Choosing Between Dog Crates & Kennels? 5 of the Best Reviewed

Although a number of pet owners feel that dog confinement is cruel, the truth is that a kennel or crate gives your dog a sense of security.

Like their wild cousins, the wolves, dogs are naturally den animals that like having somewhere to retreat after a day of play and other activities. But apart from offering peace and quiet, crates and kennels help in other aspects such as housetraining and keeping your dog away from trouble when you’re not around. They’re also great for taking your dog for camping trips.

How To Choose The Right Crate

There are all kinds of crates in the marketplace and you need to be clear about what kind of living space you want to create for your dog. Comfort and security for your dog are paramount, of course, but you should also be on the lookout for durability, ventilation and ease of cleaning when choosing the ideal crate for your pooch.

Below are some great tips to help you provide the living space your dog deserves.

Get The Right Sized Crate

According to the AKC, a good crate should have ample room for an adult-sized dog to stand upright without hitting his head against the roof. Your dog should also be able to turn around 180 degrees in it.  However, the crate shouldn’t be too large, otherwise, your pooch may end up using one corner as the bathroom as he sleeps in the other. If you want a large crate that your puppy can grow into, you can start off by partitioning it and then remove the partition once your dog is fully grown.

Choose The Most Appropriate Material

1. Dog crates mostly made from plastic, wire or collapsible materials like nylon or canvas which gives you a variety of styles to work with.
2. Plastic crates are lightweight, easy to clean and economical. They also enclosed and den-like, which increases your dog’s sense of safety. Smaller crates come with a handle on top, while larger ones can come with wheels, which makes them portable.
3. Wire crates have the advantage of allowing for maximum visibility from the inside and outside. They are collapsible, which also makes them easier to store and transport, not to mention that they are better ventilated than plastic crates. If you like, you can always cover the crate with a drape to make it feel more den-like for your dog.
4. Crates are also built using collapsible materials such as canvas or nylon to give them soft edges. They’re also easy to wash and can be taken with you during travel.

Ensure Your Dog Is Comfortable

Once you’ve made up your mind which crate to get your dog it’s important to make it as comfy and inviting possible. You can use a blanket or a special kennel dog bed or crate pad to accomplish this. Giving him a new toy to enjoy while in his crate would also add a nice touch.

It’s worthwhile to note that if you opt for a permanent crate, you should get one that is long-lasting and that matches your home décor.

Top 5 Dog Crates Reviewed

1.      AmazonBasics Single Door & Double Door Folding Metal Dog Crate with Paw Protector

This dog crate comes with a double-door design for convenient front and side entry.

Features

1. Each door comes with two slide-bolt latches for increased safety and security.
2. Has a sturdy metal framework and collapses flat for easy transport and storage.
3. Design includes mini dividers of 1.15 cm between each bar on the bottom perimeter to stop dog paws from slipping through.
4. Optional divider panel included as well as a composite plastic pan at the base.
5. Dimensions are 36x23x2” (LxWxH). 

What we liked:

1. The crate is sturdy and keeps its shape, it doesn’t have sharp edges.
2. Easy to assemble and disassemble, and is portable and easy to store. Great for camping with your dog.
3. Is great value for money compared to similar crates in the market.

What we didn’t like:

1. Plastic pan at the base may hold up very well to bigger and aggressive chewing dogs.
2. Latches may not fit into place if the mesh-wire bends with age.

Amazon Rating:

TufToys Rating:

Price:

Check it out HERE

2.      MidWest iCrate Single Door & Double Door Folding Metal Dog Crates

The iCrate is a double door folding metal dog crate designed for medium to large dog breeds (50 – 75 lbs).

Features

1. Comes with a free divider panel, a strong carrying handle, leak-proof plastic pan and rubber feet to prevent scratching of your floors.
2. Includes two heavy-duty slide-bolt latches for each door to securely lock the crate door.
3. Its patented rounded corner clips minimize risks associated with sharp points on the wire dog crate making it safer to use.
4. Durable, satin black elector-coat finish.

