(Part 2) Best dog crates, houses & pens according to redditors
We found 280 Reddit comments discussing the best dog crates, houses & pens. We ranked the 165 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the products ranked 21-40. You can also go back to the previous section.
What do you mean by "crate" them? If you mean you put them in something like this for 11 hours a day, that's clearly animal abuse.
looks like she needs something more engaging to do. I'd suggest some interactive toys, or possibly a dog sport (even out in the yard; something like disc dog or fly ball) during your free time.
EDIT: it looks like you can buy replacement bottoms: http://www.amazon.com/MidWest-Life-Stages-Crate-Replacement/dp/B0002NNWDW/
> 1- if he does something he knows is wrong
This is REALLY subjective. Dogs don't really 'know' what they are doing is 'wrong', they only know what behaviors are reinforcing and which ones aren't. What specific things are we talking about here?
Depending on how you handle the situation, you my actually be reinforcing the behavior. For example, if he steals a napkin are you chasing him down? Chasing can be a SUPER fun game, especially for a corgi. It is jumping on the furniture? This is a pretty self rewarding behavior and if they are not normally let up on the furniture it may reinforce guarding behavior.
Focus on specifics. If you just focus on the growling, you are only looking at the symptom, not the cause - and treating ONLY the symptom will not improve your situation. In fact, it only stands to make any anxiety or stress much worse. If he is having issues with guarding, check out this article.
Being an only dog for a period of time then getting a new dog can cause a LOT of anxiety. You may not recognize it immediately as dogs are pretty good at hiding their emotions and have a different way of communicating stress than we do, but the new dog is likely having an impact (even months later). You may need to revisit/retrain some behaviors with your corgi to help him feel confident and know what he SHOULD be doing.
> 2- When he's let out of his crate, he'll growl and jump all over her, barking and snapping.
99% of the time with corgis, this is more playful or 'herding' behavior than aggression. Corgis are extremely vocal dogs and use a fair amount of growling in addition to a variety of other noises. Our corgi can sound REALLY vicious when he is in play mode, but there is a very clear difference in pitch and posture between a serious growl and a play growl (but his play growl is WAAAY more exaggerated then his real one - again, if you were unfamiliar with him you would think he was a rabid beast dog, but he really just wants you to play tug with him). If it is first thing in the morning and he is jazzed, this can all contribute to his behavior.
First things first - don't let him out of his crate when he is barking/over excited. If you need to, let him out of his crate first. It may be helpful to get him into a down/wait position while he is in his crate before opening the door. Work on having him stay in that position until you cue otherwise. Open the door very slowly, if he gets up, close the door and walk away for 30-60 seconds and try again. If you can get the door 1/4 of the way open without him getting up, give him a treat and try to get it 1/2, 3/4, etc. It will take a few tries the first few times, but corgis are VERY quick learners and will pickup on what you expect.
Once he has a reliable wait with you at the door, you can start adding a bit of distance between you and him while he is still in the crate with the open door. Reward liberally and work in baby steps. Never put him in a situation where he is likely to fail or you will damage your training up to this point, you need to be consistent. If he gets up before he is cued to do so, the door needs to close and he needs to wait a period of time before you try again. You may also want to work on this behavior at other times, not JUST in the morning when he is really excited.
This will help reinforce calmness = getting out of the crate, not barking craziness. It is likely that he is just excited to get out and start the day - corgis are very zealous workers - it is likely he does it to your wife and not you because you have corrected him for jumping up on you in the past.
Check out these articles related to this behavior:
> 3 - It doesn't matter what we put in the bottom of it as far as a pan goes, she chews right through it.
What kind of crate are you using? Wire crates should have a wire bottom with a plastic tray in them. If she is chewing through that plastic tray, have you tried [a travel crate](Link: http://amzn.com/B003E77OEG)? Or even a Metal or Wooden crate (although if she is chewing through plastic/carpet/etc - she will probably be able to get through a wood one, too)? They also have crate covers like this.
More importantly than trying to find a reinforced crate, when is she exhibiting this behavior? This is inline with symptoms of separation anxiety or boredom/under exercised. Again, getting a reinforced crate may be good for the symptom, but if you do nothing to treat the cause you are still going to have problems.
