Types of Crates?

[Mingo]

Hi, I'm planning to adopt a dog later this year, and I want to use crate training. Most of the informational sites just refer to "crates" but I've seen metal ones, plastic ones, even cloth ones and I'm not sure what kind to use. I've heard the metal ones can be unsturdy but the plastic ones can be chewed up, and I don't think I'd feel comfortable using the fabric kind until I really trusted my dog.

Anyone have suggestions about types/brands? Thanks!

[jessiree]

We use metal ones.  They seem sturdy enough and we can take them apart and travel with them if necessary.  Rowan can destroy black kongs, so we didn't even THINK about plastic or fabric. 

[OldsGal]

I have used the plastic ones on two different dogs.  One hated the crate and would dig and bite at it but never managed to do damage.  My parents have used the plastic ones and my sister has used the plastic ones.  None of the dogs have done damage to them and all of the dogs now love their crates.  They like to go in them when they are tired or when they want to get away from the chaos.

[forkyfork]

I dont know how the metal could be unsturdy Ive sat on mine and Im not light. My dog has both plastic and metal she prefers the metal because she can see out better. 

I did see a really nice wicker looking one at Dr Fosters and Smith that I really liked but since we have 3 crates for one dog but Im sure Id hear about it if I got another. 

The one thing to take into consideration is the side the door opens on, we had to McGuyver the door to get it to open towards the wall because the couch kept the dog from being able to get out of the door.

[trubandloki]

I have used all three (metal, plastic, and fabric).
Between the metal and plastic I think it is more of a personal preference thing.  My dog loves her plastic crate, I think because it is so cozy.  Hubby's dog likes his metal crate.
We have one of both for both dogs.  We take the metal when we travel as they collapse and carry easily.

The fabric are great if you dog is going to be in a supervised situation (like a dog show or such).  They are light and easy to carry and set up, etc.  They do not work if you have a dog that digs or chews as they can damage easily.

[Blue Steel Rats]

It depends on the dog.  We've used both the plastic kind and the metal kind.  We had one dog literally chew through the plastic crate in a matter of hours on day while we were gone.  So, we replaced it.  This time, it took much longer, but he still got out.  This time he left the plastic alone, but destroyed the metal door. I kid you not! (Didn't do much for his teeth, I might add  ).  He literally ripped the metal frame door apart.  I was so shocked I took the door to my vet and showed it to him.  His response upon seeing the door was:  "  Good Lord, Deb!  Was somebody in the house?" (meaning a burglar)  Then he went on to tell me of another one of his clients who owned a large breed dog who did the same thing to its crate and there WAS a burglar still in the house (hiding in a closet apparently - minus a few fingers and blood).

So, we figured next move would be to get a very sturdy metal crate.  A big one, with thick metal bars.  We ended up getting a very large one, to give him plenty of room (thought perhaps he was claustrophobic) and so he could see out.  He got out of that one too, by bending the bars of the door and then forcing his head out, which, in turn, allowed the rest of him out.     So, it depends on the dog in the end.

I would advise against wicker or fabric.  WAY to easy to destroy.  Plus, with the wicker, you can't clean it.

Right now we have a very large Deluxe Edition Petmate wire kennel/crate.  The old fella who broke out of so many kennels so long ago has since gone to the Bridge, but we still have dogs (some of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren).  Still have dogs in the house (wouldn't have it any other way), and still need a crate.  No one seems to be quite as claustrophobic as Old Man Brutt was, so the kennel is holding up great.  It's quite study.  It has a slide out solid floor, two doors (one on top, and one on the end), a mini-door for putting in food/water without having to open the big main door, and a dual locking door.  Plus, because it was the "deluxe" edition, it came with a cover complete with "window covers" and "door covers" so that if need be, we can keep distractions to a minimum for whichever dog is in the crate by lowering the fabric coverings (two on each side, running along the top of the sides, one along the top of the back end, and one over the door).  All of them can be secured either in the "up" or "down" position with Velcro.   Very good crate/kennel.   

[Kati33]

If you are getting a puppy, I'd see if you can borrow a plastic crate from someone until the dog grows big enough to buy a crate the right size for it. You can also determine if the dog will be good crated and thus be trusted in the soft-sided crates or if it will need a metal/plastic crate. Another option is to buy a crate that is the "final" size you will need and block off part of it- one of the main points of crate training to potty train is to keep the crate small and cozy enough that the dog can't make part of it the litter box area and part the sleeping area. If you are getting an older dog that is already housetrained this won't be an issue. Personally I have a wire crate for each dog, a soft crate and a pop up crate (yes, 4 crates for 2 dogs, actually 5 if you count the plastic crate in the attic left over from my husband's old dog). Each crate serves a different purpose- the wire crates are more every day crates (we keep one up at all times if we need it when Asher is being a brat, we also have several set up right now since Hank is still mildly on crate rest), I use the soft crate for Hank at agility trials and if Asher needs to be crated but has been having seizures so she won't get her feet caught in the wire crate and injure herself. The pop up is usually kept in my truck in case I need it and is used if I take Asher to the agility trial with me or I don't feel like loading Hank's good crate for the trial.