For many dogs, their crate is more than just a metal structure; it's a personal sanctuary that offers peace and security. A sturdy and cozy crate allows pets to relax and enjoy a sense of ownership over their space. When used correctly, crates serve as a safe retreat during times of anxiety or stress, such as thunderstorms or busy household activities.
Crate Training: A Foundation for Good Behavior
Crate training is a proven method to help with housebreaking and managing your dog's behavior. By creating a routine and establishing the crate as a place for pups to rest, dogs learn to hold their bladder and bowels, reducing accidents in the house. Moreover, when pups are crated with their favorite toys, it prevents them from chewing on furniture or getting into mischief when unsupervised.
Selecting the Best Dog Crates
When shopping for the best dog crates, it's crucial to consider the size, materials, and design. The best crate should be big enough for your dog to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably, but not so large that they can soil one corner and retreat to another. Durable wire crates often come with a divider, allowing the space to grow with your pup.
Comfort Meets Convenience
The best crate is one that balances comfort for your pet with convenience for you. Look for crates that are easy to assemble and clean, with features like removable trays and doors that open both ways. Accessories like a cozy bed or cover can make the crate even more inviting, ensuring your dog feels happy and secure.
Safety First
Safety is paramount when it comes to selecting a new crate for your pet. Ensure that there are no sharp edges or defects that could harm your dog. The doors should be secure to prevent escape, and the materials should be non-toxic and chew-resistant to keep your furry friend safe at all times.
The Role of Enrichment
A dog's crate isn't just a place to sleep; it's a hub for enrichment. By adding toys and puzzles, you can keep your dog mentally stimulated even when they're crated. This is especially important for dogs that spend a significant part of the day or night in their crate, as it helps prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
The Right Fit for Your Home
Dog kennels come in various styles to fit your home's decor. From sleek, modern designs to more traditional options, you can find a crate that not only ensures your pet's comfort but also complements your furniture. Remember to measure your available space to find a crate that fits perfectly in your desired room.
Customer Satisfaction
When you shop for a new dog crate, customer reviews can be a source of inspiration. Look for feedback on how easy the crate is to assemble, its durability, and how dogs react to it. A crate that's a breeze to put together and stands up to the test of time is likely to bring peace of mind to both pets and humans.
Summary
Dog crates are an essential tool for pet safety and enrichment, offering a secure and comfortable space for your dog to call their own. By choosing the right crate and incorporating crate training into your routine, you can create a harmonious living environment for both you and your pet. Remember to prioritize safety, comfort, and the right fit to ensure a happy and relaxed furry companion.
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Best Dog Crate - Reviews
The Best
MidWest Home for Pets - iCrate Starter Kit - 24-Inch Crate Ideal for Small Dogs.
Product information
Introducing a new furry family member to your home has never been easier with a comprehensive kit that arrives in one convenient package. This kit includes a fully-equipped 1-door blue iCrate, a matching blue dog bed, a crate cover, and two 10 oz. pet bowls. These pet bowls are designed to affix directly to the dog crate, making feeding time easy and keeping food and water in one organized location. The crate, when assembled, measures 24L x 18W x 19H inches, providing ample space for your pup to relax and enjoy their new home.
The crate is specifically designed with small dog breeds and sizes in mind. It's ideal for those whose adult weights range from 13 to 25 pounds, ensuring that it provides a cozy and secure environment for your little one. This size makes it a perfect fit for breeds like French Bulldogs, Dachshunds, or Shih Tzus, giving them enough room to move around comfortably while still feeling safe and secure.
To enhance the comfort of your pet, the kit includes a fleece pet bed that fits snugly into the dog crate. Alongside this, a polyester crate cover is also included, offering an extra layer of protection and coziness. Both the pet bed and the crate cover are machine washable and dryer-friendly, making maintenance a breeze. With the convenience of this all-in-one package, you can spend less time setting up your pet's space and more time enjoying the company of your new family member.