If she does it while you are at work (for example), get her a LOT more exercise before you leave in the morning and don't feed her breakfast until JUST before you head out the door. Stuff a kong or two with her breakfast and freeze them the night before so she will have something productive to work on rather than chew through her crate. You can also leave in large deer or moose antlers - they are very hardy chews for dogs that will last a VERY long time. You can practice reinforcing her choice to chew on the antlers while you are at home and then start to leave them with her in her crate (if she proves to be able to handle them without trying to eat them).
GSDs are also prone to being escape artists. A bored shepherd in a crate is not going to have a happy ending. You may want to consider getting her (AND her corgi brother!) into day care a couple times a week or hiring a daily dog walker to help them get out all that extra energy. Both are RIDICULOUSLY high energy working breeds so they are going to need more then 2 or 3 walks a day - they are both going to need to RUN for a couple hours off leash or spend an hour or two each day working on high level obedience/sport training.
Our corgi can run for 2 hours+ off leash without missing a beat. Just yesterday we took 4 laps around the outside edge of a 20 acre dog park and he was outrunning most of the larger dogs there. Those little legs can MOVE! Your GSD is going to be on par if not need MORE exercise then that to really be able to relax.
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Overall, it sounds like you have a lot of focus on symptom behavior. "Leave it" is a good management cue, but "No" doesn't really hold much weight in the dog world. You are not really 'showing them who is in charge' by telling them no, you are just letting them know that they should probably wait until you are out of sight before doing that again (or, worst case, they get yelled at). Focus on managing the actual CAUSES of these symptoms and always look to reinforce behaviors you WANT and redirect/ignore/manage behaviors you do not want. It is easy to ignore a well behaved dog, but that is when you should be paying them the MOST attention. Shape behaviors by using things your dogs want (getting out of the crate, getting plays, getting attention, getting food, etc) as a reward. If your corgi lays down and waits in his crate with the door open, he gets to leave the crate. If your corgi chooses to do 'good' behaviors, he should get some attention, etc.
Corgis are REALLY good at knowing how to push your buttons and will do those behaviors if they think you should be paying them more attention. GSDs can be the same way - you have two highly intelligent working dogs on your hands!
Here are some additional resources that will likely prove helpful:
search Amazon for "dog crate" they have lots of sizes
Amazon, it's actually a dog crate!
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0098L1Z9C/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
We usually set up an area in the living room for the dog area: move a blanket/bed and toys there, we use these awesome modular gate/pen thing (kinda like this, but simpler panels https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-8-Panel-Plastic-Pet-Pen/dp/B07FD6K83Q ). It gives them a 'safe place' to go, while still being involved. They can go in their if little kids are antagonizing them, when people are eating, etc.
Without knowing what the flags is, I have no opinion. The cleaning sounds like they want you to do all of it. So just stop cleaning up other people's messes.
Would they be agreeable to a kennel like this? Dog Kennel
If not, maybe you can use it in your room as a bedside table.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00063MQNU/ref=ya_aw_oh_bia_dp?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Geg him one of those. Don't build anything, you'll want it to be foldable for way easy travel. It made a HUGE difference.
As someone else mentioned, how much exercise the dog gets daily may be playing a factor in these behaviors. Huskies and labs both are breeds that need a lot of physical activity on a daily basis.
Doggie daycare might be a good option if he is destructive and hurting himself when left alone. Sometimes taking a dog to daycare a few times a week, gives them an outlet for energy and tires them out for a day or two after going. A tired dog is less likely to put the time and energy into trying to escape from it's crate, and will be more balanced and calm overall.
As far as secure crating options, there are heavy duty crates you can buy that have thicker bars and secure locks, but while they will keep the dog contained, they aren't going to solve the underlying anxiety problem your dog is having.
Here is a link to a pretty thorough aspca guide on seperation anxiety and how to manage the behavior.
Soft sided crates tend to fold down a bit smaller than their wire counter parts.
If they are still too big, maybe try an exercise pen, each panel is only 24” by whatever height so it folds down pretty well. Disadvantage, there is no top or bottom, not sure if this will be an issue for you.
Then there is the inbetween of these two options, the popup playpen.
The exercise pen is the only brand I can vouch for as being quality, so I would do research on the other two types if you decide to go with one of those but there are a lot of options.
While we haven't used one for 'activities' We have a large one for our previous dog. The nice thing is with a large one is you can actually make it smaller by putting walls inside the cage.
