Best Dog Crates 2020: A Safe Hiding Place for Your Canine
Author Robert Herrera Reading 1 min Views 16 Published by
A dog crate is perceived by some people as a prison for poor innocent creatures. Meanwhile, if used correctly, this box can serve a kennel, a shelter, and a personal hiding place of your canine. A lot of dog owners have appreciated the convenience, and flexibility of dog cages and kennels. Chances are this dog crate review will persuade you of the importance of this personal den for your four-legged friend.
Table of Contents:
What is a Dog Crate and Why Does Your Dog Need it?
Top-7 Dog Crates 2018: A Comparative Chart
Things to Consider When Buying a Dog Crate
How We Picked up the Best Dog Crates 2018
Top Dog Crate Models 2018: Our Choice
1. Petnation Port-A-Crate Indoor and Outdoor
2. EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate, Indoor & Outdoor Pet Home
3. Casual Home 600-44 Pet Crate
4. Petmate Ultra Vari Kennel
5. MidWest iCrate Double Door Folding Metal Dog Crates
6. Noz2Noz Soft-Krater Indoor and Outdoor Crate
7. Petmate Sky Kennel
8. Aspen Pet Porter Heavy-Duty Pet Carrier
9. Pet Gear the Other Door” 4 Door Steel Crate
10. Guardian Gear ProSelect Easy Dog Crate
Five Important Facts about Dog Crates and Crate Training
Frequently Asked Questions
Rules of Dog Crate Use and Maintenance
Verdict and Recommendations
Basically, a dog crate is a cage. It can be made of plastic, metal, wood, or fabric but its essence is always the same: it temporarily restricts the freedom of a dog’s movements and hides it from the eyes of surrounding people. There are plenty of situations where it is indispensable.
According to some dog crate reviews, this accessory helps to wean a dog of barking, to prevent chewing of furniture and wallpaper while you are away and to provide rest-cure to dogs that survived an operation or other forms of treatment. To provide the maximum comfort to your friend you need to choose the proper size and type of a cage. The choice will depend on many variables: the dog’s size, breed, preferences, behavior, and even climate conditions.
Image | Product | |
---|---|---|
Best Choice | Petnation Port-A-Crate
| Check Price |
Also great | EliteField 3-Door Folding
| Check Price |
Also great | Casual Home 600-44 Pet Crate
| Check Price |
Also great | Petmate Ultra Vari Kennel
| Check Price |
Also great | MidWest iCrate Dog Crate
| Check Price |
Best Choice | Noz2Noz Soft-Krater Crate
| Check Price |
Also great | Petmate Sky Kennel
| Check Price |
Also great | Aspen Pet Porter
| Check Price |
Also great | Pet Gear The Other
| Check Price |
Also great | Guardian Gear ProSelect
| Check Price |
To make the choice easier you need to understand clearly what type of a dog home you need and why. There are several key characteristic of dog cages that one may rely on. Irrespective of the material and type of a cage, consider these crucial parameters.
The size of the crate should be comfortable for your dog. It means that the pet should be able to stand, sit, lie, or turn around without feeling cramped. That said, a carrier crate must not be large: during transportation, dogs prefer to lie calmly, and compact cages are easier to carry.
A young restless pup needs a durable metal cage, which he won’t be able to chew or break. Older, calmer, and well-trained dogs feel good in wooden and fabric cages. When it comes to transportation, the box should be sturdy enough to hold your dog’s weight. This information is commonly available in the list of the product’s specifications.
Are you going to travel with your canine? Mind that not all the models suit for dog transportation, especially when it comes to air flights. Each air carrier has its own live animal regulations, so the best approach is to get to learn what models are approved by a particular carrier in advance
If you are not going to use a crate on a regular basis or will have to move it from one place to another, consider collapsible models. They are easy to transport and don’t occupy much space when folded.
With a huge variety of dog crate sizes, forms, materials, and types of the construction, it’s not so simple to make the right choice. Our top-rated dog crate models have been repeatedly tested by dog owners and proved their effectiveness, durability, and a good value for money. When compiling our ranking we didn’t just rely on customer reviews but also compared all the major characteristics of the popular brands. The result of our research is a list of top-10 crates of the year.
