After having a hectic working day, you returned home to find your beloved dog had escaped, destroying its crate. Later on, you find your little garden on the premises has been overtaken by your pet dog and your home in the process, and this will be frustrating, won’t it? Unfortunately, many dog owners face this problem, and a simple, strong dog crate can get you rid of it.
A dog crate is an enclosure with a door used to keep a dog for security or transportation purposes. It can be made of metal, wire, plastic, or fabric. This can be your dog’s bed and sanctuary when you are not around your beloved pet dog. It also ensures and confines your dog for its safety, security, house training, prevention of destructive behavior, and travel.
Some dog behaviors are expected as an animal, like chewing on things, digging, and being possessive over their territory. However, dogs’ destructive tendencies can damage your furniture, shoes, doors, or carpets. These behaviors can also lead to various organs such as teeth, skin, stomach, or intestines. Having your dog inside a good crate when you leave it alone can save its life and your property.
Contents
- The Author’s Pick From The Best Crates for Dogs
- Best Crate for Dog: Comparison Table
- How Does a Dog Escape the Crate Normally?
- Features You Would Love to Have in a Dog Crate
- The Ideal Size of a Dog Crate
- What Kind of Crate Lock Do You Need?
- Find a Crate Easy to Clean
- Best Dog Crates Review
- ProSelect Empire Dog Cage | Heavy Duty Metal Dog Crate
- Pet Gear | Heavy Duty Large Dog Crate With Double Door
- MidWest Homes | Midwest Life Stages Double Door Dog Crate
- New World Pet Products | Folding Metal Dog Crate
- MidWest iCrate Starter Kit | Best Heavy Duty Dog Crate
- Folding Metal Dog Crate | Dog Crate With Non-divider Panel
- Casual Home Wooden Medium Pet Crate | Extra Large Wooden Dog Crate
- FAQs
- Conclusion
The Author’s Pick From The Best Crates for Dogs
1. ProSelect Empire Dog Cage: One of the strongest and most heavy-duty crates available on the market, this crate is almost indestructible and suitable for medium and large-breed dogs.
2. Pet Gear “The Other Door”: This one is very convenient to use with accessibility through four doors, good for taking your dog to travel with you, and a perfect crate for smaller and medium breed dogs.
3. MidWest iCrate Starter Kit: Strong and convenient to use, it has a double door, an attached bowl for food, and a roller for the safe movement of the crate—a perfect match dane for your medium and large-breed dog.
Best Crate for Dog: Comparison Table
| Crate Model | Dimension | Weight | Dog Breed | Price |
| ProSelect Empire Dog Cage | 37 x 25.34 x 33.75 inches | 75.2 Pounds | Medium Breeds, Large Breeds | Check Price |
| Pet Gear “The Other Door” | 36.5 x 24.5 x 27.5 inches | 40 Pounds | Small Breeds, Medium Breeds | Check Price |
| MidWest Homes for Pets Dog Crate | 36 x 23 x 25 inches | 22 Pounds | Medium Breeds, Large Breeds | Check Price |
How Does a Dog Escape the Crate Normally?
When you are in the market to buy a crate for your little puppy or a grown dog, you may find it challenging to choose a suitable one. This is because the types of crates are enormous, including soft crates, plastic, wooden, metal, and fabric crates, with many sizes and styles available on the market. Still, not all of them have the same usage.
A standard crate increases the chances of keeping your dog inside its crate, but before going into the discussion about it, let’s know how most dogs try to escape a crate. Of course, there are endless ways dogs escape crates, but most of them fall under the following three methods:
- Chewing: Many standard wire dog crates connect the sides with small metal connectors that are not so strong that dogs can mangle them with their mouth, pull it off, and burst through the opening they find.
- Manipulating the Latch: Your dog might use more intellect than the energy of its jaw and give its effort to understand the latch mechanism until it figures out how to open the door. The initial attempts might look clumsy and random, but very often, dogs can figure out how it works and open the door to escape.