The iCrate Starter Kit comes with everything a new pet owner needs. Besides the crate, it includes a pet bed, two dog bowls, and a crate cover.
The 24-inch crate is designed specifically for small dog breeds weighing between 13 to 25 pounds. It provides ample space for them to move around comfortably.
The crate is made from secure wire and is foldable for easy storage. Its robust construction ensures that it will stand the test of time.
The included pet bed and crate cover are machine washable, making them easy to clean and maintain.
Some users might find the iCrate Starter Kit a bit pricey. However, considering it comes with additional accessories like a bed, bowls, and cover, it may provide good value for money.
As the crate is designed for small breeds, it may not be suitable for larger dogs.
Our Thoughts - The MidWest iCrate Starter Kit is an excellent choice for small dog owners. It offers a complete package that caters to the needs of both the pet and the owner. While it may seem pricey, the convenience and quality it offers make it a worthwhile investment.
Very Good
Product information
The safety and security of your pet are paramount, and the newly enhanced iCrate double-door dog crate keeps this at the forefront with its added security features. The crate now includes slide-bolt door latches with patented Paw Block and locking tips. These additions ensure a safer, more secure environment for your pet, giving you peace of mind knowing they are well-protected.
Measuring 42L x 28W x 31H inches, the iCrate is perfectly suited for large dog breeds with an adult weight of 70-90 pounds. It offers ample space for your pet to move around comfortably. However, if your dog’s weight or measurements are on the higher side for this crate, it's recommended to opt for the next size up. This ensures that your pet has enough room to stretch out and relax.
The iCrate dog kennels come equipped with several additional features to enhance your pet's experience. Inside, you'll find a divider panel and a durable, leak-proof plastic pan. Protective rubber feet safeguard your floors from any potential damage, and a carrying handle makes the crate easy to transport. Additionally, the crate comes with the support of a customer service team based in Indiana, ready to assist with any inquiries or concerns you may have.
Constructed with quality materials, the iCrate is both durable and strong, providing a secure den-like space for your dog. Its design takes into account your pet's instincts and needs for a safe retreat. With proper ventilation, large door openings with low thresholds, and rounded corner clips, the iCrate ensures a safer crate experience for your dog. It's also perfect for housetraining, making it a comprehensive solution for your pet's needs.
The iCrate Folding Dog Crate is known for its durable, secure wire construction. This ensures that the crate can withstand even the most energetic dogs and provides a safe environment for your pet.
The crate includes a divider panel, allowing you to adjust the size of the living area as your puppy grows. This feature enhances the crate's versatility and extends its usefulness as your dog matures.
The crate features a plastic leak-proof pan, which makes for easy clean-up in the event of a mess.
The crate comes with floor-protecting rubber feet. This protects your floors from scratches or damage, particularly beneficial for homeowners with wooden or tiled floors.
The double-door design provides easy access, making it convenient for placing the crate in various positions within your home.
While the crate is suitable for intermediate dog breeds with an adult weight of 40 to 70 pounds, it may not accommodate larger breeds. Owners of larger dogs would need to look for a different crate.
While the crate is strong and durable, it may have some limitations for travel. Pet owners who frequently travel with their pets might need to consider this factor.
Our Thoughts - The MidWest Homes for Pets Newly Enhanced Double Door iCrate Dog Crate is a robust, versatile, and convenient option for pet owners. Its pros certainly outweigh its cons, making it a worthwhile investment for anyone seeking a high-quality dog crate.
Good Value
Product information
MidWest Homes for Pets presents the iCrate folding metal dog crate, thoughtfully designed to provide a convenient, safe, and secure home for your beloved pet. This crate is built to accommodate your pet's needs from the puppy stage to adulthood. With every detail carefully considered, it offers everything you need to create a comfortable living space for your furry friend.
One of the standout features of this crate is its divider panel. This allows you to adjust the size of the living area as your puppy grows, ensuring they always have the perfect amount of space. In case of accidents, the crate is equipped with a plastic leak-proof pan that simplifies clean-up, keeping your pet's area sanitary and odor-free.
