- Step 1: Strengthen the walls. Grab some zip ties and attach them to each corner, taking care to trim the tie short...
- Step 2: Toughen up the floor. Drill small holes on the corners of the plastic tray and attach zip ties, again taking...
- Step 3: Add padlocks. Purchase a small padlock and add it to the latch if your little escape artist has figured out how...
Full Answer
How do you fix a dog crate that won't close?
Close all the doors on the crate. This includes the front door and any side or top doors or openings. Make sure they are latched fully using the provided latches. The crate will not close properly without the door closed and latched securely. Consult the owner's manual for your particular crate model.
How to use a collapsible dog crate?
They are also easy to clean, providing your dog with a clean, comfortable, and secure home away from home. In order to use a collapsible dog crate you simply need to know how to put it together and then how to collapse it when you are done using it. Empty the crate of all items.
How do you remove a stuck dog crate liner?
It is usually removed by sliding it out a small opening at the bottom of the crate where it was inserted in the first place. Use a clean cloth to wipe the crate clean, including the liner. If the crate is a bit dirty scrub it with a non-toxic cleaner.
Is your dog afraid of the crate?
Many people make the mistake of simply putting their dog in the crate, locking the door, and leaving for hours at a time. This will make your dog fear the crate, and it can cause some serious issues with crate training dogs and housebreaking down the line. You need to gradually introduce your dog to his crate when you first get it for best results.

How do you fix a crack in a plastic crate?
Repair cracked plastic by welding the edges; plastic welding is a method of fusing two pieces of plastic together with heat. Essentially, the heat melts the plastic, and when the surface cools, it becomes one piece again.
How do you reinforce a wire dog crate?
0:394:43Reinforcing a Dog Crate - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI when I reinforce a crate for the first time I always start by doing the corners of the crate. AndMoreI when I reinforce a crate for the first time I always start by doing the corners of the crate. And then the middle of the panels.
How do you fix a rusty dog crate?
Fill a bucket with warm water and 1 tbsp. of gentle dish soap to every gallon of water. Rinse the cloth in hot soapy water and clean the metal. Use a scrub brush on rusty spots or built-up grime.
How do you attach wood to a dog crate?
1:413:52DIY Dog Crate Topper - quick & easy cover that doubles as a table!YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd then screwing them into place i did the two lengths on each side of the boards. I glued theMoreAnd then screwing them into place i did the two lengths on each side of the boards. I glued the boards. Together.
Why does my dog keep breaking out of his crate?
Separation anxiety is distress induced by the absence of you and/or a family member or from being isolated. Dogs with separation anxiety often attempt to destroy or escape their crate. They may hurt themselves in the process, which is why training is so important!
How do you make a wire crate safe?
If you have a wire crate, you can reinforce it by adding zip ties to the top and bottom of each of the four corners. Attach the ties from the outside and cut the ends so there's nothing for your dog to get hold of.
Is it safe to paint a dog crate?
Painting a dog crate takes about 2 days, and it is safe for your pet. You can choose colors that reflect your or your dog's personality.
Can you spray paint a rusty dog crate?
Plastikote spray paint is a great product to use to put some life back into old, worn pet cages. I acquired this crate for £10, it was rusty and very used. Sanded it down and sprayed.
Is rust harmful to dogs?
Iron is an essential part of a dog's diet and is regulated in commercial dog food, so toxicity isn't likely via meals and snacks. Iron oxide (rust) is not considered toxic because it is not readily assimilated into the bloodstream.
Can you put stuff on top of dog crate?
You can get crate end tables and place non-breakable accessories on top. You can get a durable, larger crate and secure shelving to the top for a bedroom built-in.
How can I make my dog's crate look nice?
10 Dog Crate Ideas That Actually Look Good in Your HomeMake Your Dog Crate Into a Table. ... Cover a Crate With a Slipcover. ... Make the Dog Crate Into an Island. ... Build a Crate Into Your Decor. ... Build In a Kennel With Farmhouse Flair. ... Give a Crate the Furniture Treatment. ... Build a Bench That's Also a Kennel.More items...•
How do you make a homemade dog crate?
0:5112:15How to Build a Wooden Dog Crate Cabinet - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI cut these strips to length on the miter saw but you could use the circular saw for this as well itMoreI cut these strips to length on the miter saw but you could use the circular saw for this as well it doesn't really matter how you cut them as long as you end up with two side panels. And a bottom.
How do I keep my dog from escaping the outdoor crate?
You can use chicken wire, hardware cloth, or a piece of chain-link fence attached to the base of the fence. Some people bury it for aesthetic reasons. But you can also lay it on top of the grass and hold it down with rocks, gravel, mulch, or even planters.
How do you weld a dog kennel?
0:3913:21How to build a custom dog kennel. - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBox or frame that later I'll use expanded metal and wood on the outside. This is the end of each endMoreBox or frame that later I'll use expanded metal and wood on the outside. This is the end of each end where the door will go on in the back. And then I'm gonna weld those rectangles.
Can you stack wire dog crates?
If you want a well-made wire dog crate that can be used singly or as a cluster when stacked with other crates, the Smonter heavy-duty stackable dog crate is an excellent choice for you. The sturdy crate is made from reinforced steel for strength and durability, keeping your dog securely inside.
How do you stop a dog pen from moving?
0:064:08Anchoring a dog pen indoors - secure and nondestructive - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo what I did was to attach this to the floor indoors on the floor in two areas is a pegboard. IMoreSo what I did was to attach this to the floor indoors on the floor in two areas is a pegboard. I think it's like two foot by four foot on this side and another pegboard on this side.
What to do if your dog doesn't like the look of the crate?
