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Recommendations for crates?

Hi, has anyone got recommendations about the biggest most solid crates? Looked at reviews online and it seems dogs can get out of a lot of crates easily and destroy them, even sometimes hurting themselves in the process. I've never used crates in my life before (training has always been enough) but some owners said they use them and their dogs like them for comfort or for feeding when other dogs are present and I figured it may be useful to have my own. Thanks!

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Thank you so much for all the info everyone! I ended up having two crates brought by two owners and they were helpful at feeding time. Other than that, they always stayed open but one dog enjoyed going in there for quiet naps and another crate-less dog even used one for a couple of naps too.

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I completely agree that if the dog is not already crate trained, they can hurt themselves and damage the crate. For dogs that are crate trained, it would likely be best to ask the owner to bring their crate, which would be more comforting. You could also use pet/baby gates (which I'd suggest is a better investment than crates if you don't have any yet) to help control dog traffic during feeding and any other needed times.

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Very true! Though many dogs take to using a crate pretty well if you use lots of treats and take it slow.

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I prefer the plastic airline-style crates to the wire crates. I would think they are sturdier.

More important than the type of crate is the training of the dog. Dogs who are not crate-trained and who are afraid of the crate can hurt themselves (and the crate). Having a crate on hand would be convenient, but confirm with the owner that their dog is okay in a crate.

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I've had quiet a few crates and panicky dogs, so I'll share my 2 cents. Wire crates have their pros and cons. A dog who is determined to escape if it means chewing a leg off has a higher chance of hurting himself, simply because wire does bend if you put enough pressure on it. That being said, I have never had a dog actually bend the door enough to escape, and three have really tried! Usually the latch will wiggle loose before the crate gives, and they escape by bending the loose half of the door open. If you clip some D-rings on the latch, then no dog can escape. Another bonus: they are collapsible, so you can put them away in storage when you don't need them. Not all wire crates are created equal. Top Paw makes some of the sturdiest ones.

The plastic crates have a lower chance of causing injury to a neurotic animal. That being said, the solid wall can intimidate dogs who are not used to being crated. It takes a little more time and training to get one to enter, and a truly terrified dog will never go in on his own, and probably bite you in the process. With a wire crate, you can at least thread the leash through the wires at the back end and gently "lead" him in that way. I've had a lot more success in that area with the wire crates.

I personally own both styles. I use them for different dogs depending on their needs and personality. Headstrong dogs go in the wire crates every time. I can get them in/out easier, they sometimes settle down better in them, and as long as I add a clip to the latches, I've not had one escape. The only "bent open and escaped" situation happened when I did not secure both latches.

I would say it's very uncommon for a dog to escape from a crate, even in the crazy situations where the dogs injures himself in the doing. I've only had it happen once in a history of over 30 dogs so far, and it was that dog who taught me that those latches really do wiggle loose if you lick them and nibble at them for long enough.

Long story short: definitely get a crate to keep everyone safe at night and when you are not at home. Go online, read product reviews, and make a decision that is best for you, your situation, and your preferences.

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This is the type of crate I use for most of my boarding dogs. Admittedly, I gear myself more towards dogs who are likely to break crates, but in my experience of fostering and dog sitting I have had more than a couple be able to rip out of wire ones within minutes. One ate through the crate and then my bedroom door a few years back.

The plastic crate I linked here is the most sturdy crate you can find under $800. It costs about $200. My first one I bought 7 years ago and it's still standing after letting a rescue borrow it for a separation anxiety dog lol. It's called the Petmate Vari Kennel - XL. Only the XL size has the dial lock. It gives the crate extra strength because of that bar that runs side to side, as well as the bars that hold the door shut actually LOCK into place once closed. (The dog mentioned above can't break out of it!)

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Since the image doesn't want to show up, here's the link: http://www.petmate.com/product/Petmate-Giant-(48-)-Vari-Kennel/21700 (For some reason you'll have to copy/paste it.)

Thank you so much for all the info everyone! I ended up having two crates brought by two owners and they were helpful at feeding time. Other than that, they always stayed open but one dog enjoyed going in there for quiet naps and another crate-less dog even used one for a couple of naps too.

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pens are also a good tool. I mostly watch small dogs and its a nice way to get them to settle down in a room. They are not escape proof, just another tool. mine has a mesh top, but a determined dog can get out. im usually in the room when they are in it and don't want the dogs wandering.

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If my customers' pup uses a crate for security, sleeping, etc., I have them bring their crate.

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Thank you so much for all the great answers and comments! One upcoming guest told me at the meet and greet that he has a crate his dog loves to eat in and sleep in, and his usual sitter has one for guest dogs so he was asking if I had my own or if he should bring his. He told me how they can be collapsible, etc. and I thought I'd look into it because that could be less things to carry for owners when they come to drop off their dog. Since asking about crate recommendations here, another owner just said she's bringing one for her dog unless I already have mine, so I think it won't hurt just to have one stashed away somewhere just in case... Again, thanks for the input everyone! Very grateful!