We love dogs because (among many other reasons) they keep us and our homes safe . But sometimes, we have to keep our homes safe from our dogs, or our dogs safe from themselves . A cozy crate is a good solution in either scenario. For your convenience, Study Finds has created a list of the best dog crates for your best friend based on expert reviews.
Young dogs have lots of energy and love to chew. A dog’s first year “will see six pairs of chewed shoes, five emergency visits to the vet, and six mad dashes to freedom out the front door,” according to a survey. It will also see the destruction of about 27 dog toys and four pieces of furniture.
But even once Spot has outgrown their teenage shenanigans, a continued strong need to chew or separation anxiety could still make him or her destructive. The first remedy for separation anxiety is of course spending lots of quality time with your dog and not leaving them alone for too long.
“Labelling the problem of the dog who is being destructive, urinating or defecating indoors or vocalizing when left alone as separation anxiety […] is the start of the diagnostic process, not the end. Our new research suggests that frustration in its various forms is very much at the heart of the problem and we need to understand this variety if we hope to offer better treatments for dogs,” says Daniel Mills , Professor of Veterinary Behavioral Medicine.
In addition to minimizing frustration for your dog, keeping them in a good crate will keep them and your belongings out of harm’s way. Please keep in mind that crate time should never be a punishment, but relaxation time . To offer a safe and comfortable space for your pet, Study Finds visited 10 expert websites to find the very best dog crates recommended across their reviews. If you have your own suggestions, please leave them in the comments below.
The Diggs Revol Dog Crate was the most recommended crate and the first choice of a couple of expert reviewers. “Collapsible for travel? Check. Easy to clean? Check. Comfortable and safe for your favorite four-legged friend? Check. This stylish crate […] [is] one of the best collapsible dog crates out there, breaking down for storage in just a few seconds,” explains Forbes its “best overall” choice.
Due to its price tag, The Spruce lists this crate as “best splurge:” “If you’re looking for a luxurious and incredibly durable dog crate, we recommend the Diggs Revol Collapsible Dog Crate. This crate collapses when you twist the top handle, and the sides lift up, offering multiple access points for your pet. […] Our tester raved about how much she loved this crate’s intuitive design and general aesthetic.”
According to Veterinarians.org , this crate is “made with durable, high-grade aluminum, steel mesh wire and reinforced plastic and designed with baby industry standards – no more pinched paws or fingers.”
MidWest crates are an expert favorite. This particular model was The Spruce ’s top choice “ because of its easy assembly, thorough features, and easy-to-clean tray. While many of the other crates that we tested also scored well for their easy-to-clean surfaces, the additional divider in this crate kit set it apart from the rest. […] We also love that this crate has rubberized rolling buffers to protect hardwood, vinyl, or tile flooring.”
Best For Pets also likes that this model is easy to clean. Its experts further mention that it’s “inexpensive” and that “there are seven various sizes available, […] in one or two-door layouts […] The entire unit folds flat for simple storage or transportation.”
“The crate is very affordable yet functional, durable, and easy to operate. This wire dog crate comes with a divider, thus being perfect for small dogs going through different life stages. Among popular brands, the iCrate seems to be the one that ticks most of the boxes of a good dog crate,” Veterinarians.org sums it up.
Another frequently recommended MidWest model was the LifeStages crate. Wirecutter picked it as the run ner-up to its top pick, the MidWest Ultima Pro. “The MidWest LifeStages Double Door Collapsible Wire Dog Crate is designed with a slightly looser grid and thinner wire than other crates we tested, so it’s lighter and easier to carry. This crate is often 30% cheaper than the Ultima Pro. So if money is tight and you’re fairly certain your dog will stay calm in a crate, the LifeStages will do.”
Forbes likes this model especially for puppies. Among crates that grow with your puppy, Forbes calls LifeStages an “excellent choice.” “Its simple wire design comes in a wide range of sizes, […] and it comes with a durable divider panel to keep your pup secure in an appropriate-sized enclosure. The crate also includes a plastic tray that makes it easy to clean up accidents, as well as a pan stop to keep it in place.”
“ The container is constructed of thick, robust metal wires and features front and side openings for easy access. Each door firmly latches in two places, but unlike some other crates I’ve tried, it’s smooth and simple to latch or unlatch […] When my dog and I travel, I can easily fold the crate flat to fit in the car, then quickly reassemble it once we get at our location,” the BestForPets reviewer writes.
As its name implies, this is a crate for strong escape artists. “ Beefier boys and girls,” as Forbes calls them, “really need a durable crate that can stand up to more abuse. Some dogs with a lot of jaw strength, for example, might try to take advantage of a lightweight crate to pull the door off its hinges if left alone for too long, which can lead to injury. That means you’re better off getting a heavy-duty metal crate like this one from Luckup, as it’s harder for doggos to chew through or otherwise attempt to break out.”
The large version of this crate “is great for large dogs, including Rottweilers, German Shepherds, and Dobermans. With its sturdy design, it can hold even the most rambunctious dog,” per Veterinarian.org , because it’s “is made with high-quality materials.”
Dogs Radar seconds that this is an “indestructible dog cage,” “corrosion-free, sturdy, comfortable, dependable, long-lasting, and safe […]. It is easy to clean, and your dog will be able to relax.”
The opposite of a heavy-duty crate is a soft crate. Just as frequently recommended as the Luckup, this crate is not for the “beefers.” It’s “only suitable for dogs who are already familiar with crates,” cautions Pet Keen , but “collapsible for easy storage or travel, […] lightweight and washable.”
“Soft crates can be a great option for anyone who doesn’t like the appearance of wire crates or is looking for a lightweight crate that can be moved from room to room,” says The Spruce . “Our tester loved the performance and aesthetics of this soft-sided crate […] Our tester really liked this crate’s additional clips that secure the zipper pulls together to ensure a dog stays safe inside the crate.”
Best For Pets points out that “the mesh panels give a calmer, darker atmosphere for your dog while enabling you to see inside. […] This crate might serve as an alternative to others if your puppy or tiny dog is docile and requires a more den-like space.”
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