Dog crates- Need recommendations

[txhunter83]

In preparation for my new lab pup coming in February, I'm gearing up. I'm trying to decide between a collapsible wire crate and a plastic crate.

What's your preference, and why?

[morris]

Wire. I just like the wire ones better and I think they hold up better.

[Strain]

I like the plastic that way I can us it in transporting as well...kinda a dual purpose

[dropem]

Wire. Easier to clean and store.

[garby]

The answer to this might actually depend on the dog. My dog had a little freak out in her wire crate when I was away and chipped a couple teeth trying to pull her way out of it. Switched to plastic after that and haven't had a problem since. The plastic ones will have a wire door, but on mine, the wire is too close together for her to latch onto.

[Atfulldraw]

We have three kinds - heavy duty truck box, plastic clamshell (the kind you buy in Petco), and the collapsible wire ones. At last count we had over a dozen different portable kennels.

If you travel a bunch, and have multiple dogs, the collapsible ones are nice. We have one that has a door on the side and the end because it fits better in the back of the jeep.

The downside is that they are drafty for using in the back of your truck, and the wire is cheap. A determined dog can bite right through the wire welds.

the plastic ones are great, but they are a pain to set up and take down and they still take up lots of room. They degrade in the sun, but you can buy a kennel cover for them in cold weather to keep your dog warm.

The real key is to buy the right size for your dog. A big crate is useless for crate training. Depending on where you are, I might have a small wire one you could try out.

[Mud Shark]

I prefer the plastic kennels for my dog. I put on a Mud River Cover and never take it off. The're easy to clean, get plenty of air flow, and provide more protection (from objects flying and entering the kennel and won't collapse if in a collision) when in the back of a vehicle.

Also, make sure you have a decent understanding of the size of the dog at maturinty. I like to get a kennel in which my dog can stand up and eat, but not move around too much.

Just my $0.02

[duckmanep]

Wire can double as a big fish basket while catfishing on the lake.

[bsimpson]

I am getting rid of my collapsible crate because I think my dog prefers the plAstic one since it is quieter darker and blocks things from view, less distractions.

[txhunter83]

Did y'all start crate training your dog in the size kennel that you plan on using for their adulthood?

[Atfulldraw]

Did y'all start crate training your dog in the size kennel that you plan on using for their adulthood?

no. and this is a common mistake.

a full size kennel is big enough for a puppy to crap in one end and sleep in the other.

[Leon County Slayer]

Wire...can fold them down to store or travel...covered if used in back of truck

[double lung]

Rod, do you have any experience with ruff tough kennels?

They look very sturdy but there are a couple of things I don't. It looks like it would be a pita to clean due to it being one solid unit. There also isn't many holes for airflow.

Im either going with ruff tough or the vari kennel...

[Smart]

Definitely the plastic ones here because they are easy to travel with. And like Rod said, get them trained in a smaller one....or they'll pee on one side and sleep in the other. You can sell the smaller one or put it up in the attic for your next one.

[WyoBull]

I prefer the plastic kennels for my dog. I put on a Mud River Cover and never take it off. The're easy to clean, get plenty of air flow, and provide more protection (from objects flying and entering the kennel and won't collapse if in a collision) when in the back of a vehicle.

Also, make sure you have a decent understanding of the size of the dog at maturinty. I like to get a kennel in which my dog can stand up and eat, but not move around too much.

Just my $0.02

This. I have a mud river insulated cover over my plastic kennel and my 100 pound yellow lab stays nice and warm traveling in the back of my truck at freezing temperatures. I just zip it closed but leave enough open to allow fresh air in.
In the summer, it also works great to keep it cool enough inside when she wants out of the sun.
I will also say that Mud River makes some really neat products for your dog. I also have one of their dog blankets to put in the back seat of my crew can. It really helps to keep the hair and dirt from getting all over the truck upholstery.