crate: enclosed type(airline type) or wire cage...does it matter?

[michael weiler]

crate: enclosed type(airline type) or wire cage...does it matter? i have heard the enclosed type gives them more privacy. does anyone have an opinion either way?

michael weiler

[StephanieandToby]

I'd go for the airline type...that way if you ever have to fly anywhere and take your dog with you, you are all set!!!

[KatarinasMom]

I tried the wire type many years ago, but now use the airline type. To be honest, my dogs took to the airline type better (easier to get accustomed to). I'm not sure why that is.....maybe it feels more like their own "space"?

[Cherry Heart]

Arwen has a wire crate. It has a removable pan and came with a divider. Since she was my first puppy, the divider came in handy as it helped with her potty training (they hate to go in the area they sleep in, so we sectioned off a small area). The pan was great for slipping it out to clean it, normal wiping down everyother day to collect loose fur, and also when there were bad accidents that reqired it being stood up in the shower for a good scrubbing. I was also able to put my hand in through the side of it to help calm her and keep her quiet at night. Some people will put a towel or blanket over a wire crate as it gives the sence of privacy an airline type will with the benefits of the pan, divider, and being able to stick your hand in still. Arwen loves her box!

It also has a door on the side and the end so it will sit nicely in any space.

[Bodo]

We have the wire type. We also have the airline type, Varikennel, I think. Our pup did not like the enclosed feeling of the airline type. The wire type was like the difference between night and day with him. Now he goes in there several times during the day for naps!!. Thinking about it, maybe he's clastrophobic??????

[AlphaLeader]

Tavi always has prefered the wire type and loves it... she gets upset if someone has inadvertantly closed the door when she wants a nap.

[spidey]

Some dogs definitely prefer one over the other. My dog gets anxious in the airline style but is fine in the wire kind - I have one of each.

[shybird]

I have wire crates. Much easier to clean. You can always cover them if you think the dog needs privacy. I think the main reason for liking them comes more from climate control aspect. Wire crates are much cooler in the summer because the air can circulate. Winter time they can be covered with a blanket to help make warmer. You have no control with the airline crates. The solid plastic will hold in the heat and that is not good in the summer. Although you can buy fans for crates. I don't feel that the airline crates are the best choise for the home.

[SABELLESMOM]

We have wire, collapsable, each with 2 doors; came with a divider. Found at Agway. One door on the end and one on the side. They were purchased with conformation showing (must be stackable, in our area) and travel in mind. They also fit into the Jeep Grand Cherokee with locking carabiners secured to the floor.

We felt wire was easier to ventillate (fan, window, etc) and if some sort of coverage was needed a blanket/sun shield wasn't far away. My dogs love being able to see while traveling. I wasn't planning on showing enough to have an airline type kennel... besides, my brother has one.

Wire crates clean easily. My brother hated cleaning his ariline style one. Dunno if it helps, but good luck. Gosh! I'm getting as excited as if I were expecting a new puppy with you!

[JemarsSerena]

We use the airline type and Serena has no issues with it. We feed her in it, she's goes right in at bed time or nap time. She only whines when she knows we are leaving the house. (this stops after we are gone). Looks like a 50\50 vote. I'd tell you to try one and if after a month it is just not working than switch.

[brunie's mom]

I like the wire crates better. Airflow is much better as well the pup can see what is going on in the rest of the household while crated.

They also collapse and are much easier to store.
Some pups/dogs need to be crated for a long time....and some need the crate only for the first 8-9 months.
We moved from a crate to a safe baby-gated room at about 9 months of age...and then at about 15 months nothing.

It was so nice to be able to fold the crate and put it away.

Gina

[Gunsey'sMom]

We have the wire crate and are going to be getting an air line crate just to keep things easier to clean. I still have no problems with the wire, and would recommend it actually for a puppy, since they come with dividers that are great fr crate training. But now that Gunner is older, I am going to try out the Vari kennel and see if he likes it better to keep the fur level in the office down, Id rather clean it out of his crate that all over the office.

So I guess you could say I vote for wire. They also travel great, we bring ours everywhere!

Another added bonus, is that in the early nomths of puppyhood, they can be pretty mean to the floors of their crate-via scratching and so forth. witha crate, you can replace the pan ( wich I need to do LOL)

[SABELLESMOM]

Originally Posted by Gunsey'sMom

We have the wire crate and are going to be getting an air line crate just to keep things easier to clean.

Are you sure? I'm only asking as my brother has a Varikennel, hated cleaning it. He's seen me cleaning our wire crates. His remark was that the wire was much simpler.

He either had to spray and climb inside, or dismantle and hose or scrub. Most of the time I only had the tray to clean, and on fewer occasions hose the wire.

Just his opinion, since I've never cleaned the other, myself. Or perhaps there's an easier way?

[Trace]

I have to vote wire too. I'm a clean freak and love that it only takes 5 minutes to drag the entire thing out the door, hose it down and it's dry in no time.

I also like that I can see what Jasmine is doing. A few times she has vomited in her crate which I wouldn't have seen so quickly with an enclosed kennel.

[targonrotts]

i have one of each per dog.
the wire for home. they can see us, keep cool,easy to vaccum,collapsible if need to put them up,and easy to clean, remove pan.
the plastic airline crates, we use for travel in car and shows and events to keep them safe and away from prying fingers.