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saltydog
Crate Trained
Joined: 11 Jan 2010
Posts: 56
Location: UT
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 Posted: Tue Feb 02, 2010 9:02 pm Post subject: crate/carrier questions |
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| Hello everyone, I've been a lurker here for a while and I'm finally coming out of the woodwork since my long-awaited crestie pup is coming home next weekend. I have been doing oodles of research but I'm stumped on choosing the style of crate/carrier to buy for my little girl. Which is better - metal crates or hard plastic carriers? And what size do you use for an adult crestie? |
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StellaLeigh
Best in Show
Joined: 24 Nov 2009
Posts: 1084
Location: wonderland
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| Posted: Tue Feb 02, 2010 9:54 pm Post subject: |
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Hello and Welcome to Crush!
My little girl Stella has her own soft sided touring box, and we also have a hard plastic crate, that has a metal door,I can fit all three of my kids in that one.
Are you looking for a crate to use in the house for crate training also? I know many people who prefer the all metal wire ones for that.
As for the size if your pup can stand up and comfortable turn around then that's the size you need for transport, a wee bit bigger is ok too.
If you plan to ever take your new baby on a plane you need to make sure that what ever crate you purchase is rated for an aircraft.
We would love to pictures of your new bundle of joy too.You must be very excited next weekend I bet seems like forever away 
You've come to the best place IMO to find info on Crestie's so get yourself a cup of tea and dive in! |
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Ace
Her Royal Nakedness
Joined: 29 Dec 2005
Posts: 17256
Location: Florida dreaming
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| Posted: Wed Feb 03, 2010 6:13 am Post subject: |
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| Just a warning... the soft crates with the mesh screens are really nice BUT, if you have a crestie who wants out badly, they can and will claw right thru it. Solid metal bars are the best with a newbie. The crate can be plastic, but if they are nervous or anxious, they will chew the plastic (and that's not good on cc tummies). |
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hlboyz
QueenLaQuintli
Joined: 10 Jan 2006
Posts: 11921
Location: Paradise
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| Posted: Wed Feb 03, 2010 6:34 am Post subject: |
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I use the large 2X3 ft collapsable crates which are black wire and have dividers and two doors. They sell them at petsmart, grocery stores, etc. You use the divider for when a puppy for crate training/potty training and enlarge the space as they grow and can be trusted in a larger space without soiling it. I like the large ones because I have large dogs as well, but even for the smaller pups since if they are sick or recovering you can set up a very nice space for them in a larger crate. (see Davina's new apartment)
I think the size should be something convenient for your house as well. And they have some very nice ie fancy ones which are quite attractive depending on where you are going to put it. Just look online and for structure and features. I don't have crates in my formal living area but in a separate rec-room downstairs. I put casters on them for easy moving and cleaning as they are heavier than the plastic or soft ones.
I also have the collapsible soft sided crates and love them. But Ace is correct, a dog CAN claw or chew through them if they are so inclined and you will need to secure the zipper as well. They also are not as easy to clean. Sometimes it is nice to have both depending on where they are needed. Even though they are considered essential for training, it is always a good idea to have one around for emergencies and when you need to secure your adult dog for it's safety.
Have fun shopping! 
(good grief, do we need a "show us your crates/carriers/kennels thread"??? LOL) |
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igpodet
Top Dog!!!!
Joined: 12 Jul 2006
Posts: 3587
Location: DEVON. UK
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| Posted: Wed Feb 03, 2010 6:43 am Post subject: |
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I use wire or the solid plastic type, which both give protection in the car, and keep them safe,whether traveling or at home
The soft crates are IMHO a waste of money!!! In a car they offer no protection at all, I have lost count of the number of dogs (of all shapes and sizes) that I have seen escape from them at shows. I have also seen a crate with 2 pugs roll across a ring when the wind got up  One of my Italian pups took less than 5 mins to scratch her way out!!! If you do have a soft crate the dog should never be left in it unsupervised - which rather defeats the idea of using a crate!!! |
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ColleenT
Fairy Dogmother
Joined: 21 Nov 2008
Posts: 5926
Location: Poconos USA
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| Posted: Wed Feb 03, 2010 8:31 am Post subject: |
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metal.
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StellaLeigh
Best in Show
Joined: 24 Nov 2009
Posts: 1084
Location: wonderland
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| Posted: Wed Feb 03, 2010 9:49 am Post subject: |
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I should have been more clear on the soft sided crate.
We use it as a seat in the car, the crate gets strapped in and Stella is secured to a tether on the inside. It sits on the passenger seat and she curls up inside happy as a clam. I'm pretty fortunate as Stella is a very calm passenger in the car. My other 2 are also pretty calm they just whine and are chatty.But no one is unruly in the car.
But Stella's not a scratcher or a digger, so this crate works for us. But for sure if you want absolute security and more durability this is not the model to chose.
It really depends on what you want to use the crate for.
But as hlzboy said... do have fun shopping, there are so many to choose from. |
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achin4nakies
Top Dog!!!!
Joined: 17 Jan 2009
Posts: 2707
Location: Nova Scotia, Canada
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| Posted: Wed Feb 03, 2010 12:41 pm Post subject: |
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When I am transferring my puppers they are in a plastic crate. At night mine are kenneled at the end of my bed in a large wire crate. The wire crates are great IMHO because they have dividers and when your new addition is small you can use the divider to decrease the size of the crate until he or she needs more room. That way you don't end up buying more crates then necessary.
I've picked up my crates second hand as the price is ssssooo reasonable (mostly on line purchases) and a local auction. They were in excellant condition and very clean.
Anne along with Ruby, Pipp and Lilli |
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morag
Mistress of the Cunning Plan
Joined: 03 Dec 2007
Posts: 10305
Location: Shropshire UK
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| Posted: Wed Feb 03, 2010 1:39 pm Post subject: |
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I use metal crates similare to Colleen's for both house and car, then we have this for when visiting
and a stroller or 2 aswell  |
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saltydog
Crate Trained
Joined: 11 Jan 2010
Posts: 56
Location: UT
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| Posted: Wed Feb 03, 2010 10:37 pm Post subject: |
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| Thank you all for sharing your opinions! I picked up a hard plastic crate today, and depending on how things go once my girl arrives I might buy a metal crate as well. I also have a little purse-style carrier that was given to me, but I don't know how comfortable I am with the idea of using it to actually tote a dog around. It seems really flimsy and kind of silly... |
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Shell
Top Dog!!!!
Joined: 18 Nov 2006
Posts: 4876
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| Posted: Wed Feb 03, 2010 10:41 pm Post subject: |
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| I use metal for when we leave the house with a divider inbetween, soft carrier for the car (but you have to make sure your dogs know not to pee in them, so they're not great for young pups. I also use similar to the pop up version that Morag has kindly posted and I love that for putting all three of mine in at once in the back seat of the car. |
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