Some people go through most of their lives not having any pets, furry or with scales in a glass bowl. Personally, some just make every step as complicated as a calculus exam! Take a first time owner I know (she moved into her own house making it okay for her to care for one now). We were going over several things her upcoming fur-kid would need and we came across “dog crate” from her list. So we go over to that section and then she says “it's a cage!”. If she only knew that my surprise was the same when the lip liner was first introduced (red colored eye-liner!?). 

Anyway, it took several minutes to explain and see how and what to call the wire-mesh unit we see. The regular crate does look like a cage because of its materials and structure. They both are containment units, but the way they are used are of opposite poles. Cages confine animals against their will and is a place of doom since cages permanent.

Now, pet crates are used more like a baby's playpen or play room, where play and time outs are imposed. Besides a pet crate is placed in any room in the home where pets can spend time with their family in-crate. Crating pet dogs is also a reinforcement for your pet's potty-training out doors. A pet that's in-crate establishes a predictable timetable for relieving them selves. Crate training your pups make welcoming visitors with less stress, with a command your pet knows it has to stay in its crate and behave. This also is true when you want to lessen begging at the table, placing the crate in the kitchen is another training in discipline. Crates benefit pets, unlike cages these “containment units” can be used to establish schedules for your pet to expect and count on. I say this since before I put a pet in crate my pet and I take a leisurely walk and exercise before and after they get crated in. Dog crates and pet carriers  are also used when you have to leave. Sometimes you take them with you and sometimes a pet stays in-crate for your peace of mind (no damaged furniture or separation anxiety noise). Fortunately, my friend calmed down and did understand what a crate is and isn't. I decided to include this in here since Crates do get a bad rap because of misconception.