- Brute Force: Dogs can escape crates using their muscles and mass to bend apart bars. Also, they combine other techniques with force to achieve freedom, sometimes incorporating mouth-work. Some crates offer unique and specific opportunities to try and get out of them. Remember, your dog has enough time, energy, and drive to get out and won’t give up after some silly attempts.
Features You Would Love to Have in a Dog Crate
Dogs will always try to escape the crate. Will you ever like to see your dog get out of that? If you have a dog that could break its cage, you must consider having it in a heavy-duty crate specially designed for specific pups.
Many crates are being marketed with escape-proof or heavy-duty labels, but the crates’ performance is not up to the mark. Although no crate is 100% effective with all kinds of dogs, you can look for several features associated with the best crates. Some of the features are:
- Built from Metal: A dog cage made of plastic might be suitable for clam puppies, but pups with separation anxiety might tear through a plastic crate at high speed. Not all metals are completely escape-proof by the dogs, but they can serve better than any other crates.
- Crates with Solid Walls: Many durable crates are available around you that are made of tubular steel or metal wire walls, but you will often find them escapable by dogs. Even if the dog is an escape artist, crates with solid walls are not easy to flee from.
- Removable Pan and Wheels: Crates with these features offer an additional convenience with enough security. You will find it easy to clean if there is a pan, and wheels are convenient as heavy-duty crates usually come with good weight.
- Ventilation and Security: Compromising ventilation for security will never be wise. You always have to ensure your dog’s well-being and comfortability. The crate is not ventilated correctly, making your dog sick.
- Latch Inaccessible to the Dog: A crate with a simple lock can be easily manipulated by your dog. You have no way other than to choose a cage with a latch that is difficult to outsmart. A slam latch can be a good option that engages automatically when the door is shut.
The Ideal Size of a Dog Crate
The easiest way to feel your puppy is safe is with a perfect, well-sized dog crate. Apart from safety, a perfectly sized crate helps your pet cope with the house surroundings and the environment.
Different species of dogs can be of different sizes and shapes. Therefore, the crate size should be based on the dog’s size. When buying a crate, consider the dog’s length, width, and height. If your dog feels suffocated inside the cage, it will become anxious and start behaving destructively, as it can’t move freely.
There is no need for a vast crate; you need an ideal-sized cage where the puppy can stand up, turn around, and lie comfortably. Ensure the case is long enough that the nose and rear don’t touch the end of the crate.
What Kind of Crate Lock Do You Need?
As discussed earlier, dogs often try to escape by opening the door if they don’t find any other way to get out of a heavy-duty cage. Your pet can find ways to open a simple lock with different techniques and escape the case. You should not use any lock that the dog can chew or break by force. Moreover, it would be best if you went for a lock inaccessible to your pet.
Find a Crate Easy to Clean
Dogs also love a clean and tidy home like you, but it might be challenging to keep their crates clean, no matter how cute and cuddly your pet is. Most escape-proof heavy-duty crates are difficult to clean, but it becomes easy when your crate comes with a pull-out tray. Just remove the soft pad on the bottom of the cage and take the tray to your washing machine for a perfect clean.
Crates made of plastic are also easy to clean; you can remove all the dirt, stains, pet odorants, and other unpleasant particles by breaking the cage apart and washing it from inside and outside.
Best Dog Crates Review
Are you looking for a suitable heavy-duty dog crate for your puppy? Check below for the 7 best crates, which are escape proof and indestructible.
ProSelect Empire Dog Cage | Heavy Duty Metal Dog Crate
The ProSelect Empire Dog Cage is one of the most robust crates globally that offers the most escape-proof structure and construction. The cage is robust, made with 0.5″ thick steel tubes with a great welding effort. The paired door latches ensure the security of your puppy. It will not be destroyed no matter how abusive your dog becomes to it.
Its gratated floor with tray offers easy cleaning that most dog owners wish for. In addition, this heavy cage can be moved to different places easily with the casters. The casters are removable; you can put them off when you want the cage to stay stable.
