Outdoor Dog Enclosures

Easy Crate Training: Puppy & Dog Tips for a Calm, Happy Home

Puppy and dog crate training encourages puppies to control themselves for longer periods of time and keeps them safe when unsupervised.

Updated on October 23rd, 2025

How to Pick the Perfect Dog Crate Size for Your Furry Friend

Wondering what size dog crate for your dog? Our pet experts have developed a chart to help you determine what size crate is the right fit for your dog.

Updated on March 18th, 2026

New Dog Owner's Guide: Feeding, Health, & Creating a Happy Home

Learn how to care for your dog, recommended diet and training. Find the right food, supplies and equipment at your neighborhood Petco.

Updated on April 9th, 2026

DIY Custom Dog Leash Hook: Personalize & Organize Your Pet's Gear!

Visit Petco to make a unique gift for the pet lover on your list. With a few hardware pieces, wood stains & paint, you can design a DIY dog leash & treat holder.

Updated on October 23rd, 2025

Best Dog Beds: Ultimate Comfort & Support for Your Beloved Pet

Find the best dog beds with the buying guides from PETCO. Get help choosing cozy, quality dog beds and bedding.

Updated on October 23rd, 2025

My dog escapes the yard. Is a training collar best for containment?

I think an underground fence or an electric fence that has a home base (see link below) might be the best solution. Petsafe is a good company who makes these products. It shouldn’t scare her further away but it should keep her inside the boundaries. I would keep the level on low to keep her from becoming scared to go in the yard. This is the safest thing to prevent her from getting out and either getting lost or injured. There is also a GPS tracking device for the collar called whistle that you can use to keep up with her if she still gets out. I hope this helps. https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/petsafe-wireless-instant-fence-pet-containment-system?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&adpos=1o3&scid=scplp692131&sc_intid=692131&cm_mmc=PLA-GG-_-PTC_P_SUP_PLA-GG_FY17_SCShopping-Mobile-_-Non+VIP-_-92700026257943398&kwid=p26257943398&device=m&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIjtH4nPzz1wIVh4WzCh05bAl_EAQYAyABEgJ1sfD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

How to choose an outdoor dog house for warmth and proper bedding?

There are many things to consider for keeping an outdoor dog comfortable. Any type of shelter will do as long as it provides enough room (for the dog to stand up and turn around), protects the dog from the weather (good roof and sound walls) and the door is situated such that the prevailing winds do not blow right in. Straw bedding is helpful during the cold weather to help the dog maintain some heat in the house. Fleas are better controlled with medications such as Frontline, Seresto collar, NexGard, and many others. If your dog is a short-haired dog, pay close attention during the cold months to make sure he is able to keep warm. There are also coats for dogs that can help! Thank you for using pet coach.

My puppy escapes her crate. How do I keep her safely inside?

I would recommend getting a different cage or one that requires two fingers to engage a spring. Dogs are unable to open the cages that have the springs in my experience. These are similar to cat carriers that have the spring loaded mechanism on the door. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

Is a dog crate good for my small dog's safety from kids and comfort?

A crate or crate training is never a bad idea. It can also serve as a safe place for Bella (as you have stated). It doesn't need to be huge either, just big enough for her to lay down, turn around and stand. Make sure there are no sharp edges and that the bars are close enough together so she cannot get her head between them.

Is crating my 1-year-old rescue dog for long work days okay?

For his age the time he spends at a stretch in a crate is fine. You're doing a great job with making sure he gets out to go potty and exercise. When he's at the park, make sure he plays hard and gets tired, so throw the ball or run with him to make sure he gets tired. Making sure he gets plenty of exercise will ensure a little destructive behavior as possible, since a tired dog is a happy dog. Get him some kind of toy to keep him occupied in his crate as well. Kong toys are fantastic, they offer heavy-duty chewing and can also be thrown for him to fetch, dogs will even entertain themselves with a Kong toy by dropping it, the shape makes it bounce erratically. In time, he may be able to come out of the crate as he comes to understand that you will come back to him.