Dog crates can prove to be a helpful tool when training pets. They give dogs a place of their own where they can feel safe during moments of anxiety. They can also secure pets when it isn’t safe for them to start roaming around the rest of the house. There are different crates for different needs. Below are three indoor dog kennels for basic training, three big size metal cages for large dogs and three heavy duty dog crates on wheels for more extreme cases.
Kennels & Crates for Small and Large Dogs
Indoor Dog Kennels
1. MidWest Homes for Pets Dog Crate
First of all, we have a series of Indoor Wire Dog Kennels. These products are some of the smaller products that are better suited for indoor use and smaller breeds. Many of these products are also portable for improved convenience.
The MidWest Homes for Pets model is just that. It is portable, collapsible and built for dogs of different sizes. This is also an affordable option for those that don’t want to spend a fortune on something heavy-duty with too many features.
This crate comes in sizes between 18 and 48 inches. All of the crates have a durable tray bottom, a carry handle and a divider panel. This divider means that this option should be ideal for a puppy that need to grow into their space. When pet owners are on the move, the crate folds up with ease for simple transportation.
When reassembled, the crate is strong and surprisingly spacious. There have been a few rare occasions when dogs have figure out how to undo the latch. Other buyers are also disappointed by the number of rough edges on the bars. Still, the majority are impressed with the ease of use and say it makes puppy training much easier.
2. AmazonBasics Single Door & Double Door Folding Metal Dog Crate
The AmazonBasics range is another way to find an affordable product with just enough feature to get by. This crate has many similarities in common with the MidWest option above. This is another collapsible system that should prove to be convenient for dog owners on the move. It folds flat to the durable tray and doesn’t take up much space in the car. There is also the same use of the optional divider if needed.
An important difference with this product is that there is a choice between single and double door models. There are also two slide bolt latches for added security. The handle on the top of this crate also seems to be more reliable, as opposed to the clip on plastic version that MidWest use. There are fewer size options with this model, with a range of 22 to 48 inches. There are also some users that struggle with the latches. Otherwise, this seems to be a well-made, reliable option with more than enough room for smaller breeds.
3. New World Folding Single/Double Door Dog Crates
The last of these indoor dog crates is more expensive – generally costing around twice as much as the MidWest and AmazonBasics options. On first impressions, it is difficult to see why it costs so much more.
This product has many of the same features, such as the option of the double door, the dual latches, the durable pan and the folding construction. It is also no bigger than the other models, as it has a size range between 24 and 48 inches. Therefore, it offers the same type of portable security.
One of the little details that stands out in the construction of this crate is the deliberate attempt to round off the edges. This should be common sense. Still, there are cheaper products, like those above, that cut corners a little bit. There are also some positive comments about the general built and security of this crate. There is a sense that this is a little better made, which may explain the higher cost. The exception to the rule here is if buyers purchase this for active dogs or keen chewers. It can hold its own, but only to a point.
Big Size Metal Cages for Large Dogs
1. Paws & Pals 48" XXL Dog Crate
The next set of products is a trio of big metal crates for large dogs. These crates are designed to offer the space and security that dog owners need to handle larger breeds. This means a tougher build and enough room to move around. This option from Paws & Pals has a size range where the largest crate is 48 inches long, 27 inches wide and 30 inches high. This means lots of room to move for animals that are a little larger.
Again, there are some clear similarities between this product and the smaller indoor cages above. This product has a double door design on the larger sizes. This means great ease of access for these larger dogs. There are also dual latches, a heavy duty wire construction and that durable tray for the bottom. Another thing that makes this larger crate appealing is that it is still a portable option. The dimensions may be more cumbersome, but it folds down for transportation and has a handle on the top. There are some buyers that highlight the simple assembly process – as well as those that wonder how easily a large dog might break out if it wanted to.
2. MidWest Homes for Pets XXL Giant Dog Crate
For our next option, we head back to MidWest Homes for Pets. They have a larger product that is 54 inches long, 37 inches wide and 45 inches high. This means that it definitely ranks as an XXL model compared to others in this guide. It is built to hold extra large Great Danes, which is where there are three latches on the large door instead of one. This isn’t a portable model – once it is up, it isn’t really going anywhere.
