Puppies are adorable, and they can be a lot of fun. But they can also be very destructive if left alone for too long. That’s where puppy crates come in handy! A crate is essentially a cage for your dog to live in while he’s still young and learning how to behave. It’s not always easy to build one from scratch, so here is a step-by-step guide on how you can make your own very quickly and easily:
Needed Materials
The materials you’ll need are:
- Wire mesh (I used 1/2″x1/2″ welded wire). You can find this at any hardware store for about $10 for a 4’x8′ sheet. I used two sheets to make my crate, but one will work just as well if your puppy isn’t as destructive as mine!
- Screws (the right length will depend on how thick your wire is). You only need a few of these since they have so many other uses later on. I used 2″, 3″, and 4″ screws in various sizes depending on what I was attaching together or building onto the frame of my crate. If you don’t have any spare screws lying around then go ahead and buy a bagful–you’ll be using them all over your house eventually anyway!
- Door knob-style hinges (the kind that swing open like doors). These come in different sizes depending on how wide or tall your door needs to be when fully opened so make sure before purchasing these too! A couple pairs should do fine unless you’re planning on making several crates at once where case maybe get three pairs instead? It depends how long term projects go…
Tools
- Screwdriver
- Wire cutter/stripper and pliers (optional)
- Hammer
- Tape measure and ruler, or a tape measure that has a built-in ruler (not necessary but helpful)
Step #1: Cut the Wire Mesh
Step #1: Cut the Wire Mesh
You will need to use wire cutters to cut your wire mesh to size. It is best that you wear eye protection, gloves, and long sleeves and pants when doing this step.
Step #2: Attach the Wire Mesh to the House
Next, you’ll need to attach your wire mesh to the house.
You can do this with nails or screws, as long as they’re long enough to penetrate both sides of each piece of wood and reach through at least one layer of wire mesh. Make sure that all four corners are secure before moving on; if you need more than one nail per corner, that’s fine–just use them!
In addition: If possible (and if it doesn’t look weird), try not to have any gaps between boards where there shouldn’t be any gaps; this will make it easier for puppies’ paws or tails when they get older and bigger.
Step #3: Attach the Door to the Crate
You’re almost done with your crate! Now, attach the door to the crate with screws. Make sure that it’s attached at both top and bottom. You want your dog to be able to get in and out of his new home easily, so make sure that the door is level as well. If you’re having trouble getting it aligned just right, you can use a hammer or mallet to tap down any raised edges until everything looks good from all sides.
A puppy crate is a good place for dogs to live while they are still young.
A puppy crate is a good place for dogs to live while they are still young. It helps with potty training, housebreaking and socialization. The crate should be large enough to allow your dog to turn around in it, but not so large that he has room to sleep in one corner and eliminate in another (this can encourage him to use his crate as an indoor toilet).
If you’re using a wire crate, make sure it has no sharp edges where the wire meets other materials like plastic or wood. You want your puppy’s first experience with his new home to be as safe as possible so he won’t become afraid of the cage later on!
A puppy crate is a good place for dogs to live while they are still young. You can use the crate as a bed or just keep it in your living room. The most important thing is that it should be comfortable and safe for your pet!