The 24" iCrate (model 1524) is particularly suitable for small dog breeds, measuring a convenient 24L x 17W x 19H inches. However, it's important to note that the term 'small' breed can be subjective. For the best fit, it's recommended to check the measurements of the crate against your dog's adult weight and size. Your dog should have enough room to sit upright, lie down, and easily turn around inside the crate. If you're uncertain, opting for a larger crate size is generally a safe bet.
At MidWest Homes for Pets, we understand that your dog is more than just a pet - they're a part of your family. That's why we are committed to manufacturing our dog crates with the highest quality control standards. We strive every day to create a safe, secure, and comfortable home for your pet, where they can feel truly at ease.
The crate includes a divider panel that allows you to adjust the size of the living area as your puppy grows. This feature enhances versatility and extends the crate's usefulness over time.
The crate features a plastic leak-proof pan, simplifying clean-up in case of a mess.
The crate comes with rubber feet that protect your floors from scratches or damage, particularly beneficial for homeowners with wooden or tiled floors.
While the crate is designed for smaller dogs, it may not accommodate larger breeds. Owners of larger dogs would need to consider different options.
While the crate is robust and durable, it may be less convenient for frequent travel. Pet owners who often travel with their pets might need to take this into account
Our Thoughts - The MidWest Homes for Pets Single Door Dog Crate is a robust, versatile, and convenient option for pet owners. Its advantages certainly outweigh its potential drawbacks, making it a worthwhile investment for anyone seeking a high-quality dog crate.
Good
Product information
The New World single-door dog crate has been recently enhanced to ensure your pet's safety is at the forefront. The crate now features slide-bolt door latches equipped with a patented Paw Block and locking tips. These innovative elements work together to create a safer, more secure home for your beloved pet. The added security measures provide peace of mind knowing that your furry friend is well-protected within their space.
Measuring 36Lx23x25 inches, this crate is ideal for intermediate dog breeds with an adult weight of 40-70Ibs. It offers ample space for your pet to move, play, and rest comfortably. However, if your dog’s weight or measurements lean towards the higher end for this crate, it's recommended to opt for the next size up. This ensures your pet has enough room to stretch out and relax without feeling cramped or confined.
Built with quality materials, the New World crate is both durable and robust, providing a secure den-like environment for your dog. Its design takes into account your pet's instincts and needs for a safe retreat. With proper ventilation, large door openings with low thresholds, and rounded corner clips, the crate ensures a safer experience for your pet. The thoughtful design and construction make the New World crate an excellent choice for your dog's needs.
The New World folding metal dog crate provides a safe and secure pet home. designed to keep your pet comfortable while also ensuring their security when you're not around.
A standout feature of this crate is its plastic leak-proof pan. In the event of an accident, this pan allows for easy clean-up, saving you time and effort.
Another notable feature is the rubber feet that protect your floors from scratches or damage.
The crate offers both single and double-door options, providing easy access and versatility.
While the single-door design provides easy access, it may not offer as much versatility as models with multiple doors.
Although the crate includes a leak-proof pan and floor-protecting feet, potential noise from the crate's metal construction might be a concern for some pet owners.
Our Thoughts - The New World Newly Enhanced Single New World Dog Crate offers a host of features that make it an excellent choice for any pet owner. Its pros certainly outweigh its cons, with its durability, easy clean-up, and floor protection standing out as major advantages.
Good
Product information
To ensure the perfect fit for your dog's kennel, it's crucial to measure your pet correctly. We've provided a size chart and an informative video to guide you through this process. These resources will help you understand how to take accurate measurements of your dog, ensuring their comfort and safety within the kennel.
The dimensions of your dog’s measurements should ideally be under 32” L x 24” H for an X to X-large kennel. This size range ensures that your dog has ample space to move around comfortably without feeling cramped. It's important to remember that a properly sized kennel contributes significantly to your pet's overall comfort and well-being.
