit with any décor. Check out the wicker-look versions, or the very upmarket Bauhaus, and you will never think of crate and cage in the same sentence again!

If you want a dog crate for traveling by airplane you will need one which is approved by the airlines. These will generally be molded plastic, and are lightweight and portable. Look for a crate which has a carry handle and which you can collapse for storage when you get back home. Always check with the airline you intend to travel with, as their regulations may vary.Dog crates for beds: “my” place

Some of us initially balk at the idea of putting a puppy or even a grown dog we love very much into what can be perceived as a cage. However, used properly your dog’s crate will come to be seen by him as a place of comfort and privacy: a place of his own to go to when he wants to sleep, or just wants time-out.
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