Size:
- Large: 40.75” L x 28.125” W x 31.75” H
- Medium: 35.75″ L x 23.5″ W x 24.5″ H
Pros:
- Strong enough to handle powerful dogs who can claw or chew their way out of the crate
- This cage is durable as it is made with a high-grade hammerstone finish
- Include wheels to move the cage to new places
- A removable tray for easy clean-up of the cage
Cons:
- Strong; but some dogs are still able to escape
Dog owners found it one of the best cages in terms of strength, durability, and design. However, if you want to rank dog cages, this one will be one of the top.
Pet Gear | Heavy Duty Large Dog Crate With Double Door
The Other Door crate from Pet Gear comes with four doors, including a large side door that is easy to open like a garage door. In addition, it includes a bolster pad that provides extra comfort for your pet. You will find it easy to set up with no extra tools, and it also comes with a storage bag that will make transporting the cage easy for you.
The crate has built-in wheels and manages to quickly move it from one place to another. In addition, it features heavy-duty blow-mold plastic with steel inserts, strong enough that your dog can’t usually burst it.
Size: 36.5” L x 24.5” W x 27.5” H
Pros:
- Rounded corners and no edges for eliminating damage to the home and car
- Accessibility through all four doors from any angle
- Integrated wheels and pull handle for easy shifting the cage anywhere
- Easy setup, doesn’t require any extra effort
- Perfect in size
Cons:
- Hard plastic lock; challenging to open sometimes
- Might not meet the travel regulations of some airlines
Most of the users found this cage convenient and valuable for their dogs. Their review says the cage is easy to fit in a house and offers excellent accessibility. Some users found an issue regarding plastic locks, as they found it difficult to open in a hurry. However, this cage is highly recommended by most users.
MidWest Homes | Midwest Life Stages Double Door Dog Crate
You can have this special crate with a free divider panel to expand the crate as your puppy grows. This crate is ideal for dogs weighing 41 to 70 pounds. It comes with a durable dog tray that is easy to clean, and all other aspects make it a safe home for your dog when you are not around. Apart from these, two heavy-duty latches firmly lock the crate to make it secure.
It’s easy to assemble, and its portable design will allow you to set up the cage in seconds; the four roller feet help protect hardwoods and make repositioning easy. The carrying handles offer more convenience for moving it anywhere.
Size: 36” L x 23” W x 25” H
Pros:
- Sweet, comfortable home for your lovely pet
- Slide-bolt latches for the best in safety and security
- A top house training tool
- Roller feet to prevent floors from scrapes
- Easy cleaning with a leak-free pan
Cons:
- Few sharp edges; risk of scratches
- Few complaints about the difficulty in installing a divider
It incorporates almost all the features you need to provide your best friend- with a convenient, safe, and secure pet home. The cage is manufactured with high-quality standards to make it you can be confident with. They have a one-year manufacturer’s warranty in case the cage gets damaged.
New World Pet Products | Folding Metal Dog Crate
The Folding Metal Dog Crate from New World Pet Products is a single-door crate, explicitly designed for small dog breeds weighing 11 – 25 pounds. It includes a leak-proof plastic pan with one year of the manufacturer’s warranty. It is made with durable metal and designed to create a safe place for your lovely puppy.
Its heavy-duty slide-bolt latch keeps your dog secured inside the crate. The folding metals allow you to assemble the crate quickly, and you can fold the bars flat for easy storage, travel, and portability everywhere.
Size: 24” L x 18” W x 19” H
Pros:
- Allows proper ventilation and visibility, which helps the dog to remain healthy
- Ensure a secure environment for the dogs
- Rounded corners protect your walls and floor from scratches
- Convenient to fold-down and store anywhere
- Easy to assemble, no use of extra tools
Cons:
- Might not be suitable for big-sized dog breeds
- Not so good for a dog with separation anxiety
As this crate is specially designed for small breed dogs, choose your piece wisely so that it can serve your purpose even when your dog reaches its full adult size. Make sure your dog can stand up, lie down, and turn around properly inside the cage.
MidWest iCrate Starter Kit | Best Heavy Duty Dog Crate
This crate is the perfect starter kit for a new dog owner to enjoy the ultimate convenience for your dog. It’s a package of everything you need to enjoy more with your new family member. Designed for the medium dog breed, it comes with one fully equipped 2-door iCrate, a comfortable bed for your dog, a crate cover, and two bowls affixed to the crate.