These dog crates come with IATA airline approval, making them suitable for travel. It includes 2 dishes for food and water, 4 live animal stickers for visibility during transport, and metal bolts and nuts for secure assembly. These additional features are designed to enhance your pet's travel experience, ensuring they are well-cared for even during long journeys.
The kennel is constructed from sturdy and durable plastic, which allows for easy assembly. Furthermore, it includes wheels that can be easily snapped on and off as needed, offering convenience and mobility. The robust construction coupled with thoughtful design elements makes this kennel a reliable choice for your pet's needs.
It adheres to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) guidelines, making it suitable for air travel with your pet.
Its plastic construction is sturdy and durable, ensuring it will withstand the test of time and offer a safe space for your pet.
The crate is equipped with a rolling feature, which makes it easy to move around, especially when you're on the move or traveling.
The crate comes with two dishes, four live animal stickers, metal bolts & nuts, and tie-down holes for bungees. These accessories enhance the crate's functionality and convenience.
While the crate is designed for larger dogs, it may not accommodate extremely large breeds. Owners of such dogs would need to look for a different crate.
Some users might find the crate a bit pricey. However, considering its durability and the inclusion of various accessories, it may provide customers with good value for money.
Our Thoughts - The SportPet Designs Plastic Kennels Rolling Plastic Airline Approved Wire Door Travel Dog Crate, X-Large, is a robust, versatile, and travel-friendly option for pet owners. Its advantages certainly outweigh its potential drawbacks, making it a worthwhile investment for anyone seeking a high-quality dog crate.
Good
Product information
Presenting the 30-inch dog crate, designed specifically for pets with measurements under 26 x 17 inches (LxH). This size is ideal for breeds like a Beagle, Dachshund, Shih Tzu, or Chihuahua. Carefully crafted to offer a comfortable and secure space, this crate caters to your pet's needs while ensuring their safety.
The crate boasts a durable metal wire construction, providing a robust environment for your pet. The manual door-locking mechanism ensures secure containment, offering peace of mind when you need to leave your pet unattended. Additionally, the crate features a divider that allows you to adjust the internal space according to your pet's size, further enhancing their comfort.
Ease of maintenance and convenience are key features of this crate. It sets up quickly, folds flat for easy transport, and can be stored compactly when not in use. A top handle provides comfortable carrying for those times when you need to move the crate. Cleaning is made simple with a removable plastic base tray, and a metal hook at the bottom of the crate keeps the tray securely in place. Remember to lock the hook well after installing the tray to ensure it stays put during daily use.
Constructed from robust metal wire, the crate is designed to withstand the antics of energetic pets while providing a secure containment space.
The crate is also foldable, making it easy to set up and dismantle as required. This feature adds a layer of convenience, especially for those who frequently travel with their pets or have limited storage space at home.
The manual door locking mechanism, while secure, may not be as convenient as automatic locking systems found in some other models.
It's perfect for pets under 26 x 17 inches (LxH), such as a Beagle, Dachshund, Shih Tzu, or Chihuahua, but may not accommodate larger breeds comfortably.
Our Thoughts - The Amazon Basics - Durable, Foldable Metal Wire Dog Crate with Tray, Single Door, 30 x 19 x 21 Inches, offers an impressive blend of durability, convenience, and functionality. Despite a few minor shortcomings, its overall performance and quality make it a worthy consideration for any pet owner.
FAQ Section
How do I know what size crate to get for my dog?
Measure your dog from nose to tail and from the floor to the top of their head to determine the appropriate crate size. The crate should be large enough for your dog to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably, but not so big that they can soil one end and sleep in the other.
Can a crate help with my dog's anxiety?
Yes, a crate can serve as a safe and secure place for your dog, which can help reduce anxiety. It's important to create positive associations with the crate through training and by providing a comfortable and enriching environment inside the dog's crate.
Is it cruel to crate my dog during the day?
Crating your dog during the day can be a safe and effective way to manage their behavior and keep them safe, as long as it's not for excessive periods. Ensure they have access to water and toys, and are let out regularly for exercise and bathroom breaks.