Within the framework of our best dog crate review, we tried to analyze models of different types. For every brand, we’ve singled out strengths and weaknesses. Using this review as a start point, you’ll be able to choose the best option for your beloved canine.
As the name suggests, the key feature of this cage is its portability. It is intended for a comfortable transportation of trained dogs, and it can be adapted for both indoor and outdoor crating. It has a sturdy construction – strong fabric on a steel frame – which is, at the same time lightweight and soft. Petnation Port-A-Crate is ideal for dog shows, visiting a vet, trips by car and by train. The cover can be removed when needed and washed separately in a washing machine.
It is really soft and comfortable, so most dogs love it. Easily fits in a car backseat. Keep in mind though, that if your dog is poorly trained or not crate-trained, it will try to get out, and with Petnation Port-A-Crate, it will make it easily enough.
This is one of the hottest Amazon hits and one of the best dog crate models for transportation. EliteFriend is a little higher and longer than similar models from other brands, which makes it comfortable even for larger dogs. This dog home easily transforms into a compact traveling bag, after which you can carry it over your shoulder. When needed, you may unfold it again without any special equipment.
We are absolutely charmed with the versatility and convenience of this soft dog’s home. If you often travel by car with your four-legged companion, you won’t find a better option. Again, it is for trained or calm and obedient pups only.
If you hate the look of a metal wire cage in your home (which is quite understandable), you can try this marvelous wooden dog home, which looks like an authentic piece of furniture and acts as a cage for a dog and an end table for its owner. Not only is it elegant and stylish, but also convenient, durable and long-lasting.
Design is a strong point of this pet crate, but the build quality could be better. The surface scratches quit easily, so avoid putting hard, abrasive, and scratching objects on it.
This Petmate dog crate is a universal solution for dog transportation by air. It can be used as home cage to train puppies and crating adult canines. The cage is made of sturdy high-grade plastic, and its door and side windows feature durable metal grids. It is more lightweight than a metal cage and fully complies with the requirements of air carriers.
Almost no complaints, probably, except for the price. The crate is very lightweight, which is a plus for travelers. On the minus side, active pups can turn it over.
MidWest is one of the well-established brands that offers one of the best cheap dog crate models. MidWest iCrate has a classic construction, and the metal wire is extremely durable and sturdy. The kennel is perfect for crate training adult dog and puppies. A foldable design and a divider add versatility.
It’s a great value for money! Very easy to assemble, versatile, and durable. The cage is even roomier than it can seem, so pups feel comfortable in it.
This is a spacious and comfortable box for dogs weighing up to 90 lbs. It works equally great as a carrier and a cozy kennel for home use. Rounded soft corners prevent dog hurting and furniture damage. The carrier is lightweight and fully collapsible: you don’t need any special equipment to assemble and disassemble it.
It is a nice soft bed for your beloved pup. But as a crate, it is not so good – any dog will easily tear it with its claws and get away. If you need a hidden place where your dog can sleep or have a rest, it will do. For training, we’d recommend something sturdier.
This is another great product from Petmate. A sturdy case from high-quality non-toxic plastic is made to last. It is intended for all types of trips with animals, including air travels. Plastic boxes fully meet the requirements of air carriers. A door and windows feature reinforced metal wire for the best security. The crate can be used for crating and training indoors and outdoors.
Though this cage is marketed as an “air carriers approved”, keep in mind that you’ll need to modernize it for international air trip. In particular, you’ll have to replace plastic bolts and nuts with metal ones.
Aspen Pet Porter is made of durable plastic, except for the door, which is made of metal wire. This is one of the models that comply with the requirements of most air carriers, including international flights. It features metal bolts and nuts, as most international carriers require. It comes in several sizes and can be used for the transportation of dogs with a body weight up to 125 lbs.
The crate is impressively large and tough. We love its improved 360-degree ventilation and metal bolts and nuts included. All in all, it is as comfortable as a plastic cage can be for both pets and their owners.
This cage has a unique 4-door construction with one large-size garage-style door and 3 additional entrances. The doors are made of metal wire, which ads durability. The top and the bottom of the crate are plastic, which makes it more lightweight and portable. The kennel if fully collapsible and easy to fold/unfold with no special equipment needed. For easier transportation, it is equipped with wheels and a built-in handle.
