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If you’re considering a dog crate for crate training your Great Dane, or want to provide your dog with a safe and secure space all his own, away from the foot traffic in your home, there are a lot of features to keep in mind when shopping for a dog crate. A dog crate needs to properly accommodate your Great Dane’s size, but it’s also important to consider materials and the different purposes that crates serve.
We’re here to help you learn how to choose the crate that’s best for your Great Dane—and you!
Dog Crates for Great Danes Tip #1: Consider Your Needs
The first thing to keep in mind when shopping for a dog crate is to remember that all dog crates are not created equally. From sizing, to the type of material used, to the various purposes they can serve, there are many different types of crates out there—so you’ll want to get the one that will meet the specific needs of your Great Dane.
As you begin to shop, consider the purpose of the crate you are looking for.
- Is your Great Dane a puppy who is beginning crate training and will have different needs as he grows?
- An upgrade for an older Great Dane who has chewed through his first crate?
- Something to travel with you in the car, or on the plane?
- An item that can seamlessly blend into the decor or your home?
- Something portable, or collapsible, that can be used indoors or out?
Determining why you need a crate, how it will be used, and the life stage of your Great Dane will help you make an informed decision.
Dog Crates for Great Danes Tip #2: Determine the Best Size
The number one priority for your dog crate is for it to comfortably accommodate the size and weight of your Great Dane.
Kate LaSala, a New York City-area dog trainer and behavior consultant, and owner of Rescued By Training, advises that “the crate be just large enough for the dog to be able to stand up and turn around.”
A crate that is too small will restrict your Great Dane’s movements and won’t be associated with a relaxing place to rest and risks going unused by your dog. A crate that allows your dog to move comfortably, while also offering the den-like experience that most dogs find comforting, is the optimal choice.
Clearly, for large dogs, such as Great Danes, that’s a large crate! So, you’ll need to have a place for the crate to go that can house its large size without being in the way. “You want the dog to know he can use that space as a safe escape from kids, noises, and guests,” LaSala says. Likewise, it’s important to check before purchase that your dog crate can support your Great Dane’s weight to ensure safe crating.
Another consideration when it comes to size is a dog crate for a growing Great Dane puppy. Some crates come with dividers that can be used to create a smaller crate for young puppies, which can be removed to create a larger space that can grow with your dog.
Dog Crates for Great Danes Tip #3: Material Selection
Dog crates are primarily made from four main materials: wood, metal, plastic, and fabric.
When it comes to the most attractive crates, wood is generally the best bet. However, keep in mind that wood is not the best choice for crate training puppies, as it’s more susceptible to damage from chewing and scratching—behavior puppies, as well as some full-grown dogs, often exhibit. Chewing can not only harm your crate, it can harm your dog. Wood can also be more challenging to clean because it’s porous and may absorb messes and odors.
Less attractive, but more durable, are metal crates that can often take more wear and tear and are easier to clean. Another benefit is that many versions are collapsible, so they can easily be stored or relocated, and as mentioned earlier, many are built with dividers to accommodate your dog throughout all life stages.
Plastic crates are commonly used for travel and transportation and are easy to clean and quite durable. However, plastic crates tend to come in smaller sizes, so you may have to dig around for a plastic crate that accommodates a Great Dane.
Lastly, fabric or soft crates have the advantage of being easily stored and transported (though you’d want one with a frame for travel safety), and are often the lightest crates so are easy to pick up and move. But, they are more difficult to clean if your puppy has an accident and can be shredded to bits if your pup is a determined chewer or scratcher.
The End Game
It’s important to remember that the goal with any crate is to make your dog feel safe and secure.
“With proper crate training, the dog will see the crate as a happy, safe place and voluntarily go into the crate,” LaSala says.
Successful crate training equals a happy Great Dane, which equals a happy owner, so you’ll want to choose the dog crate that’s right for you with care and consideration.
Our Picks for Dog Crates for Great Danes
Now that you have a better idea of how to choose the right dog crate for your Great Dane, read on for some of our top picks.
XX-Large Heavy Duty Double Door Dog Crate
Available in a two-door option with three slide bolts per door, this crate is made with heavy-duty metal, measures an impressive 54 inches long, 37 inches wide, and 45 inches high, and is specifically made for large breeds such as mastiffs, Great Danes, and Saint Bernards. MidWest’s crate also comes with rubber feet to protect hard floors and a removable plastic pan in case your dog has an accident. Note that this crate is not collapsible.
Shop on ChewyGo Pet Club Soft Portable Pet Carrier
Be sure to grab the 48-inch version of this soft crate to fit your extra large dog. Made from water-resistant nylon and mesh for use indoors or out, Go Pet Club’s crate is also constructed with a steel structure and waterproof fleece pad. Bonus? It’s also collapsible.
Shop on ChewyDouble Wide Large Credenza Pet Crate
When an end table just won’t do, go for the credenza! This chic crate is for indoor use and can be customized to compliment any room from a range of top finishes and base colors. Sized at a generous 87 inches long, this crate is made in the USA from birch wood and metal.
This statement crate sports a barn door style entrance with secure latch for crating. Note: this is not a crate option for chewers or crate training!
Discover on WayfairAmazonBasics Double-Door Folding Metal Dog Crate
A budget friendly option for metal crates, this kennel is collapsible and includes a divider for growing puppies, plus a removable plastic pan. Choose between single or two-door models (each has double latches on its doors). Depending on your Great Dane’s size, there’s a 42-inch and 48-inch model available.
Shop on AmazonPetmate Sky Kennel Pet Carrier
Though primarily meant for transporting your pet (hello, air travel!) this crate from the trusted Petmate brand can also be used for crating at home. Available in a 48-inch model to accommodate your Great Dane, the heavy-duty plastic and steel wire crate rocks a 4-way vault door for extra security and comes with clip-on bowls.
Shop on AmazonFurther Reading
Learn more about Great Danes and crating in the articles below.
- How to Crate Train Your Puppy to Keep Them Happy, Cozy, and Safe
- The Best Crate Pads for 2020
- Best Heavy-Duty Dog Crates for 2020
- Great Dane Profile: A New Owner’s Guide to These Gentle Giants
- The Best Dog Food for Large Breed Puppies in 2020
Feature Photo by Martin Tajmr from Pixabay