Wire vs. Plastic Crates

[blacklabby]

Well, Abby has outgrown her second crate and my husband and i would like to get her the final crate which she can grow into. I was wondering what everyone thought about the two different kinds out there. Are you a plastic or wire crate lover?

[Moo]

I think it depends on the dog. Some dogs like a closer roof over their heads, some like more light. I would stick with whatever she has been sleeping in so far.

Kirby has been sleeping in the same plastic crate from day one. It was the size/type that the breeder uses and said it's big enough for a mximum size dog of his breed, full-grown. So we had a barracade, moved it back as he grew. Well, he grew way past breed standard, and doesn't fit his whole length in anymore when he's stretched out... But he still loves it...

[sheplovr]

I agree with Moo, but having Shepherds, one got hit by a car last Dec. She had to be confined to a crate for 3 weeks due to 3 breaks in pelvis. I got a very large wire crate, never had crates, it worked out well, she loved it. You can always place a cover on top for some privacey. I just feel is a dog is in a crate for hours, it should be able to see out.

[dobermom]

I like the wire ones, seems to me the dog would feel less confined. They can see more.

[Deb's Tiny Dogs]

I like the wire ones so they can see out and can't chew them up. But for overnight I use a plastic one because they like the den-like feeling. But you can accomplish the same thing by throwing a blanket or towel over the wire crate at night and get the same effect.

[bellababy]

When I first got Bellas crate I bought a plastic one, I got it bigger so she could grow into it. When I put her in there she wasn't tall enough to see out the sides and I felt bad so I went back and got her a wire crate. I agree with everyone I think that the wire is less confining, they can see out and you can cover it if you need to.

[Nicole79]

My westie loves her plastic create. She really sleeps well in there, her little den. So far I think that yes it be that she can't see out it but that helps her when she's scared or overstimulated. When outside of her create she likes sleeping behind the couch???don't really know what that is about but I figure because it's like her create, as well as she favors the smaller couch and right in the corner where the arm and back meet. I'm sure it's what your dog is use to but because my create is where my dog sleeps and likes to be a den animal I went with the plastic create. (PS at first I was worried about cleaning them but mine comes apart in the middle so I can get in there and clean it out good with no troblems)

[Ayla]

We never got my dog a crate but he has adopted my desk as his den. Ever since he was a puppy he would go under it to sleep and when he was scared. He can see out the front but the other three sides are completely solid. Recently I moved it and two of the ends (front and back) are open, he dosnt seem to care, more or less open, just so long as he can still go under he feels safe.

[Moo]

Originally Posted by dobermom

I like the wire ones, seems to me the dog would feel less confined. They can see more.

I think, for that reason. Kirby likes the plastic. If he ever wants to isolate himself, he really wants to isolate himself. That is in dark and sheltered, where nobody can get him...

That and he likes to bite and chew at metal (screen door, anyone?), so I eliminated a metal crate off the get go. lol

[KellyJean]

Whatever you do, make sure that your crate is collapsable. It's well with the extra $10 that you need to spend for them!!!

If you travel a lot, and your dog isn't that violent with his kennel, then I'd get one of those lightweight mesh ones, which will keep your dog somewhat free of mosquitoes outside.

If you're just using it inside, then I'd get a wire one, easier to clean out, and you can make it either see-thru or cover it (with something) to make it into something more confined.

Kelly