Posts Tagged ‘Pros And Cons’

Man's best easy target

Readers who are regular to Alaska Commons probably already know that my wife, Heather, and I are currently shopping around for our first house. That’s right, Anchorage, buckle up: We might be coming to a neighborhood near you!

It’s been such an odd adventure; looking at different areas of town, comparing what architectural treasures and tragedies lie within the four walls of assorted abodes, soaking in what Assembly candidate signs were spiked into front yards, discovering the sad reality of our foreclosure culture (about 90 percent of the houses we’ve seen are foreclosures, and a good number of those are walkaways)… This whole experience has been quite a trip.

One day was a bit different.

The hunt started off just the same as every other time. We met with our real estate agent in the driveway of the first house on the agenda. She, as always, pleasantly showed us around, telling us the pros and cons of the layout, the water heater, the area, blah blah blah. I don’t say blah blah blah in a derogatory sense, she truly cares about finding us “the” home. She even added us on Facebook! (Hi!)

The difference between today and other days clocked in at the second home we looked at. I’m not going to go into where it was, because, sadly, it could be the house next to you. It could be any house in America. And that reality is what inspired me to write about our experience, which really struck me. Deeply.

Nothing about the particular house was drastically different from the scores of other houses we had taken in, over the span of a couple of months. I always wish that red flags weren’t metaphoric, that there would be a giant red flag in the front yard to warn people, but this was a pleasant, clean front lawn, with the last of the past week’s snow melting away into already healthy looking green grass, which ascended all the way up the path to the walls and windows of the split level home. Another car was waiting, with the engine on, in the driveway. As we walked past, the passengers — an older couple, probably in their 60s — revealed themselves to us, saying that they were waiting for their agent to arrive to show the house.

As anyone would, we reacted very much in the vein of “Neener neener, we’re here first!” Granted, it was completely in our own heads, but it happened. I now became very interested; invested in this house. This had to be the one, because someone else might want it, maybe.

Dogs were barking. Frantically. As we waited to see if anyone was home, I listened to the barks and immediately was able to peg one as

Man's best easy target


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Wire Versus Plastic Dog Crates – Which is Best For You?

There are many different dog crates on the market today, but only two main types of dog crates: plastic and wire kennels. So, you have a new puppy, what type of crate is best for you? Three years ago we got a Labrador Retriever puppy. We had never crate trained a puppy, but knew other people who had and were happy with the results. We bought a large plastic crate because we knew our puppy was going to grow. After getting through about three days of whining, we had a puppy who considered his crate his place of refuge, his den and home. When he was about one year old, we bought a large wire crate.

Through the years we have used both dog crates for different reasons. We keep the wire crate on the back porch and use it whenever needed, which isn’t very often anymore since Buddy normally sleeps inside. But when he is outside, it is not unusual to see him lying in his crate.

Whenever we traveled in our suburban, we would use the plastic crate. Though the plastic crate is now a tight fit for Buddy, it still works well for travel. He lays back there quietly and we never here a peep out of him.

Without going into any detail, lets take a quick look at the pros and cons of both types of dog crates.

Advantages of wire dog crates:

  • That they allow your dog to see what is going on around them – allows them to feel like part of the family.
  • Are well ventilated so it allows plenty of air flow for your dog to stay cool – great in a warmer climate!
  • Are collapsable for easy storage, and can be broken down quickly and easily.
  • They are easy to clean with their slide out tray. Especially nice if your puppy has an accident, the wire bottom keeps your puppy out of his mess.
  • Last, many wire crates offer dividers. This can save you money by only having to buy one crate that will last your puppies growing growing months. A divider panel that can be adjusted as your puppy grows.

Disadvantages of wire dog crates:

  • May lead to excessive whining and crying (greater visibility can be a pro or a con!).
  • Not airline approved
  • Less insulation than a plastic crate – problem if you live in a colder climate!
  • Can be heavy, especially the larger ones. This can be a pain when traveling.

