10 Dog Crate Ideas That Actually Look Good in Your Home
Your pooch loves you and wants to hang out with you—sometimes even more than your kids do! But putting your pup's plastic-and-wire kennel in the main room of your house may not be the decorating vibe you're going for. It's time to give your dog's space a crate facelift with one of these kennel decorating ideas that even your pup will do a happy dance for. Just remember, form follows function, and before you jump into a crate makeover, you need to select a design that is still a cozy, safe place for your dog.
"In the old days, a dog kennel in your home was a basic wire, no-frills crate that was often hidden away in a spare bedroom out of the view of guests," Dr. Mary R. Burch, an animal behaviorist, says. "But dogs are such important members of our families that the whole crate scene has changed. Now you can find multiple sources online that sell crates that double as attractive coffee tables, end tables, and credenzas." Or you can create those looks yourself.
Quick Tips for Your Dog's Crate
Burch says your furniture-style crate should be big enough for the dog to comfortably lie down, stand, and turn around. It should also have adequate airflow and be easy to keep clean. If your dog loves to chew, make sure his muzzle can't fit into the spaces between the crate's bars.
With these functionality tips in mind, here are 10 ideas for upgrading your dog's indoor kennel so it fits right in with your room's decor—and will keep your dog exactly where he wants to be—near you.