Indoor dog kennels, often called crates, come in a variety of sizes and materials from wire to canvas. What size and material you purchase all depends on it's use and the size of dog.

The two terms 'Indoor Dog Kennel' and 'Dog Crate' can conjure up two different images in peoples minds although they both refer to the same item. If you mention the words Indoor kennel then people tend to think of a cosy place the dog can retreat to, whereas if you say Dog Crate then they tend to think of a cruel prison type box where a dog is locked in against it's will.

Whatever you call them, they should never be used to punish a dog. Most dogs in-fact like the sense of security that they provide, as they can retreat into the kennel or crate when they want to relax or sleep. If you have a busy household the kennel or crate gives your dog his own space where he can get some peace and quite.

People use indoor dog kennels for a variety of reasons, one of main ones being as a potty training tool when they first get a puppy. Dog's as a rule won't relieve themselves in the same place that they sleep, so by shutting your puppy in an indoor kennel overnight will help train it to wait until morning to relieve himself. When you get up in the morning the first thing you should do is take the puppy outside do do his business. This is one of the quickest ways to house train a puppy.

Another good reason to use a crate or kennel is that at some point of time you will probably need to keep your dog out of the way, you may have workmen coming round to fix a boiler or for someone to give you an estimate for work. At these times you may not want your dog running around and getting in the way, Some people don't like or are nervous of dogs, so being able to shut the dog in a crate for short periods like this is an advantage.

As I have already stated, crates or indoor dog kennels provide your pet with somewhere safe and cosy to retreat to when they want some down time. Many dogs enjoy the security that the confined space provides. I can remember two family dogs that would always sleep under a dining table, that was kept in the corner of the room against a wall when not in use.

Wire Indoor Dog Kennels

This type of kennel is made from a stiff wire mesh that allows your dog to see what is going on around him, and anyone else to see him. As well as allowing your pet to see what is going on around him, the wire kennel also allows for excellent ventilation, is easy to clean and wont trap odours. They can also be in the back of a car when you need to travel with your dog.

However as the kennel has a clear line of site all around it, they don't provide the same feeling of security for the dog as some other types of kennel. The gaps in the wire mesh may also allow your dog enough space to get his paws through, which can lead to injury to the dog or damage to furnishings and walls around it.

Wooden Indoor Dog Kennels

Wooden dog kennels come in a range of designs and usually look good in the home. They also provide a more enclosed space than wire types, which will increase your dogs sense of security, and are usually well ventilated.

They do have drawbacks though, one of which is they are normally heavy and not very portable. Wood can also absorb odours and may not be so easy to keep clean. Another point to consider is they may be damaged by dogs that are active chewers.

Plastic Indoor Dog Kennels

The line of sight around this type of kennel is normally greatly restricted, providing more of a sense of security for your dog. Being made of plastic they are easy to wipe down and keep clean, and are tough, light and portable, so can be easily transported when traveling, or for transporting your pet to the vets.

Drawbacks are that they don't provide the same level of ventilation as wire or wooden kennels tend to provide an they can retain odours.

Canvas Indoor Dog Kennels

Like plastic kennels, soft or canvas kennels tend to have a restricted line of site, again providing that secure cosy environment for your dog. Being soft they are easily collapsible, light and transportable. They are ideal if you travel a lot with your dog, as you can take a safe, comfy and familiar sleeping area for your dog where ever you go, even if you are going by foot.

The drawbacks are that they can be easily damaged by a vigorous, energetic dog. They are not as well ventilated as their wire or wooden counterparts, and may retain odours.

The best way to acclimatise your dog to an indoor dog kennel is to do so when you first bring it home as a puppy. However if you have an older dog, you can still get them used to a kennel but it may take a little longer, depending on their temperament.

The first thing to remember is that you must never force your dog into a kennel. What you are aiming to do is to get your dog to look on the kennel as a safe haven, if you force a dog into it, then the dog will associate the kennel with punishment and will be reluctant to enter it when you want him to.

When you first get the crate set it up in your home and let your dog investigate it in his own time. The majority of dogs will investigate the new object in their home straight away, and you may find they enter it without any prompting, but dogs with a shy nervous disposition may well treat it with a little caution.

Leave the kennel alone for a day and see how your dog reacts to it. I'm fairly lucky, in that my dog is bold and probably the nosiest animal on the planet, and has to inspect everything that enters the house inside and out. If your dog is the same then you probably won't have much of a problem  getting it used to the kennel.

If on the other hand your dog is unsure of the kennel you may have to spend some time coaxing it to go in. One of the best ways to do this is to sit on the floor next to the kennel and make a fuss of your dog, and then place 1 or 2 of it's favourite treats just inside the door. As your dog gains confidence, gradually place the treats further and further inside the kennel. By doing this your dog will begin to associate the kennel with happy times.

Never close the door of an Indoor dog kennel the first time your dog enters it as this may scare him and put him off entering it again. Instead leave to door open at all times for the first few days, or until the dog is confident with the kennel, so that your dog can enter and leave at his own will. The length of time you need to leave the door open really depends on your dog.

Once you are confidant that your dog is happy with the kennel you can begin to close the door for short periods of time. The first time you do it throw in his favourite toy or treat, and then close the door, with the dog inside, for a minute or two, and see how he reacts. Then gradually over time close the door for longer periods of time.

Again how long it takes before you can leave your dog unattended and shut in the kennel will greatly depend on your dogs disposition. With young puppies it will probably only take a few days, with older dogs however, who have never seen an indoor dog kennel or crate it may take weeks or even months, depending on their disposition and how they have lived previously. Just take your time and get the dog to associate the indoor dog kennel as a happy, safe place to be.