Choosing a crate

[Russ]

I tried to get by w/out using a crate for my puppy, against others recommendations, but have now come to my senses. I have noticed that there are plastic "kennels" and metal cage type "crates". Are there any benifits to having one over the other for keeping my 10 week old puppy, Baron, while we are at work? Would this just be a matter of personal preference. I would think that the metal cage would be more durable. Please advise.

Russ

 

[TeriLynne]

We chose the Precision pet crate. We did'nt choose the plastic ones, because they don't fold up. We got the Great Dane sized one, and it sits in our living room. There is a bottom tray in it that slips out easily to sanitize, and it folds up so nicely to take with you on camping trips, etc. We love this crate! They come in different colors to choose from.
Good luck in choosing one....
Boxer lover...TeriLynne

 

[nanabear]

The plastic "airplane" type crates are warmer - the wire ones are cooler in a hot climate. We had a wire one and in the cool winter weather, we covered it at night. Teri Lynne's tip about the Great Dane size is good - we got Boxer size and at 87 lbs, he grew uncomfortable in it.

 

[mysticalblues]

We have 2 wire crates for our boys. The crate is also a great way to help with house breaking your pup. A puppy will not go to the bathroom in an area that he mush sleep or spend time, so if you get a crate that is relevant to its size, it will not go to the bathroom. Now this can get expesive as you will have to buy a bigger crate once your puppy grows. Or you can buy the bigger crate and get a crate divider. This allows you to make the crate bigger as your puppy grows. I don't know where you are from, but by me they sell the crate dividers at Petsmart. It looks like the back of the crate with clips, and you just clip in inside of the crate. Mine only cost about $13.

 

[Brutus and Amaya's Mom]

Mistakenly we got Brutus' kennel at Petco. Like you we were going to try without until my 12 week old puppy scaled the baby gate in the kitchen and was found sleeping in my bed I think his large crate was about $100.

Amayas crate is from Walmart. It looks the exact same as Brus but cost about $55.

My trainer recomend plastic airline crate. Wire crates can allow the dog to see to much and they lose some of the "den" effect. Hope this helps.