Midwest iCrate Single-Door Home Training and Travel Series

[Emily, John, and Oliver]

Hey folks - our little guy is not so little any more and is getting ready to grow out of his crate. We're looking for something both sturdy and affordable - this is our top contender at the moment. Just wanted to check with all of you dog owners before we go ahead and purchase - does anyone have other recommendations?

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000OX64P8

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

I would ask you a couple questions before answering this.  (1)  How big do you think your boy is going to be?  (2)  Do you plan to use the crate for a long time or do you anticipate giving him full freedom at some point?  The reason I ask is because of the size.  Here is a photo of our AnnaBelle in the crate that is a size larger than the one you are looking at.  AnnaBelle is just now 35 lbs.  Once they are potty trained I think it is better for them to have extra room in their crate if they have to spend much time there.  We have a smaller size that AnnaBelle has been sleeping in in our room at night.  As soon as her Spay stitches come out she will be moving up to this larger crate in the puppy room with Lucy at night.  I think our smaller one is maybe 36" and she is filling it up.  If you have the space and are planning to use the crate for awhile, I'd consider bumping up to the next size.  Unless of course your guy is a mini!

[Adina P]

I agree on the bigger crate.  Your guy sounds like my Rosco (he weighed the same at that age) who is 85-95 lbs full grown.  He is gated in our mudroom now and our smaller dog has his crate.  On the rare occasion I put him in the crate, it's pretty snug and he has the 48" larger one. He's also 27" tall from the floor to his shoulder.  The 42" long crate is only 30" high so you can imagine he would have to keep his head pretty low when standing.

[Emily, John, and Oliver]

Oh wow, ok. Ollie is 55 lbs. now (at 5 1/2 months - he's a moose!). They anticipate him getting to be around 80-90 lbs. We'd like for this to be his last crate - at some point we want for him to have free reign of the house. 

Thanks for the advice - and the picture! AnnaBelle is a cutie!

[Jane J and Murphy]

I would second what Sheri has mentioned. In addition, I would recommend that you get a crate that has a gate opening in the front as well as the end. This just gives you a few more options when placing the crate in a room.

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

I hate the big dopey crate in the middle of my living room (so I don't have to look at it in the den that is open and attached to our kitchen) BUT it is the super duper size since he spends our workdays inside.  I would go for the plus size as Sherri suggests.  

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

This way, it wont take up so much living room space

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

If I only had stairs I would love this!

[F, Calla & Luca]

Great idea! A gate would make this perfect.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

They make this crate in several sizes.  We have the medium. When I have had fosters I borrow the larger crate from my neighbors. Here is the thing about crates though. Always always always keep a crate. Even if your dog no longer needs one, you should have an emergency kit in your home.

If you suddenly have to leave in a disaster situation, you are going to have to have a crate when you go to a shelter.

My dog has not used a crate in years, but if I were to suddenly leave, the crate would have a current copy of his vet records, a week worth of food, a blanket, etc

So plan on having a crate forever when you choose a crate