What we liked:

1. It’s convenient to assemble and doesn’t require tools for the task just unfold it and snap it into place.
2. The price is very competitive compared to other products in the market.
3. Easy to travel around with.
4. Affords plenty of room, even for large sized dogs.
5. The pan is tough enough to withstand chewing.

Amazon Rating:

TufToys Rating:

Price:

Check it out HERE

3.      Lucky Dog Uptown Welded Wire Kennel

The Lucky Dog Uptown Welded Wire Kennel is made of steel with a sleek, black powder-coated finish that makes it attractive and resistant to corrosion. It is designed for residential or professional use.

Features

1. Has a large hinged door that makes it easy to bring larger animals in and out.
2. Its steel bars and wire mesh are welded before coating to prevent sharp edges that may harm your pet and offers greater rust and corrosion protection.
3. Comes with a durable UV treated WATERPROOF COVER to protect your pet from sun, rain, snow and debris. The tarpaulin is held in place by sturdy elastic cords while the roof pitch prevents accumulation of water, debris and light snow on the crate kennel.
4. Has 1.5″ raised legs that make the crate easy to sweep or hose out.
5. Setting up the kennel is simple thanks to the use of pre-assembled modular panels that connect quickly and easily via hand tightening clamps. NO TOOLS are REQUIRED for this process.
6. Includes all necessary parts, hardware and instruction manual.

What we liked:

1. The tall hinged door enables you to accommodate larger animals.
2. It includes a protective cover so you can put the kennel outdoors without worrying about the weather.
3. It’s easy to assemble and requires no extra tools for the job.
4. The meshwork is coated which makes it both attractive and durable.
5. What we didn’t like:
6. The product comes with a warning from the State of California that it may contain products that cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.

Amazon Rating:

TufToys Rating:

Price:

Check it out HERE

4.      MidWest Life Stages Heavy-Duty Folding Metal Dog Crates; Single Door & Double Door Dog Crates

The MidWest Life Stages kennel is designed with double doors to help it fit in easily with existing rooms and vehicles by its ability to fold down to portable size for easy transportation.

Features

1. Comes with a single or double door option with 36L x 24W x 27H inches dimensions.
2. Includes a free divider panel, leak-proof plastic pan, carrying handle and rubber feet to protect floors from scratches.
3. Has a 1-year Manufacturer’s Warranty.
4. Life Stages is manufactured with heavier gauge steel to give it a tight wire mesh pattern.
5. Comes with two slide-bolt latches that secures the door.
6. Is collapsible and therefore convenient storage, travel and portability.
7. Has a strong and sturdy structural metal design that makes it highly durable.

What we liked:

1. Its divider panel makes it easier to housebreak your puppy by discouraging it from eliminating in one corner of the crate.
2. This is a sturdy crate made of heavy-duty wire that doesn’t bend easily.
3. The bottom tray is made of plastic which makes it corrosion free.
4. The crate is collapsible and easy to store and transport. Very good for camping trips with your dog.

What we didn’t like:

The plastic pan while easy to clean can break especially under the weight of larger dog breed sizes.

Amazon Rating:

TufToys Rating:

Price:

Check it out HERE

5.      Paws & Pals Dog Crate Double-Door Folding Metal – Wire Cage

The Paws & Pals Dog Crate is a premium product built for durability and security. It is made using high tensile-strength all-steel wire that is securely welded into a strong mesh pattern.

Features

1. Simple to set up and take down as well as fold and put away – No tools required for this process.
2. Has a convenient space-saving design means it can be stored practically anywhere when not in use.
3. Is made from heavy duty steel metal to provide maximum security and safety.
4. Easy to Clean and completely washable
5. Comes with free split divider, multiple doors and a versatile carry handle with 122 x 74 x 81 cm dimensions.

What we liked:

1. The kennel is easy to assemble and disassemble with no extra tools required. It’s also very portable.
2. The price is pocket-friendly.
3. It’s easy to clean thanks to the plastic pan beneath.

What we didn’t like:

The divider panel is quite flimsy and falls off if your dog pushes it hard enough.

Amazon Rating:

TufToys Rating:

Price:

Check it out HERE

Sharing Is Caring 🙂