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.