The selling point here, other than the size, is the idea of a strong, reliable construction. This crate uses large panels of heavy-duty mesh with a drop-pin construction. There is also a rust-proof coating, which some cheaper products are lacking. There are warnings from the manufacturers that it may take a couple of pairs of hands to handle the heavy parts and make it secure. It also would be more helpful if there are some assembly instructions to follow. Otherwise, many dog owners are pleased with what they receive and the space their dog now has.
3. Precision Pet 2 Door Crate with Precision Lock System
It really is important to look at different dimensions and options when searching for a large dog crate for large breeds. There are some that are extra large and only offer a couple more inches than the large model. Then there are those like the XXL above specifically for Great Danes. XL and XXL can mean different things for different brands.
This Precision Pet crate is larger than the one from Paws & Pals. It is 40 inches long, 30 inches wide and 33 inches tall. This could make a big difference for some dogs.
This is another double door crate with a strong metal build and the same durable tray beneath. Two features stand out here. First of all, this model is still collapsible and portable, despite the extra size. Secondly, there is a 5-point locking system for extra security. The design does, however, raise a question posed with a number of these dog crates. Why do the designers add a difficult step in front of the door where animals can trap their paws? Once owners correct this issue, there are few problems with this product.
Heavy Duty Dog Crates on Wheels
1. Guardian Gear ProSelect Empire Dog Cage
Finally, we have a series of heavy duty dog crates on wheels. There are two obvious benefits to opting for this sort of product. The first is transportation so that users can move the cage between rooms with no problem. The second is the strength of the product and the added security that this brings. This ProSelect Crate uses 20-gauge steel with tube reinforcements to ensure that it won’t suffer under the attack of any strong or aggressive animals. There are also removable casters on each corner that let users push the cage around.
Another important feature of this product is the removable floor. There is a separate tray that sits beneath the metal grate of the crate floor. This collects waste so that buyers can clean up after animals without getting them out of their cages. Therefore, this has potential for shelters and those fostering animals that have been abused. This product as a lot more expensive because of this feature. There are also only two sizes – medium and large – so no extra large model for the largest breeds. Otherwise, many buyers are happy to recommend this as an alternative solution when you need something a little tougher.
2. SMONTER Heavy Duty Dog Crate Strong Metal Pet Kennel
This next model from Smonter looks just as formidable as the one above. There is a thick steel construction, the same use of casters on the bottom and the removable floor for easy cleaning. This cage has been upgraded to ensure that it is as strong and durable as possible. This means added strength to the frame and the latches for extra protection against aggressive chewers. There is also a high-grade surface treatment to resist rust and corrosion.
Another clear benefit to choosing this product is that there are three size options available. There is what would be considered a medium, large and extra large. The largest measure 46 inches long, 32 inches wide and 39 inches high. This is comparable with the dimension of the XXL Great Dane crates and should mean plenty of room to move around. The downside is the big price increase between the sizes. There are also some comments that it is a little tricky to assemble. Still, most agree that the effort is worthwhile for the quality of the product and the security offered.
3. LUCKUP Heavy Duty Dog Cage Strong Metal Kennel and Crate
The final model to mention in this guide is this one from Luckup. What immediately catches the eye here is that there are different sizes and different styles to the product. The smallest is 38 inches long and has a choice of the strong bars or a grid wire effect on the sides. The largest is a 48-inch long model that is more suitable for larger breeds. Then there is the option of the 42-inch “upgrade”. This upgrade is a great choice for those that want a little more security and some extra features. The frame is made from heavy-duty steel with a non-toxic, rust-proof coating. The casters also have a 160-degree swivel so make it easier to manoeuvre the cage into place. Buyers can also have it in black if they prefer.
Aside from this, the features and functionality of this product are as expected. There is the strong construction across the product, with the same metal grate floor and separate tray beneath it. It is also designed to be easy to assemble and secure, thanks to the simple connections and the slide-bolt latches. There have been some cases where overly-anxious, strong dogs did damage the cage. But, the majority of users would agree that this product has been a great help.
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