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Crates can be a fantastic addition to dog homes by providing a safe and comfortable landing spot for your pup. Long after the puppy days have passed, and when good behavior and habits are well-established, many dogs are content to pass lazy afternoons in their crates.
But then there are the Houdini pups, the escape artists who see a crate as a challenge and can’t wait to find a way out. I have one of those—and that’s how I found the closest thing to an escape-proof dog crate that I’ve come across: the KELIXU Heavy-Duty Dog Crate.
Escape-Proof Dog Crates: The Problem
Our adult rescue dog, Ruby, came to us without any prior kennel training. She also came to us as an accomplished escape artist. In Ruby’s world, life is an open door. And if it’s not, she’ll make it one.
Screens? Child’s play. Stuck in the laundry room? No problem! (Now it’s a walk-in laundry room.) Large posh dog kennel? No match for those chompers. One of those fancy wire crates? Yep, wires can bend.
You guessed it: Ruby needed the ultimate escape-proof dog crate.
Ruby is a large dog (90 pounds of Bernese Mountain Dog, to be precise) and is able to throw a lot of weight behind her escape attempts. Most kennels cannot withstand her weight, her pawing, and her teeth. In less than 30 minutes, she was able to destroy each of the two previous crates we tried: one heavy-duty plastic shell crate and one large wire crate.
Our main concern for Ruby was safety. Her teeth are her go-to tool for orchestrating escapes, and we didn’t want her to injure herself leaning in to her favorite hobby. Our second concern was that we needed to be able to kennel her once in a while and wanted her to learn to be comfortable while confined.
KELIXU Heavy-Duty Dog Crate: A Solid Solution
Like many escape-artist owners, I spent a considerable amount of time researching escape-proof dog crate options. The KELIXU Heavy Duty Dog Crate seemed over the top to me at first, and it looked a little severe.
But it was the only option that was large enough for our needs; we wanted to be able to kennel two large dogs together to try to make Ruby less anxious. And its welded steel bars met our goals for safety. We also liked the multiple options for opening the crate and the caster wheels to make it easier to move. (It is a beast.)
The crate arrived in a (very) large box, but was a piece of cake to assemble. The materials are solid—and as it turned out, Ruby agreed. She knew when she had met her match and made no prolonged attempts to chew through the bars after the first few gnaws showed no progress.
The doors have several openings of different sizes, one perfect for putting in toys or food. While we don’t use the top opening, I can see its utility if you wanted to be able to open the crate to make any adjustments to the interior while keeping your dog safely inside.
After just a few days, Ruby no longer attempted to escape this crate. It might be as close to an escape-proof dog crate as is possible. I have no concerns leaving her in it unattended. It appears she has finally met her match. (Though the laundry room door still stands no chance.)
Is the KELIXU Dog Crate Right for Other Escape Artists?
While no kennel is 100% escape-proof, we found that the KELIXU was a great option for Ruby. It safely confined her and was tough enough to stand up to 90 pounds of committed Bernese Mountain Dog.
Here’s what we like about it:
- No sharp edges
- No latches accessible from the interior
- Welded steel bars won’t yield to a dog’s weight, chewing, or pawing
- Locking wheels for room-to-room transport
- Large size options, including a model that’s 45.2″ L x 31.5″ W x 38.5″
- Removable tray for easy cleanup
The heavy-duty KELIXU is, however, a little severe on its own—which is why we recommend adding some padding.
The Bedsure Extra Large Dog Bed
The Bedsure is one my dogs like, and the extra-large size fits perfectly into the 46-inch KELIXU crate. Besides the ease of cleaning and the waterproof cover, the best part about this bed is that it makes the crate a comfy sleeping zone for our dogs. If you are worried that the crate is a little intense, this goes a long way toward making the KELIXU a cozy landing spot. We use this bed during the colder months when the dogs go for that soft sherpa top and plush three-inch mattress.
One note of caution: This bed won’t stand up to a committed chewer. For the sturdiest of sturdy sleeping spots, try this roundup of indestructible dog beds.
Find on AmazonJoicyCo Dog Crate Pad
In warmer months, the JoicyCo Dog Crate Pad is our favorite pairing for the KELIXU heavy-duty dog crate. This pad fits well in the crate, and we love the non-skid bottom. We also appreciate that the pad can go through the washer and dryer over and over without losing its shape.
Find on AmazonWe wish you and your escape artist luck finding a cozy, stress-free spot for snuggling, playing, and safe snoozing!