If you don't like the look of the crate, get creative! You can cover it with cardboard or planks of wood to create a little “end table” out of it. Your dog will not mind; many dogs like having their crate dark and cool. Decorate it to match your other furniture, or look online for a “designer” crate.
How to teach a dog to go into a crate?
Praise, treats, and playtime are all better ways to teach your pooch appropriate behavior . The only time your crate could be used as something akin to punishment is if your dog is overly excited or nipping. If he needs to calm down, commanding him to go into his crate can give him a chance to relax.
Can you leave a dog in a crate for hours?
Many people make the mistake of simply putting their dog in the crate, locking the door, and leaving for hours at a time. This will make your dog fear the crate, and it can cause some serious issues with crate training dogs and housebreaking down the line.
Can you use a crate as punishment for a dog?
Punishment. If you want your dog to see his crate as a safe place to be while you are gone, never use it as punishment. Crate training dogs should result in your pet being happy to go into his little oasis; using the crate as punishment will cause him to fear it, and he may stop going into his crate willingly.
Can you crate train a dog?
However, many people don't know how to properly start the process of crate training a dog. A dog crate and crate training itself are great tools for an owner.
Can you hide a dog crate?
Hiding the Dog Crate. Many people don't like the look of their dog's crate, so they hide it away in an unused room. This is a huge mistake. If you put the dog crate in a room where people don't spend any time, your dog may or may not want to use it. The dog might feel isolated.
Is a dog crate good for training?
A dog crate and crate training itself are great tools for an owner. There is a myth that crates represent something negative to dogs, but this has been debunked by many experts and dog trainers.
Can a dog be in a crate?
You can accidentally give your dog a negative experience and association with the crate by crating him in a place where he is not protected from the unwanted attentions or proximity of others. If your dog isn’t fond of children and you crate him where children can harass him, he will feel trapped and stressed, and you are likely to make his association with children (as well as with his crate) infinitely more negative.
Should I crate my dog?
Why bother to crate at all, especially once your dog is housetrained and past the puppy chewing stage? There are times when it can be very useful to be able to crate your dog. It is certainly safest to transport your dog in a vehicle if he is properly crated. Also, there comes a time in the lives of many dogs when they need to be on “restricted activity,” whether following surgery, or perhaps for a torn ACL, broken limb, or some other medical mishap.
How to train a dog to stay in a crate?
So that your dog does not have separation anxiety, stay nearby the crate as you are training him to stay inside. Place the crate in the living room, den, bedroom or some high traffic area so that he is not alone. Using a pleasant voice, assure him that this is a safe place. Use treats and/or food to coax him inside. Toss a blanket or towel and chew toys inside to show that the crate is a friendly place to be. Do not force him inside. Crate training must be a pleasant experience in order to be successful.
Why do dogs need crate?
The purpose of a crate is to provide security, protection from potentially dangerous household goods (poisons, electrical wires) and safety for the reasons of illness, travel by plane or car, hotel stays, housebreaking until he knows the house rules or to prevent indoor accidents and chewing on furniture. Since a dog usually does not soil his sleeping area, a crate can be an effective for housetraining. The dog should view the crate as a "room of his own", a security blanket, sanctuary, retreat and/or a "den". Therefore, a crate should never be used for punishment.
Why won't my dog go into my crate?
Sometimes a dog will not enter a crate for some reason: a bad past experience or he does not feel it to be safe. Sometimes the dog will whine, bark or pace to be allowed out. Crate training requires patience and practice.
How to get a dog out of a crate?
1. Empty the crate of all items. You can't leave anything in the crate while it is collapsed. This includes blankets or comfort pads, food and water bowls, toys, and any other things you or your dog placed inside. The bottom liner needs to be removed as well.
What to do if a crate is dirty?
If the crate is a bit dirty scrub it with a non-toxic cleaner. This is a great time to get it sparkly clean. If the other items are dirty this makes a great opportunity to clean them as well. Blankets and pads can be laundered and dried along with any plush or cloth toys.
How to remove bottom liner from a crate?
The bottom liner needs to be removed as well. It is usually removed by sliding it out a small opening at the bottom of the crate where it was inserted in the first place. Use a clean cloth to wipe the crate clean, including the liner. If the crate is a bit dirty scrub it with a non-toxic cleaner.
Can you contact the manufacturer of a crate?
If you no longer have the instructions, or your crate did not come with instructions, you can contact the manufacturer to try and get a copy of them.
Reinforce weak spots
Most dog crates are collapsible for easy transport and storage. However, what makes them convenient can also make them weak. The walls and floor are often your dog’s first point of attack, and the latches that you thought were sturdy can turn out to be child’s play for a determined Fido.
Add padlocks
Dog crates that latch or slide shut may seem secure, but the reality is that brute force and determination is all it takes for your dog to pop the latch and help themselves to yesterday’s trash. Padlocks add an extra level of security and are easy to install.
Crate train your dog
Proper dog crate training is one of the most important steps in ensuring crate safety. If your dog has never encountered a crate before, don’t just lock them in with a treat and disappear. Imagine if you were left in a cramped, unfamiliar place that you knew nothing about.
Make the crate a retreat
Dogs are den animals. They crave small, dark, comfortable places to relax, de-stress, and sleep. Dogs without a den or a den-like environment tend to wiggle themselves under the couch, in the closet, and in other less than desirable places. Your dog’s crate should be their den. Line the floor with a soft blanket or a shirt with your scent.
Keep your dog entertained
Some dogs escape their crates simply because they’re bored. You wouldn’t want to be confined to a small space with nothing to do for hours — and your pup wouldn’t want that, either. If you’re sure that your dog will not destroy them, try to include some of their favorite toys.