The kit is ideal for dogs with a weight of up to 26 – 40 pounds. The fleece pet bed and polyester cover fit your dog crate well and are machine washable and dryer friendly. The attached bowls keep the food and water in a convenient location. It also has a divider panel, four roller feet, a carrying handle, and a leak-free removable dog tray.
Size: 30″ L x 19” W x 21” H
Pros:
- Double door iCrate
- A quiet time Fleece Bed for comfortable lying
- Easy-washable crate cover
- Attached with a bowl to keep the food in a convenient location
- Roller for the safe movement of the crate, protecting the walls and floor from scratches
Cons:
- Cleaning the bottom of the feeder bowl takes more effort
- Some customers complained about the bed not being chew proof
If you find it stressful to own a dog to manage, the MidWest iCrate Starter Kit is there to minimize your stress and let you have full enjoyment with your new friend. The crate is manufactured with the highest quality control to ensure the safety and comfortability of your dog.
Folding Metal Dog Crate | Dog Crate With Non-divider Panel
It’s a single-door metal dog crate designed for dogs, weighing 26 – 40 pounds. The slide-bolt latch ensures good security for the pet. You can fold the crate flat, store it anywhere conveniently, and have accessible transportation.
The strong and sturdy structure of the crate will give you maximum relief regarding your dog’s safety when you are away.
Size: 30.5” L x 19.25” L x 21.5” H
Pros:
- This crate offers perfect ventilation and visibility
- Your dog can have a secure environment to live in
- The cage is protective and long-lasting
- It has rounded corners for safety
- The fold-down design offers convenient storage and transportation
Cons:
- Somewhat flimsy latch system
- With less durable plastic pan
This folding metal dog crate comes with all the features to meet your needs as a new dog owner. It offers easy clean-up, and its portability makes it a great choice whether you are planning to travel or stay home.
Casual Home Wooden Medium Pet Crate | Extra Large Wooden Dog Crate
The casual home wooden medium pet crate comes with solid wood construction to ensure the crate’s safety, durability, and longevity. This made-in-Thailand crate is chew-resistant with no divider included. The end table design offers a native feel; lightweight and effortless assembly features give you more convenience.
The crate is lockable and easy to clean with a damp cloth. Moreover, its table-style top provides some additional storage.
Size: 27.5” L x 20” W x 24” H
Pros:
- Wooden crate with a secure lockable latch
- End-table style design complements your home decor
- Quick and easy assembly
- Sustainably sourced solid wood
Cons:
- Not as strong as a metal crate
- No divider included
This could be a nice piece of furniture to decorate your house that will also serve as a suitable crate for your puppy. This one will be handy if the dog is trained to stay in the crate.
FAQs
How do I get my dog to stop escaping the crate?
Having an appropriate cage for the dog is the first thing you can do to stop your puppy from escaping its cage. Ticking your dog is not bad; pretend that you are leaving and then come back to catch it. That can make it less likely to escape. Take the dog for exercise; it helps diminish aggression.
Don’t be dramatic when you leave; when you pamper them more, they miss you more and like to break the cage to find you.
What is the best crate for a dog with separation anxiety?
For a dog with separation anxiety, you need a crate that is not flimsy or see-through. A good quality plastic crate can be helpful if the dog’s anxiety is not that high, but experts recommend steel-made crates for a highly anxious dog.
What is the strongest crate?
The most powerful case is steel tubes built with heavy-duty welds and paired door latches. One of the most robust crates is the ProSelect Empire Dog Cage, which holds all the characteristics and is known as indestructible for whatever abuse your dog may dish out.
Conclusion
Your puppy deserves a safe, comfortable, clean, and tidy crate to live in with peace, not anxiety. Consider a perfect crate for your dog, aligned with your dog’s breed, size, and expected behavior. Consider all of these before buying a crate; it will not be wise to sacrifice your dog’s comfort for safety.