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Q: I’m getting a new puppy in a few weeks. What should I look for in a crate, and how should I introduce her to it?

A: There are lots of different types of crates with different features. Here are some things to look for as you make your decision: Wire, plastic and soft carriers each have pros and cons.

• Wire crates offer good ventilation and views and are easy to cover if necessary. They fold up when not in use, but they can’t be used for air travel. For safety, remove your dog’s collar before putting her in a wire crate.

• Some plastic crates have wheels, making them easier to move. Look for one with a top that comes off easily. Top-loading kennels are helpful for Fear Free veterinary visits. Your pup can be examined while he’s still in the carrier if the top comes off, or he can be removed without being forced out. An alternative for small dogs up to 20 pounds is a crate with a bottom that slides out, such as the Van Ness Calm Carrier.

• Soft carriers are lightweight. They’re not the best choice for a puppy, but once your dog is grown and trained, they can be a comfy choice for relaxing or suitable for stays in hotel rooms.

Whatever crate you choose, make it attractive to your puppy. Before you pick her up from the breeder or shelter, spray or wipe down the crate with a calming canine pheromone such as Adaptil. At home, place the crate in an area where there’s lots of family activity. Put treats and toys in it for her to find, and feed her in it. Give a treat or leave her with a favorite toy every time you put her in it at naptime or bedtime. – Mikkel Becker

THE BUZZ

• Seniors who need help adopting and caring for pets can get financial assistance for adoption fees, veterinary care, food and other expenses from nonprofit Pets for the Elderly, which is increasing its efforts to help people and pets stay together to benefit from the human-animal bond. People older than 60 can qualify for adoption discounts from participating shelters and apply for aid in covering pet-care costs, including in-home visits from shelter employees to check on the welfare of people and pets. Pets help seniors by keeping them active, and seniors help pets by providing them with homes and love. Win-win!

• November is Adopt a Senior Pet Month. Other pet-centric events are National Pet Awareness Month, National Senior Pet Month, Pet Cancer Awareness Month and Pet Diabetes Month. Going on now is National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week. Also occurring in November are National Canine Lymphoma Awareness Day (Nov. 7), National Black Cat Day (Nov. 17), and the National Dog Show, broadcast on Thanksgiving Day. In December, celebrate National Cat Lover’s Month, National Mutt Day on Dec. 2, Celebrate Shelter Pets Day on Dec. 5, International Day of Veterinary Medicine on Dec. 9, and National Cat Herders Day on Dec. 15

Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet-care experts headed by veterinarian Marty Becker and journalist Kim Campbell Thornton of Vetstreet.com. Joining them is dog trainer and behavior consultant Mikkel Becker. Send pet questions to askpetconnection@gmail.com.

This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Pet Connection: Dog crates for new puppy come in many shapes, sizes and materials

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First Published: November 4, 2020, 5:00 a.m.
Updated: November 4, 2020, 5:40 a.m.