Crate/Kennel or Carrier: Whats the difference?

Question

I am the soon-to-be owner of a Boston Terrier puppy. I'm shopping around for the things I'll need, and I was wondering what the difference was between a crate/kennel and a carrier. Do I need both? Neither?

Also, could you tell me a few of the other things I'll need?

And is padding for the crate worth it? Thanks yall

Thanks for all the answers yall! Your a great help! :)

Answer 1

A crate and carrier are pretty much the same thing. I also use the term kennel for my dogs crates. (They are to big to carry, so I don't call them carriers) Kennel also refers to my large outdoor run as well.

You should definately get a crate, makes things alot easier, especially housetraining.

Answer 2

A crate/kennel can be plastic or metal, or even cloth stretched over a metal frame. Some crates are also carriers; these are the plastic ones that usually have a top and bottom of molded plastic, and a metal door with a latch. Having used both, I like the versatility of the carrier/crate best. You can use it at home for potty training and as a place for the dog to sleep, and when you need to use it to transport your dog, he/she is already used to the carrier. Plus, then you only need to buy one, rather than buying a carrier for trips and a crate for home. The padding is okay, but it isn't always the best idea to start off with it in the crate, especially if you will be housetraining. Start with a few old towels (one in the crate at a time), something easy to wash that you won't mind when it gets dirty. Once the puppy is housetrained, you can keep using the towels, or get the padding, or even get a cozy blanket to put in there.

As for other things to get, there's the obvious (collar, ID tag, leash, bowls, food), and the not so obvious: enzyme cleaner. You will need this to clean up any messes your puppy makes in the house to help him/her get the idea that the floor inside is not the toilet! I recommend Nature's Miracle: it works well and is guaranteed, and almost every pet store carries it. It makes house training much easier, and keeps your house looking and smelling good. Above all, have fun with your new puppy!

Answer 3

A kennel is a larger enclosure, more expensive than a crate or carrier and actually would have to be built outside of your home. A carrier is much to small to leave a puppy in all day and are meant to only be used when taking the puppy anywhere. A crate is a good idea, your new puppy should stay in one while no one is at home to let him/her out to go potty. The crate should be large enough for the puppy to turn around in and it should be big enough so that he/she will still be able to turn around in it when he/she is an adult. Padding is very necessary in a crate. Padding in the crate will absorb any urine and will keep any poo from touching the pan in the crate, it also makes clean up very easy. Newspaper is a lot cheaper than buying Puppy Pads and all you have to do is pick up the soiled newspaper when you come home.When bringing home a new puppy you will also need soft bedding for the pup, dog toys, a healthy puppy food that has a meat as the first ingredient, and i suggest you sign up for puppy classes to help with socializing the pup. Lastly, you should consider spaying or neutering and obviously getting the pup his vaccines. Good Luck!

Answer 4

A crate can be made of plastic or metal.You can get a crate/carrier for your pup and she will be fine in it and you will have it for travel also.Small dogs like a blanket or pad to sleep on but it may not be a good idea to buy an expensive one in case she decides to chew it up.Pup's will chew.You will need just the nessecieties...feeding/water bowls,a few chew/soft toys,Collier and leash.Maybe some puppy pads for the floor while you are potty training... And lots of LOVE....Congrats and good luck on new baby....

Answer 5

A crate/kennel is your typical dog cage. It can be plastic or wired, depending on what you choose. It is a MUST for a puppy. As far as the padding goes, during potty training, we recommend having absolutely nothing in the cage with the dog until they are housebroken, as well as sectioning off the cage to only provide enough room to walk in, turn around and lay down. Dogs instinctively will not urinate/defecate in the same area that they sleep. With blankets and toys in the cage they can use them to absorb urine and feces. A carrier typically is the "purse prison" that you see people toting their small dogs around in. Although this is an extremely popular trend, in some occasions it can be detrimental to the dog's behavior. A dog was not designed to be toted around like an infant, it is a dog. 2lbs or 200lbs, they are dogs.

Answer 6

I have five dogs i kenneled all of them i use the kennel to take to the vet etc. make sure if you potty train in the kennel that it is only big enough for them to stand up and lay or they pee on one side sleep on the other and no padding they pee on it you need toys raw hide good helps gums dont buy toys that resemble your stuff or they will chew it.

Answer 7

The crate is like plastic and is not as comfortable for the animal. It is bumpier too. The carrier is usually better because it usually has softness to it and it pretty much like a giant purse where you put your animal in it.