Are all crates the same?
As the subject line says, I am in a dither about buying a crate. Are they all the same? Is one manufacturer better than another? Are there any that I should avoid? I know that I want to get a 42-inch crate, and would prefer a metal pan, but after that ... help! |
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| Well, I like the wire folding crates. Easy to put up and down. And the wire crates keep air flowing nicely and allow the puppy to see you. Although, I do cover the crate with a blanket for pup to feel more secure. Leave the top open for air as heat rises... You want a the space between the wires to be small so the pups feet or other parts cannot get stuck in between. I like the metal pan also. Easy clean up and no plastic to absorb bacteria or chemicals. Name brands...doesn't really matter. Although I like the ones with a door in the front and on the side so I can position where I want and still open the door. I just purchases a new crate for the car. 36 inch with a door in the front, side and top. Costs about 45 dollar with shipping and came with the metal tray and a divider. Curious to see what others say...And, oh, if you plan to fly the dog at all, you need a special air line crate. Can't ship in wire crates. |
| Thanks, Diane - you gave me one answer that I was looking for: Name brands don't really matter. I should have been more specific in my question - what I meant was, is there a difference in quality among the wire crates? That's what I will get - I won't be traveling much, and I basically need it to help in housebreaking - but there are a number of different manufacturers, and I was curious if one was better or worse than the others. Also, my breeder promised more pictures later this week - Bob is almost three weeks old. Five more weeks until I pick him up! |
| Congrads on your new puppy! Get some sleep in the next five weeks! And its great you are preparing. I was waiting to hear what others say about name brands. I know there is general Cage, MidWest, and I forget the rest. I've had them all and haven't found a huge difference in quality. Some come with a plastic pan. I like the metal better. But, no big deal either way. You will pay more if more than one door. And with some, the wires are closer together. Some have better clasps. I've never had a problem with any of the clasps and/or my puppy escaping out. I know there are also all sorts of colors available. I'm a plain Jane and stick with black...matter of preferemce. Stay away from soft crates during the puppy/chewing time...No matter what brand and no matter what they say, a puppy can and will chew and or scratch out of a soft crate! |
| I have tons of different crates (metal and plastic). Of the metal ones, I really don't notice any difference. None of mine are the super cheap ones (avoid them)...and most are decent. Mine have plastic trays, and I have no trouble with them. If you have a chewer, I can see where it might be an issue. But with all our breeds, puppies, adult rescues, I've never had one chew the pan or wreck the crate.  Most people are more concerned with size - fitting their dog, fitting a vehicle, etc. If you can, visit a store with some on display and check them out - then you can get a good idea of what you want and need in a crate. |
When it comes to metal crates, I always buy General Cage. I've had my 1st one since 1997 & it is still going strong.  And it's had a lot of use. |
| The metal pan is loud. You hear movement a lot more and any nail clinking is also amplified. My original crate had a metal pan and I got rid of it and traded for plastic. I did have one that got a crack in it but they're only like $15 to replace and, for me, it was worth it to cut the noise. I get chronic migraines and sound can sometimes drive me insane so it's a big issue. |
With any crate pan, you can aboid the noise it will make with movement by putting a blanket or towel between the pan and the bottom of the crate...Just life the pan out, put the towel or banket in and oput the pan on top. No more nosiy movement rattling  |
Ashley wrote: With any crate pan, you can aboid the noise it will make with movement by putting a blanket or towel between the pan and the bottom of the crate...Just life the pan out, put the towel or banket in and oput the pan on top. No more nosiy movement rattling You can also use crate pan covers. You can make them easy enough....just like a pillow case. That way your dog is not directly on metal & when they get dirty you can slip them off, wash & dry them & put them back on. |
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