What are the best crates? (on a budget)

Tabitha

Tabitha

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I've really been needing to get my dogs some crates for an every day use. Right now all I have is an x-pen. But I want to be able to separate them. The crates will be used for feeding, car rides, and agility shows (when I'm finally able to go:rolleyes2:). What crates would you recommend I use? Should I get a soft sided crate, a wire crate, or a traveling crate? All of these are my favorites from what I've look at. If you have any others that you like (and are suitable for someone on a budget), do tell!:biggrin2:

PS I didn't pick that wire crate JUST because of the sheltie! Even though it does look a little like Dixie, only more poofy.:razz:
 
We have always used the travel style crates. I don't like wire crates for two reasons. First, they are very open and I don't know that without covering them if they give the dog a good sense of "den". With a cover, the dog could grab whatever it's covered with and pull it down. Also, the wire makes me nervous for getting caught on collars or paws getting stuck.

The plastic crates give my dogs that enclosed safe feel they need, they are much better for travel, have fewer catch points and are easy to clean.

Never tried a soft crate, but I could see that being torn to shreds in a matter of months. All our plastic crates are at least 10 years old and have many more serviceable years in them.
 
I use a wire crate. I have the same one you linked (except mine has 2 doors) for Flyball. It stays in my car when I'm not using it. I got it off Amazon for about the same price, but with free 2-day shipping (I have Prime). I like the portability of wire crates, and I think my dog would tear up a soft-sided crate. I would like a vari-kennel (travel crate) at some point, but I need a bigger car. Right now the size I want would be difficult to get in and out of the back seat.

I suggest checking out craigslist for a used one.. you can get quite a deal!
 
Jess041 said:
I would like a vari-kennel (travel crate) at some point, but I need a bigger car.
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Good point. I bought my car in 2011. Mitsubishi Outlander. It was voted the most pet-friendly of all CUV's mostly because of the split rear gate. It makes it easy to fit three full sized travel crates and two passengers. We can only fit one crate in the back of my wife's hatchback.
 
soft crates are good for dogs who are ok being crated and don't try to get out. My very first soft crate- my beagle mix destroyed the zipper seam and almost got out unobserved. so he was in a wire crate or plastic crate.
wire crates can be heavy to move around so that's a negative for wire.

the shelties are good in crates so we have soft crates for traveling/trials and wire crates in the living room for crating while I'm at work.
I practice secondary containment- I wish I'd taken a pic at our last trial- I set up 2 xpens around the 3 soft crates with some room for a chair for me. and for outdoor trials, we also have an EZ up canopy for shade.

I would say that you need to identify the primary purpose that you want to use the crates for and buy the one that fits that need the best.
 
We have a Medium Size wire cage at home, same brand as one linked in your post. It is a the corner, so one side and the back is already blocked, and we have a towel that cover the other side and leaving the front open. Sammy doesn't play with the towel, unless it is sticking in the cage.

Then we have a Small Size wire cage one we leave in the car for when we take Sammy out. It's not as comfortable as the one at home, but it is big enough for the car ride, and doesn't take up the whole trunk.

Sammys Daddy
 
I agree. (I had Vari-Kennel brand crates.) In addition, I would think that laying down against plastic would feel better than laying down against wire.

Lunatic59 said:
We have always used the travel style crates. I don't like wire crates for two reasons. First, they are very open and I don't know that without covering them if they give the dog a good sense of "den". With a cover, the dog could grab whatever it's covered with and pull it down. Also, the wire makes me nervous for getting caught on collars or paws getting stuck.

The plastic crates give my dogs that enclosed safe feel they need, they are much better for travel, have fewer catch points and are easy to clean.

Never tried a soft crate, but I could see that being torn to shreds in a matter of months. All our plastic crates are at least 10 years old and have many more serviceable years in them.
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It really depending on your dogs. i use soft crates for everyone but Birch who will scratch though the front. For him I used wire crates. Easy to store, collapse and good ventilation and can cover if need more visual blockage. Down side heavy

I really don't like vari kennels for shows too bulky to move around and get in and out of the car. For home use they are great.

If you are on a budget just got this link from a show showing friend

http://www.wayfair.com/Midwest-Home...rate-16-X-MDW1004.html?prkit=0&clearance=true

Look for the clearance link, 24in Midwest crate for 12.80! get them while they are hot.:biggrin2: Price seems to vary with demand. :lol:
 
Justicemom said:
It really depending on your dogs. i use soft crates for everyone but Birch who will scratch though the front. For him I used wire crates. Easy to store, collapse and good ventilation and can cover if need more visual blockage. Down side heavy

I really don't like vari kennels for shows too bulky to move around and get in and out of the car. For home use they are great.

If you are on a budget just got this link from a show showing friend

http://www.wayfair.com/Midwest-Home...rate-16-X-MDW1004.html?prkit=0&clearance=true

Look for the clearance link, 24in Midwest crate for 12.80! get them while they are hot.:biggrin2: Price seems to vary with demand. :lol:
Click to expand...

Awesome thanks!!!!!!! 4 new show crates coming to my house!!!!:biggrin2:
 
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