Advantages of plastic dog crates:

  • Most are airline approved
  • Provide better insulation for maintaining body heat – especially important for puppies, short haired dogs or if you live in a colder climate.
  • More privacy so it can cut down on whining since there is less to distract you puppy.
  • Normally lighter than a wire crate.
  • On most of them the top will come off for storage, or for allowing the bottom of the crate to be used as an open dog bed.

Disadvantages of plastic dog crates:

  • Plastic can trap smelly odors over time that are hard to eliminate.
  • Harder to clean than a wire crate.
  • Do not fold flat for easy storage.
  • Reduced ventilation and air circulation – especially bad if you live in a warm climate.
  • If your dog really likes being around people, a plastic dog crate can create feelings of isolation.

So, what is best for you, plastic or wire dog crates? Only you can answer that question. After reading through the advantages and disadvantages of each type of crate, you have probably realized that what may be an advantage for one family or type of dog, is a disadvantage for another. So, consider what breed of dog do you have or are you planning to get? Some dogs like moments of privacy, while others want to feel part of the family at all times. Where do you live, what is the prevailing climate and will your dog mostly be outdoor or indoors? What type of coat does your dog have? Will you be traveling a lot? Make a list, answer these questions and any others that may be applicable, and make a wise choice the first time around. It will save you money, and give you a happier dog.

Wire Versus Plastic Dog Crates – Which is Best For You?


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    What re pros and cons about crate training?

    I have 2 chihuahuas one male 2 mnths and 3 wks old and a female 3 mnths old. They sleep in their doggy bed but I was wondering if it would be more beneficial to them if I started crate training them? What would be some pros and cons?

    What re pros and cons about crate training?


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    Choosing the Right Dog Crate For Your Dog

    There are many options available to you when looking for a dog crate. Of course you want the highest quality but at the cheapest price. There are many pros and cons when choosing a dog crate so it’s best to have a bit of information before you get started.

    Many dog crates have an epoxy coating on them. When new they look great but after just a few uses they can begin to chip and flake. Epoxy coated crates can start to look a bit raggedy after just a few uses. Why spend money on something that’s going to look pretty rough after just a few uses?

    Another thing to look out for when buying a dog crate are the plastic bases that some manufacturers use inside the crates. These often crack or split or a nervous dog may even chewed them up. There is no real advantage to the plastic base except to save the company that made it a little money.

    Next, there are the chrome cages. Like the epoxy coated crates, they look great at first but then begin to chip and flake. These can also be a danger to your pet if your dog ingest any of the flaking material.

    The best material to choose when picking a dog crate is galvanized metal. The galvanized crates each have a long-lasting, no rust finish. Most have a heavy gauge mesh frame and tamper resistant locks. Also no plastic base is used. Most galvanized dog crates have metal trays that do not split or crack and can’t be chewed by your dog.

    Choosing the Right Dog Crate For Your Dog


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    Wire Versus Plastic Dog Crates: Which is Best for Your Dog?

    Are you getting a new puppy? Maybe you already have a dog and have heard of all the advantages to crate training him, but don’t know what type of crate is best for you? The main two types of crates available are plastic and wire crates. There are advantages and disadvantages to both types of crates, depending on a lot of factors. Learn what factors to consider in your life to purchase the best crate for your dog and your lifestyle. Buying the best crate the first time around will make for a happier hound and save you money in the long run!

    There are many different dog crates on the market today, but only two main types of dog crates: plastic and wire kennels. So, you have a new puppy, what type of crate is best for you? Three years ago we got a Labrador Retriever puppy. We had never crate trained a puppy, but knew other people who had and were happy with the results. We bought a large plastic crate because we knew our puppy was going to grow. After getting through about three days of whining, we had a puppy who considered his crate his place of refuge, his den and home. When he was about one year old, we bought a large wire crate.

    Through the years we have used both dog crates for different reasons. We keep the wire crate on the back porch and use it whenever needed, which isn’t very often anymore since Buddy normally sleeps inside. But when he is outside, it is not unusual to see him lying in his crate.

    Whenever we traveled in our suburban, we would use the plastic crate. Though the plastic crate is now a tight fit for Buddy, it still works well for travel. He lays back there quietly and we never here a peep out of him.

