Benefits of Midwest Life Stages Dog Crates

Our Westie, a spirited little bundle of joy, has brought immense happiness into our lives. However, as with any puppy, there were times when his boundless energy and playful nature caused a bit of mischief. We quickly realized that providing him with a safe and comfortable space was essential for his well-being and our sanity. That’s when we discovered the transformative power of dog crates crates.

5 Key Benefits of Crates for Your Westie Small Breed Dog

Den-like Comfort: Crates provide a sense of security and comfort for small dogs by replicating their natural den-seeking behavior.
Housetraining Aid: Crates can effectively aid in house training by reinforcing the natural instinct of dogs to avoid soiling their sleeping areas.
Anxiety Reduction: Crates can significantly reduce anxiety and stress, particularly during travel or when left alone, offering a safe and secure haven for small dogs.
Restful Sleep: Crates promote restful sleep by creating a calming and familiar environment, allowing small dogs to drift off to sleep peacefully.
Chewing Prevention: Crates can prevent destructive chewing by providing a designated space for appropriate toys, reducing the risk of damage to furniture or other household items.

Understanding the Den Instinct

Dogs, by nature, are den animals, instinctively seeking out enclosed spaces that provide a sense of security and protection. This innate denning behavior is prevalent in small dogs like Westies, who often feel vulnerable in open environments. Crates perfectly replicate this den-like setting, offering a comforting retreat where your furry friend can rest, relax, and feel safe.

Positive Impact on Housetraining

Crates are invaluable tools for housetraining small dogs, especially during the initial stages. Dogs instinctively avoid soiling their sleeping areas, and crates reinforce this natural inclination. By providing a designated toilet area outside the crate, we teach our dogs to control their bladders and bowel movements, making housetraining a more manageable process.

Promoting Calmness and Security

Anxiety and stress are common challenges faced by small dogs, especially during travel or when left alone. Crates can significantly alleviate these issues by providing a secure and familiar environment that your dog associates with comfort and safety. During travel, crates ensure your dog stays safely contained, while in the absence of an owner, crates provide a sense of security and reduce anxiety-related behaviors.

Enhancing Sleep Quality

Crates can significantly improve sleep quality for small dogs. The confined space and familiar surroundings of a crate promote relaxation and a sense of security, allowing your dog to drift off to sleep peacefully. This is particularly beneficial for Westies, who often experience sleep disturbances due to their small size and tendency to feel vulnerable in open environments.

Protecting Personal Belongings

Destructive chewing is a common issue among small dogs, especially when left unattended. Crates can effectively prevent such behavior by providing a designated space where your dog can chew on appropriate toys, reducing the risk of them damaging furniture, shoes, or other household items.

Safety during Travel

Crates are mandatory for transporting dogs in vehicles, ensuring both their safety and the safety of the driver. During car rides, crates prevent dogs from jumping around, distracting the driver and potentially causing accidents. Additionally, crates keep dogs secure in case of sudden stops or collisions.

Training Aid for Various Situations

Crates are versatile tools that can be used for various training purposes beyond housebreaking. They can be helpful in grooming sessions, providing a secure space for dogs to remain calm while being handled. During veterinary visits, crates help reduce anxiety and make the experience less stressful for both the dog and the veterinarian. And when introducing new environments, such as dog parks or boarding facilities, crates can provide a sense of familiarity and comfort.

Choosing the Right Crate

The right crate for your small dog depends on various factors, including breed, age, and activity level. Ensure the crate is large enough for your dog to stand up, turn around comfortably, and lie down in a natural position. Consider using a crate with a divider to adjust the size as your dog grows. Additionally, choose a crate material that is durable and easy to clean.

Crate Training Tips

Introducing a crate to your dog should be done gradually and positively. Start by placing the crate in a familiar room and leaving the door open. Encourage your dog to explore the crate by placing treats or their favorite toys inside. Once your dog is comfortable entering the crate, start closing the door for short periods, rewarding them with praise and treats when they remain calm. Gradually increase the duration of time spent in the crate, always ensuring your dog has a positive experience.

Crate as a Safe Haven

Crates are not just confinement devices; they are safe havens that can significantly enhance the lives of small dogs. By understanding their benefits and implementing proper crate training, you can provide your furry friend with a sense of security, comfort, and improved behavior. Embrace the crate as a tool for creating a stronger bond with your small dog and fostering a happy, healthy pet-owner relationship.

MidWest Life Stages 30″ Newly Enhanced Double Door Folding Metal Dog Crate

As proud owners of a spirited Westie, we understand the importance of providing our beloved furry friend with a safe, comfortable, and versatile haven. After extensive research and consideration, we found on Amazon this MidWest Life Stages 30″ Newly Enhanced Double Door Folding Metal Dog CrateDog Breed Crate to be the perfect match.

