Collapsible Dog Crate tips

Metal crates VS. “Soft” crates

Although fabric is more suited to portability, both materials have their advantages and disadvantages.

- First of all, be aware that a fabric dog crate is NOT suitable for crate training. They simply cannot withstand chewing, scratching or digging.

- Soft crates are lighter, and thus more portable.

- Metal crates provide more ventilation. Even though many soft crates have mesh windows, you simply can’t beat a metal grid when it comes to air flow.

- Soft crates are easier to fold up.

- Soft crates tend to be less expensive.

- The “doors” on a soft crate are easier to open and close, since they are zippered.

- A fabric crate can absorb odors. This is not a problem with their metal counterparts.

- Soft crates tend to look better. They also come in many different colors, which means they can match the colors of the room in which it will be placed.

Tips on buying a collapsible dog crate: What you should look for.

- Adjustable size: Some crate models have a divider panel that lets you change the length of the living area. This is ideal for dogs that are still growing, as you can adjust the usable size of the crate as your dog grows. It also means you may use the crate for two smaller dogs. Do be aware however that unless the crate has a front and a back door, one of the divided areas will only be accessible by removing the partition.

- Models with two doors –one in the front and one on the side- are practical in that they allows access through two sides. This can be useful when the crate is used in the car, and affords more versatility in terms of placement indoors. It also makes it easy to clean, as you don’t have to reach way back in the crate from the front door.

- Look for models with strong and secure latches. Latches that will slide open by shaking the cage should be avoided.

- Look for models that offer strong and secure handles for carrying the crate.

- A crate made of thicker metal will stand up to more “abuse” by rowdy dogs.

- That being said, it is likely that the stronger a collapsible crate is, the heavier it will be.

- Look for a crate that is easy to fold and set up again.

- If you plan on using the crate for road trips, make sure the model you choose will fit in your car.

- Don’t get a crate bigger than you will need – it will be needlessly heavy.

- Look for walls that lock in place well. Crafty dogs can break out.

- Some models feature a plastic tray as the “floor” of the crate. If this plastic is not thick enough, it can break easily. Plastic can also be noisy, as the dog’s nails hit the tray. Look for a rubberized tray if this is a concern.

- A removable tray is a great feature – it makes it easy to clean.

- Trays can slide out of the cage, so you may want to opt for a tray that can be locked in place.

- If you plan on putting a dog bed in the crate – make sure it will fit the crate.

- Don’t forget to factor in the height of your dog. Looking at a crate’s length and depth is not enough. Your dog should be able to stand comfortably inside.

- If the crate is heavy, you may want to look for a model that that can be fitted with wheels.

- Make sure the wires are close together. A dog toy should not be able to slide out under any bars. A dog could injure himself trying to reach the toy.

- Look for bars that are coated with plastic or resin that will prevent rust.

Crate training is a very humane and easy way to make your dog behave. Also, when your pet gets used to the crate, it will become his or her “home”, he or she will actually enjoy being in it, and go there voluntarily.When it comes to collapsible dog crates, the advantage is obvious: Portability.If you are ready to crate-train your dog, or if you are simply in need of a new crate, these tips can help you make the right choice. When properly introduced to your pet, he or she can actually grow to love his or her crate. The key is to introduce the crate slowly, and let your dog get used to it. If you want your dog to enjoy the crate, you should not use it as a form of punishment. It should be seen as a safe haven for the pet. And it can be. When small children -who may not be used to dogs- encounter your pet, they may be a bit rough with your it, and it can get frightened, or worse, get hurt. If the children are just too much for the dog, it will voluntarily and instinctively seek a safe refuge. This will also make it clearer to the children that they are over doing it. If you have two or more dogs, the crates can be useful, as a feeding environment, as the more forceful dog will not be able to steal the other's food. Also, if someone who is afraid of dogs, or simply uncomfortable with them, comes to visit, you can use a crate to confine the dog temporarily. A large, friendly dog means well when it jumps onto new people, but when the person is elderly or fragile, this can be a problem. The great thing about a collapsible dog crate is that you can bring it along when you visit friends and family. If anyone there is uncomfortable with dogs, they will feel secure when the dog is contained. And the dog will be much happier then if he or she were left at home. The pet can still see and hear the people around, which makes it feel much better than if it had to be locked in a room alone. If the person you are visiting has pets such as a cat, or puppies, or a more aggressive breed of dog, once again, crating the dog provides protection for all involved.
A crate is a good way to keep the dog safer if it is not used to car travel. You definitely don't want any distractions when you drive, especially a confused pet suddenly jumping on your lap. And without a crate, a dog can be injured as they can easily be thrown due to a sudden stop.
In the case of dogs that are simply too rambunctious, especially as pups when they don't know all the rules of a household and have not been trained yet, a crate is a way of saving your belongings (such as chewable shoes) from destruction. Again you should remember that a dog can grow to love its crate, especially if its favorite toy and blanket are in there.
A crate can also help in housebreaking, since a dog will not "go to the bathroom" where it sleeps. Therefore the pet learns to relieve itself at specific times, ie, when you take it for a walk. Also, when travelling, some hotels and motels require you to have a crate for your pet. With a collapsible dog crate, this is easier then ever. If travelling by train or plane, your dog's experience will be far less stressful if it is in the safe and familiar surroundings of its own crate. Once at your destination, the foldable crate is easy to deal with.

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