    Without going into any detail, lets take a quick look at the pros and cons of both types of dog crates.

    Advantages of wire dog crates are:

    • That they allow your dog to see what is going on around them – allows them to feel like part of the family.
    • Are well ventilated so it allows plenty of air flow for your dog to stay cool – great in a warmer climate!
    • Are collapsable for easy storage, and can be broken down quickly and easily.
    • They are easy to clean with their slide out tray. Especially nice if your puppy has an accident, the wire bottom keeps your puppy out of his mess.
    • Last, many wire crates offer dividers. This can save you money by only having to buy one crate that will last your puppies growing growing months. A divider panel that can be adjusted as your puppy grows.

    Disadvantages of wire dog crates:

    • May lead to excessive whining and crying (greater visibility can be a pro or a con!).
    • Not airline approved
    • Less insulation than a plastic crate – problem if you live in a colder climate!
    • Can be heavy, especially the larger ones. This can be a pain when traveling.

    Advantages of plastic dog crates:

    • Most are airline approved
    • Provide better insulation for maintaining body heat – especially important for puppies, short haired dogs or if you live in a colder climate.
    • More privacy so it can cut down on whining since there is less to distract you puppy.
    • Normally lighter than a wire crate.
    • On most of them the top will come off for storage, or for allowing the bottom of the crate to be used as an open dog bed.

    Disadvantages of plastic dog crates:

    • Plastic can trap smelly odors over time that are hard to eliminate.
    • Harder to clean than a wire crate.
    • Do not fold flat for easy storage.
    • Reduced ventilation and air circulation – especially bad if you live in a warm climate.
    • If your dog really likes being around people, a plastic dog crate can create feelings of isolation.

    So, what is best for you, plastic or wire dog crates? Only you can answer that question. After reading through the advantages and disadvantages of each type of crate, you have probably realized that what may be an advantage for one family or type of dog, is a disadvantage for another. So, consider what breed of dog do you have or are you planning to get? Some dogs like moments of privacy, while others want to feel part of the family at all times. Where do you live, what is the prevailing climate and will your dog mostly be outdoor or indoors? What type of coat does your dog have? Will you be traveling a lot? Make a list, answer these questions and any others that may be applicable, and make a wise choice the first time around. It will save you money, and give you a happier dog.

    Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com

    MJ writes for ClickShops Inc., which offers a great selection of dog crates at www.dogkennelsandcrates.com.

    Tagged as: dog crates

    Wire Versus Plastic Dog Crates: Which is Best for Your Dog?


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      Crate Training Your American Pit Bull Terrier: Will It Help Your Dog?

      Crate training is one of the most often misunderstood dog training techniques. Many questions often come up when discussing the topic of crate training such as: “How can I use crate training to teach my dog to behave?”, “What are the pros and cons of crate training?”, and “Is crate training safe to use as part of my overall dog training program?”

      This article will definitely help you understand crate training and what it will do to you Pit Bull terrier. After you’re done reading, I’m confident that you’ll have a much better understanding of crate training.

      I get many questions from new dog owners on the subject of crate training. Most people really have no idea what crate training is or what purpose it serves. Quite simply, a “dog crate” is an enclosed cage area that prevents your dog from getting into trouble.

      You can crate train your Pit Bull both inside the house or outside. You’ll want your dog to have plenty of room to stand up and lay down.

      So what are the benefits of you crate training your Pit Bull? There are many few reasons why crate training your Pit is a good idea. One reason is that a crate will prevent your Pit from destroying the inside of your house when you are away. Eventually, you’ll be able to leave your dog loose when leaving the house and he won’t be destructive while you’re gone.

      Another example of when crate training can be helpful is when you’re traveling in your vehicle for a long period of time. Allowing your dog to rest in his crate during the trip will ease his fear if he has any issues with traveling.

      Lastly, crate training is a vital component to properly house training a new puppy. Using a crate to assist in potty training is a very good idea and will help cut your pup’s learning curve down drastically.

      Article Source: http://www.a1-articledirectory.com

      To learn all about raising an American Pit Bull Terrier and training Pit Bulls, visit www.pitbullsrevealed.com/ today.

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