WHAT IS THE BEST CRATE I CAN BUY?

[LarryL]

So I'm buying stuff in preparation for my pup arriving next month.

The breeder recommended a 24" high crate w a divider.

My question is can the doodle kissers here share their opinions on what they think the best crate to buy is?

I want to get something top of the line, and wanted to see if I can get any recommendations from you guys?

[Leslie J]

I think Midwest Crates are the best. Here's a link

http://www.midwestpetproducts.com/midwestdogcrates?gclid=CPfopuvC8r...

I would get one with a divider, so you can make it cozier while your puppy is small, and remove the divider when your puppy is full grown.

Have fun with your new puppie!!!

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

I have had great luck with Vari-Kennels. They are extremely well made, and should you ever need replacement parts, they are readily available. We found most dogs prefer an enclosed kennel. They seem to feel safer..being the den animals they are. They are also Airline approved should you ever have to fly a pup.

[Debb, Lucy & Oscar]

We use Precision crates. I think you should consider how long you intend to use the crate, and buy accordingly. You'll want a very durable crate for long term use or an inexpensive (and less durable) crate for short term use. We use our crates every day and wanted ones we could fold for taking on vacations with the doods. Precision crates fit the bill.

[Brittney & Cally]

I also use Midwest Crates and I have the life stages one. Chewy.com has great prices for them along with amazon!

[Sally S Miles]

I prefer the plastic type of crate to a wire kennel, cleaning and safety primarily, but think dogs like them.

This is the crate that I like a lot, the double doors allow for easy cleaning, positioning options, and I have three in varying sizes.   There were details that lead me to this one - such as smoother edges and the door fastens more friendly for pup.

http://www.amazon.com/Double-Door-Portable-Plastic-Crate/dp/B002PJ1...  

Pet Mate Vari Kennel is the basic, can't go wrong - especially if looking for travel purposes.    Airlines use and offer this brand generally, these are tough and price effective.    http://www.amazon.com/Petmate-Kennel-Pets-50-Pound-Light/dp/B003E77...

I also have a Furrari crate, small for pups and cats - but even though I like it, it's spendy and not airline approved. Also very heavy.

Some brands of crate have weird door latches, so I suggest trying them (the dial type can be difficult in my opinion).

[Brittney & Cally]

My breeder explained the crates as the following:

Wire crates: they are more open so you can share the world with your puppy or you can part of it up (which I do). It's easier to fold down and it's looks nicer than a plastic one.

Plastic crates: they are more den like. They are a good investment if you plan on flying with your dog . You do not have to worry about safety concerns, such as collars getting stuck in between the bars.

But really it comes down to a personal preference they are both great options!

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

Agreed! Although, I will add one thing... A plastic crates is sooooo much easier to clean! LOL...I watched my daughter spend the better part of an hr, one time, trying to clean a huge mess her pup did...those wire sides were a nightmare to clean!

[John B]

Thoughts on a soft sided crate? http://www.amazon.com/EliteField-Beige-3-Door-Soft-Crate/dp/B004ABH...

We had wire crates in past and thinking about trying this out.

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

We have 2 of these....they were our go to crates when we were evacuated for Hurricanes when living in Texas. Great for a very short term or an older, quiet dog....a puppy would destroy it in a very short time.. I also use this for my cats....( they actually traveled across country to San Diego) and it worked great. But a puppy, HELL NO! ( LOL...JMO of course)

[F, Calla & Luca]

When Luca was a puppy I got a cheap version of this so I could take him to the city and theoretically leave him at my son's when we went to dinner. In a twinkling he turned it over and managed to undo the zipper.

[F, Calla & Luca]

I have three wire crates. I like that they are ver secure, have lots of air and view. The doodles like them I think. To my mind the plastic crates might get too warm. Depending on the size of your doodles they can't expand if needed while you can get a big wire crate and partition it off for puppies. I find the wire crates very easy to keep clean. As with most things I guess it comes down to preferences.