It's a lot harder to make a cage larger after you've purchased a smaller one.
I just saw a large one at a thrift store for 30 bucks. and one slightly smaller for 20.
Also, look at amazon and e-bay for much better pricing. I think ours was an e-bay one and it was quite inexpensive (not thrift store cheap) and similar to the one you posted. if you find you like it you could move onto This
I have never seen a wire crate with a top opening. I have this soft sided crate which opening from the top, side, and front. It's also pretty sturdy.
If you think a wire crate would be best, my suggestion if no one else has seen one: get a crate with a side door and turn it on the side. Take the plastic tray out completely, lay it so the side door is on top, put a towel down as a cushion, and then the bed.
Look into a dog crate - they're really good for rabbits when you need to secure him. As time goes on it'll probably end up just as a safe place they hang out in if you're comfortable having him free roam. If you have trouble with training the he'll have enough room.
Buy an xl crate with a divider that is movable.. Start them with just enough room to get up and be able to turn around.. Increase size as wiggle butt get bigger.. Took me 2 weeks to train mine.. All I gotta say now is "I gotta go buddy" and he goes right in..
Midwest Life Stages Folding Single Door Dog Crate by Mid-West http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00063MQNU/ref=cm_sw_r_udp_awd_G7Nitb1PV002A
Thank you so much!! Can the SCN fit 3 males though? Idk why but the space seems kind of small.
Im currently using this https://www.amazon.ca/gp/aw/d/B00QAVO07C/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1527451324&sr=8-4&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=amazonbasics+kennel&dpPl=1&dpID=617rCTjjYAL&ref=plSrch right now for 2 males because they dont like to escape. I have it flipped upside down where the large spaced bars allow them to sit on top.
Im getting a new cage bc this one is old and smelly. Would i be better off with buying this again? I fill it with a ton of toys and stuff lots of space to do so.
Edit: im using the 36 inch version actually
I might suggest just purchasing this xpen https://www.amazon.com/MidWest-Foldable-Metal-Exercise-Playpen/dp/B000H8YTJI or these storage cubes https://www.amazon.com/LANGRIA-Storage-Organizer-Products-Portable/dp/B06XR71YW1?ref_=w_bl_hsx_s_ho_web_13643573011 or even this if you are really short on space https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0098L1Z9C/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1. These could be use temporarily now and even after you move...
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But if you absolutely can't maybe just remove the ramps... you don't want the bunny falling off, it has happened and could lead to really bad things - not worth the risk since ferret cages are built much higher up. You could use self adhesive carpet squares to make it grippy, but I think it is honestly dangerous. You clearly love your baby a lot and I just want him to be safe. :) I hope you don't take any of the advice the wrong way....
I got this for my corgi when it was a pup. Actually used potty pads in it too so he knew to only pee in there on the pads then eventually moved the pads to the door.
I think if you’re planning on keeping a play pen you’ll need to size up but that was for us for the first 3 months since corgis are smaller. It is big.
this
Might be better for later though
This might work
Homey Pet New Durable Plastic Black Tray for 31" Two Tier Cage (Tray) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01GGMJTV6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_52QJDb8B4NCNW
Or possibly this one
Midwest Dog Crate Replacement Pan, 30 Inch, for Life Stages Fold and Carry Dog Crates https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002DHW10/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_x5QJDbS2YM2DJ
The tricky part is finding one for the top shelf because it has the opening for the ramp. The first link looked flexibly enough that you may be able to cut it for that space
Hah! Her two least favorite words out of my mount have become 'water change'
I got a tray that is designed to go under a god crate https://www.amazon.com/Replacement-Pan-Long-MidWest-Crate/dp/B0002NNWDW
It is perfect for aquarium projects, especially aqua scaping
Personally I would recommend getting this one, it's the same one I have and it's something you will use for the lifetime of your puppy and can use it for every subsequent dog. It's very sturdy and easy to assemble and a great investment. Make sure you get the plastic pan for the base.
We own a plastic type crate. There’s a metal gate door and the rest is plastic. There’s a few different styles with various windows or extra doors. Unfortunately, it’s a pain to move or store when you don’t need it. Advantage it’s the same one that airplanes approve of.