It is a sort of a controversial product. On the one hand, it has much to be loved for: wheels and a handle, sturdy doors and a lightweight base, 4 doors and a fully collapsible construction. On the other hand, it is a sort of pricey. It will pay its way if only you travel with pets frequently.
This is a classic heavy-duty all-metal cage for indoor crating or travelling. Dual metal latches on the door provide a reliable fixation. The cage has a foldable construction for easy transportation and a removable metal tray that is easy to clean and doesn’t keep unpleasant odors. A divider included adds more flexibility.
It is an excellent solution for everyday use. The dual latches work smoothly and precisely, and a dog won’t open the door from inside. Nothing to complain about!
A: A basic rule says that a crate must be spacious enough for a dog to turn around, to sit without bumping its head into the top, and to stretch its legs comfortably. If it is very large, a dog won’t perceive it as a liar and can start pooping in it.
A: Measure the height of a standing dog (from the floor to the highest point of its body, for example, ears) and its length from the base of a tail to the nose. Then add 3-5 inches to the length and 2-4 inches to the height to get the dimensions of a suitable crate.
A: It depends. Well-trained dogs can stay in a crate for several hours when you are away from home or all night long sleeping. Puppies commonly need a higher activity level, so they can’t stay closed for long. In any case, never leave your dog caged all day long. Dogs need walking a least once in several hours (except for weak and ill animals).
A: If your dog suffers from separation anxiety and destroys everything on its way when you are away, crating is often the only solution. Try to be gentle and persuasive, training the pup. Let it realize that a cage is not a prison but a home, a small hidden place where nobody will disturb it. Start training when you are a home. Don’t close the door – let your dog to get used to the new liar. Gradually increase the duration of crating, and, finally, try to leave the home for a while when the pet is closed in the cage. If you do everything correctly, it will take no more than a week or two to train a pup.
A: Dogs hate feeling isolated, so the best approach is to put a crate in the living-room or in any other room where you spend most of the time. When it comes to crating small puppies, specialists recommend placing the crate in the bedroom at night, at least in the beginning. It will help the babies not to feel so lonely.
Dog crates fall into the category of accessories that can serve long years if they are used correctly. To make the kennel a comfortable and safe place for your canine, follow expert recommendations regarding the crate choosing and maintenance, as well as dog training. Here are basic recommendations.
Among other things, dog owners often wonder – how big should a dog crate be? There is a simple rule: it should be spacious enough to let your dog stay, sit, lay, and turn around with comfort. That said, it must not be very spacious because a dog wants to have a cozy, secure shelter, which would remind it of a natural den. If you are buying a crate for a puppy that will grow up soon, there’s no point in buying a small dog crate.
Another important aspect is hygiene. Though dogs are cleanly pets, you need to replace pads in the crate and wash it inside and outside in order to eliminate odor and prevent accumulation of dirt, fur and other types of debris. Disinfection is required every time your dog poops inside the cage, or once in a month or two if it doesn’t do so. The procedures needed depend on the type of the box.
Most soft-walled crates have machine-washable protectors, so the best way to keep them tidy is to wash it with a neutral laundry detergent. In order to get rid of odors, add a spoonful of baking soda. Wipe the metal base with the same detergent or any other cleanser (including chlorine-containing ones); then rinse it and let it dry in a natural way.
Plastic and metal cages are easy to maintain. If the crate has a removable tray, wash it in soapy water. At your wish, you may add baking soda to eliminate odor, or chlorine to disinfect the tray. If you use soft or ant fabric pads, wash them regularly with detergent. It is important to make disinfection if you found urine or feces in the crate.
Wooden crates are probably, the most demanding in terms of cleaning: wood can be damaged during wet cleaning, and it tends to absorb odors. If possible, use an additional tray for your wooden tray. From time to time, wipe it using a wet cloth and then put in a well-ventilated room for several hours.
A lot has been said and written about how to crate train a dog. In the framework of this article, we won’t review this question in details. All we want is to remind you some basic principles of training:
There are a lot of dog crate models to choose from, and the final choice will depend on several factors. For the initial training, you’d better choose a wire metal crate, such as MidWest iCrate (for very big and heavy breeds, you may try the premium Top Paw dog crate). For air trips, Petmate plastic models are best. For regular family trips and crating of well-trained canines, choose one of the lightweight portable fabric models. And the wooden Casual Home crate will serve a gorgeous decoration of your living-room.