MONDAY, NOV. 17, 2008

Price Increases

Exercise pens have increased an average of 8%. Dog crates have stayed constant. We have added a $5.95 transit surcharge per order for orders to sent to CO, MT, NM, NV and WY, and a $9.95 surcharge on orders sent to AZ, CA, ID, OR, UT and WA. Replacement pans have been reduced in price by 5%.

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MONDAY, NOV. 10, 2008

Why Crate Train Your Dog?

Many people think that crate training is cruel, and is like incarceration. The truth is that crate training can help your dog be happy and content, or it can be a source of great distress and that depends on you, the dog owner and how you approach the task. Now, before we continue we have to tell you that we are not trained behaviorists and that you should seek advice from a trained professional.

So, Is Crate training Cruel?

In the wild, dogs will seek shelter in a secluded and safe place. Their life may depend on this. A safe and sheltered location will have a restricted entrance that is easily defended by the dog. In the wild we call this a den and in your home it is the dog crate. It is natural for your dog to seek shelter in this way.

If you do not provide a safe place for your dog, he will likely try to adopt a spot in the home that most closely matches the conditions he would find in the wild. She'll curl up in the corner, under a chair or table, desparate to find a safe place to snuggle up. Chances are that this won't be where you want your dog to stay.

A Midwest Dog Crate will be like home and properly used will be that den that your dog is looking for. Instinctively dogs will not eliminate in their den, so this aids housebreaking. As another bonus, your crate will keep your pet from using your furniture as a chew toy!

Do's and Don'ts

Do make your crate a nice comfortable place for your dog
Do take off all collars or tags to reduce the risk of entanglement
Do secure all latches
Do exercise your pet for at least 45 minutes per day
Do leave her fresh water every day
Don't keep him locked up for more than four hours at a time - come home and let him out
Don't leave your pet with toys or treats that could be a chocking hazard
Don't tolerate aggressive defensive behavior from your dog - some dogs can be "cage guarders"
Don't ever use the crate to discipline your dog

So that's it. A Midwest Dog Crate could be the best thing you do for your dog and your home.

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MONDAY, NOV. 03, 2008

Midwest iCrates

We get plenty of questions about Midwest iCrates. What are they, and how do they fit in to the product range? Midwest iCrates are very similar to the Life Stages Single Door and Double Door dog crates. Just like the Life Stages crate, they are come in sizes for dogs from 11 - 110 lbs. They also fold up without tools for easy carrying and come in single door or two door formats. Again like the Life Stages, the manufacturer specifies the iCrate as a medium duty crate.

So, What Makes An iCrate An iCrate?

There are two main differences between an iCrate and a Life Stages crate. Firstly, the bars of the crate are a little further apart than the on the Life Stages crate. Secondly, the crate is a fraction smaller in width and height. Although the manufacturer specifies the iCrate as a medium duty crate, we sell it as a lighter duty crate than the Life Stages. The reduced amount of metal and welds in the crate construction allow it to be offered at a lower price.

Midwest iCrate - A Value Priced Folding Crate

The iCrate is ideal for the price conscious dog owner and a great solution whether you opt for a Midwest Single Door iCrate, or a Two Door iCrate. The attractive black finish, quality construction and fold and carry finish make the iCrate a great addition to the Midwest Dog Crate lineup.

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