This being said we don’t use it often maybe once a month. It was bought for our first pup with quickly out grew the XXL and neither pup have any issues just hanging out in the living room together.
https://www.amazon.ca/Petmate-21551-Kennel-Fashion-Medium/dp/B000MLG484?th=1&psc=1&source=googleshopping&locale=en-CA&tag=googcana-20&ref=pd_sl_2ttdzq9r0x_e
Do you have a small walk in closet without shelves or a dresser he could get up on? Or a way to put things on top of the dresser to block it? This is what I did personally for my cat after his abdominal surgery. However I also purchased this crate so he could spend time in the living room with us. It was large enough for a small litter box, food/water, and a bed, and has a top to prevent him from getting out- https://www.amazon.com/ToysOpoly-Outdoor-Playpen-Exercise-Portable/dp/B013Q7FGQQ
Petmate Ultra Vari Kennel 28" 25-30LB https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000MLG484/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_FlmPCb0R0M3TX
I have this one. It's 28 x 20.5 x 21.5 inches. It's comically too large - my corgi right now is about 4 months old so do you think the 24" would be too small? She seems a bit small but I'm not sure how small the 24" would be
I found it on amazon
Ocamo Cotton Hot Dog Shape Pet Bed Kennel Cat Dog Nest Puppy House Warm Mat Cushion Washable Pad https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07D3MB4X5/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_o-TCDbHRF6KF1
I like the furniture type crates.
Casual Home 600-84 Wooden Extra Large Pet Crate, End Table, 31.5"W x 44.5"D x 30"H, Espresso https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079TG6XC4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_x8YxDb68ZX8BH
I assume this was targeted at me, just fyi since you didn't reply directly I didn't get alerted!
Things like a fan (~$60) dedicated to him in his room, and an elevated bed (~$21) to better facilitate keeping him cool that we managed to fit in his crate (orange may have pics?).
Some items to save US headaches include rug tape (~$15) to keep him and our stuff from getting slid around as he plays, a light-weight crate (~$86) for when we bring him with us to places and need a place for him to lay down and relax, mainly for when we are doing stuff with our other dog.
LOTS of clickers were purchased just so they are always handy. Some other oddities, like balance balls and stuff just to get him used to being on strange surfaces. This is mainly to set him up for future competition success, though.
Bitter Apple spray to make sure he doesn't chew things he shouldn't (rugs, shoes, couches, chairs, base board, electrical wires...basically anything that isn't his toy got sprayed daily for the first few weeks). Lots of Natures Miracle & paper towels to clean up any accidents.
Along with a lot more exercise, have you tried a heavier duty crate?
These come to mind:
ProSelect Empire Cage
BestPet
SmithBuilt <- Cheapest
I just got a soft crate for my Aussie and he loves it. Sleeps in it with the doors rolled open every night. Used it for his original transport from his foster home outside the city. This was the one I bought. it collapses down to the just the footprint and they give you a giant sleeve to slip it in to and carry with.
yea, I'm leaving the crate setup (in a different spot, without the bed) to see where she goes. I want to learn if its the bed or the crate that she loves more.
The crate I have is a wire crate that folds flat pretty easily. It's just heavy and bulky (for when I have to move it to a sitters) and takes up so much space.
I take it you're referring to this? Hopefully I can find a less expensive version lol.
Another note when I was rereading your comment.... Are you using an all metal square crate? Some dogs find those distressing and benefit from a more enclosed option.
I still use these, honestly, but there are other options
here
I got mine off Amazon and it’s been perfect. Sturdy and fits a standard pet bed. I got the 24” for a 10 lb dog.
Ok here is what you do. get some 1"x3" wood strips and a 30 inch dog crate pan.
What you are going to do is measure the bottom of the pan and subtract that from your interior dimensions. So if the specs on amazon are correct you get 3.8 inches length wise and 2 inches width. You need to make that up with pieces of wood. Basically you build a frame that you will place on the floor of the cage and the kenel pan will fit inside it. Now cut the plug off your UTH about 5 or 6 inches from the plug and drill a small whole at the back of the cage to put the now cut cable through. Now splice the plug back onto the UTH. Now you have a UTH inside your cage. Put the frame you made in and put the kenel pan on top of the UTH. Now your snake is not in direct contact with the UTH. If the snake tips its water bowl the kenel pan will catch the liquids protecting the UTH.
This whole plan assumes you can cut the wood safely. Splice the plug back together and are comfortable drilling into the side of your cage.