Crate Suggestions...

[lukabear]

I've been thinking about buying a new one, and tonight confirms the need.

Luka got his NOSE/TEETH/JAW stuck in the crate today. He's been sticking his nose through there since he was little, stopped for a while, and apparently thought today would be a great time to prove that his nose hadn't grown at alllll. He started screaming like his head was being cut off, but is no worse for wear - everything is intact.

So, I need a new crate, with the only major criteria being that it can't be metal or wicker and it needs to be large enough for Luka AND Toulouse as they're in there now mainly to calm down and they love going in there to snuggle with each other.

Any ideas on where to find something more like this?

I checked dr foster smith, petsmart, anddd petco. I didn't really see anything that didn't look like a travel carrier, or what I have now. Since the crate sits in my living room, i'd rather I didn't have a huge white and green carrier.

 

[take4roll10]

Bailey did the same thing when she was a puppy. She used to stick her snout through the wired bars and then scream bloody murder. She grew out of that.

What about a plastic crate?

http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3195394&lmdn=Crates+&+Kennels

 

[Caro]

I have a couple of large grey (plastic) crates in the lounge that mine occassionally use. They were darn expensive - the only handy thing is they have a flat top so I can put stuff on it. But I must say the ones I use the most are the soft travel crates. They are easy to put away and I take them with us to training and comps and when we stay away. One of mine is dark green and the other is blue. The travel crates come in lots of different colours though if u dont like green.

I should mention, the grey crates (IATA standard) cost me close to $300 each, the soft travel crates cost me $40 each and I got them on one of the bargain shopping sites - and even tho Deska scratches and rolls around in his it is still in good nick. I do need to put a clasp on the zips when we are out tho because these smart shelties can open zippers

 

[Chris]

I have one of the large fake wicker ones -- it's the end table in my bedroom. I'm big on double duty.

 

[BarbV]

What about a soft-sided crate? They are light and transportable.

We use one on our boat....shove both pups inside while we toot across to the cottage. It's a little tight for two, but if you go the largest size, it might work

http://www.mightypets.com/product.asp?3=1084

 

[Justicemom]

I do need to put a clasp on the zips when we are out tho because these smart shelties can open zippers

Ember does this. Smart little bugger. First time, I was running Justice in agility practice and suddenly I had 2 dogs running.

I had good luck with the soft sided crates like Barb posted as long as the dog respects the crate boundaries and doesn't dig or chew. They can break out easily if they dig.

 

[BarbV]

I've never had an issue with digging or zippers ...yet! (knock wood!)

 

[k9kreationz]

Have you thought about a playpen instead? Not sure what size you're looking for, but I just bought this:

http://www.ryanspet.com/productInfo.aspx?itemNo=PAA35501

And I think it's the best thing!!! I can confine my dogs, they were good together in it, and it's ultra portable. Thankfully, neither of them chewed it up, but Koji tried to paw the bottom (it's only held on by velcro).

If your dogs are still pups, another option is to use something (I'm thinking chicken wire, but that may not be safe) to cover the wire bars so he cant stick his nose out.

But if you want something completely different besides metal and wicker, I'm thinking your only option is a plastic kennel, a fabric kennel, this type of play pen, or dog houses (w/o doors). Hmmmm.....

I guess it just depends on what you want. I'll be taking this pen with me to "grandma's" house from now on. So much easier. BTW, mine is the large one because I stick my two full grown boys in there and they need their space.