This crate stands out for its remarkable ease of assembly, comprehensive features, and exceptionally easy-to-clean tray. While many other crates excel in terms of cleaning convenience, the addition of a divider in this crate kit truly elevates its practicality. Furthermore, the plastic tray effortlessly slides out, transforming cleaning accidents into a mere walk in the park. The crate’s rubberized rolling buffers protect our hardwood floors from scratches and scuffs. It’s spacious enough for a dog to stretch out and play, but it’s also cozy and secure, making it a dog’s favorite spot to relax and unwind. The two doors make it easy to access from any side, and the durable construction means it will last for years to come.

Key Features

Newly Enhanced with Added Security Features: The slide-bolt door latch now features patented Paw Block and locking tips to create a safer, more secure home for your pet.
Double Door Design: The double door design makes it easy to access the crate from the front or side, adding significantly to the MidWest Crate’s flexibility.
Durable and Strong: The crate is made from heavy-gauge steel and has a tight wire mesh making it stronger than MidWest Crate’s.
Easy to Assemble and Portable: The crate sets up in seconds with no tools required and can be easily folded flat for travel.
Includes Divider Panel: The crate includes a divider panel that can be used to adjust the size of the crate as your dog grows.
Leak-Proof Pan: The durable and leak-proof plastic pan makes cleanup a breeze.
Protective Rubber Feet: The protective rubber feet prevent the crate from scratching your floors.
Carrying Handle: The crate has a carrying handle that makes it easy to transport.

Check it on Amazon: MidWest Life Stages 30″ Newly Enhanced Double Door Folding Metal Dog CrateDog Breed Crate

Technical Details

Product Dimensions: 30.6″L x 19.3″W x 21.4″H
Material: Metal
Specific Uses For Product: Indoor
Special Feature: Ventilated, Secure, Foldable, Lockable, Adjustable

For westie like breeds, MidWest Life Stages 30″ Newly Enhanced Double Door Folding Metal Dog Crate offers a range of benefits that make it an ideal choice for these energetic and playful canine companions.

Durability and Versatility

This crate is built like a tank. The metal bars are thick and sturdy, and the whole thing feels like it could withstand even the most rambunctious pups. We especially love the adjustable divider panel, which allows us to customize the size of the crate as our dogs grow.

Easy to Clean and Store

Cleaning this crate is a breeze. The bottom tray is removable and can be easily wiped down with soap and water. And when we’re not using it, the crate folds flat for compact storage.

Spacious Interior for Uninhibited Movement

The MidWest Crate’s generous interior dimensions, measuring 30.6″L x 19.3″W x 21.4″H, provide plenty of space for westies to stretch out, stand up, and move around comfortably. This ample space allows these active dogs to exercise and play indoors without feeling restricted.

Enhanced Security Features to Prevent Escape

The MidWest Crate’s newly enhanced security features are particularly beneficial for westies, who are known for their mischievous and adventurous nature. The slide-bolt door latch with patented Paw Block and locking tips effectively prevents westies from escaping the crate on their own. This enhanced security ensures that your dog remains safe and secure while inside the crate.

Well-Ventilated Design for Comfort and Fresh Air

Westies are prone to overheating due to their thick double coat. The MidWest Crate’s well-ventilated design with strategically placed ventilation slots ensures that your westie has a constant supply of fresh air, preventing overheating and keeping them comfortable even during warm weather.

Easy Assembly and Portability for On-the-Go Adventures

Westies are often eager to join their owners on adventures. The MidWest Crate’s intuitive snap-together design and foldable features make it easy to assemble, disassemble, and transport, ensuring that your westie’s safe haven is always within reach.

Growth Flexibility to Adapt to Changing Needs

Westies continue to grow until they reach adulthood between 1-2 years of age. The MidWest Crate’s adjustable divider panel allows you to easily customize the crate’s size as your westie grows, ensuring that they always have a snug and comfortable fit.

Easy Cleaning for Accident-Free Living

Westies, like all dogs, are prone to accidents. The MidWest Crate’s durable and leak-proof plastic pan effectively catches any messes, making cleanup a breeze. The pan can be easily removed for thorough cleaning and can be rinsed or washed with standard household cleaners.

Protective Rubber Feet for Floor Safety and Stability

The MidWest Crate’s non-slip protective rubber feet prevent the crate from scratching or damaging your floors, while also providing stability to prevent it from tipping over. This feature is particularly important when traveling with your westie in the car or during outdoor activities.

Carrying Handle for Effortless Transportation

The MidWest Crate’s convenient carrying handle makes it easy to transport your westie’s crate wherever you go, whether it’s to the vet, boarding, or simply moving it from one room to another. The handle ensures that you can effortlessly carry the crate without strain, even when your westie is inside.

Overall

Overall, we highly recommend the Midwest Life Stages 30″ Double Door Folding Metal Dog Crate. It’s durable, versatile, easy to clean, and helps you to create a comfortable, secure, and convenient haven for your canine companion. Its combination of high-quality materials, innovative design features, and ease of use makes it an exceptional value for money.

Check it on Amazon: MidWest Life Stages 30″ Newly Enhanced Double Door Folding Metal Dog CrateDog Breed Crate