pet crate question?

Question

Can I use those plastic carrier as a crate? Most of the wired ones in the catalog look so monsterous for my dog, I was thinking to get one of those plastic travel ones and use for crating and transporting should I need to. Please advise, thanks in advance.

By the way, full grown, estimated weight is 10 lbs. The shelter said the mom was a small minpin and father they think border terrier. She is soooo beautiful and a terror at the same time. But we love her!

Answer 1

Of course you can...The only problems I have had with using the plastic travel ones are:

1. My puppies tend to chew and they LOVE the plastic so I end up having to replace the carrier often.

2. My puppies want to see me...to know I'm there...the plastic carriers restrict their vision, so they feel like they're all alone, even when they're not.

3. This goes back to #2 somewhat. I've sometimes had problems getting my pups to go into the plastic carriers. They kind of have a cave feeling instead of the openness of the wire kennels.

You can order a metal kennel (or purchase one at your local petstore) that is the right size for your puppy. I tend to get one that will fit my dog when it grows and comes with a divider so that I can section it off as needed. Remember, you want enough room that your puppy can turn around and lay down.

Answer 2

Look for a wire crate that includes a removable metal floor pan. Plastic crates can also be used, although some dogs will chew the plastic. Most plastic crates meet federal regulations for airline travel. The quality of plastic crates varies between manufacturers and you'll need to get one sturdy enough to resist chewing. For your pet's comfort, look for one with a smooth floor. Purchase crate large enough for your pet to stretch out on its side and to sit or stand erect. If you have a puppy, it is more economical to buy a wire crate that will accommodate him as an adult, then partition it to the right size. A movable wire or pegboard partition can be made or purchased. Too large a crate can undermine housebreaking because your pet may eliminate at one end of the crate and lie down at the other. For bedding, use an old blanket or buy a washable crate pad. Depending on size and construction, a new crate may cost $40 - 150. This is a bargain compared to the cost of replacing a sofa, woodwork, or carpeting.

Answer 3

This question is hard to answer.

I prefer the steel crate because it is more durable and a panicked dog can't chew their way out.

On the other hand if you want to travel with this crate (you mentioned flying) it must be contained in a way that doesn't allow stupid people to stick their fingers into the crate, regardless of the likelihood of a bite.

Many of the best animal transport companies will use wooden crates for transport. I know that a wooden crate doesn't work well unless you want an outdoor house. (Don't use pressure treated wood)

I don't know how large either of your dogs are. If the pup is too small for a crate on their own you can place a barrier in the crate to make it smaller.

Good luck

Answer 4

The type and size crate that will work best for your dog is dependent on the size and temperment of your dog. Do you plan on crate training into adulthood? Is the crate large enough for your adult dog? Plastic crates tend to be easier for dogs to escape from or has been my experience anyway. If your pup ends up suffering from boredom or seperation anxiety,the plastic crate hasn't a chance of survival against chewers. I prefer the coated wire crates with an adjustable partition. Good luck!

Answer 5

I've always used a Pet Porter or Pet Taxi as a crate for my dogs. The reason for that is because they provide a den-like environment for the dog, which makes them feel safer and more secure. They need one large enough to be able to turn around in and to lie down comfortably.

The wire cages are so open that the animal feels vulnerable. My dogs barked a lot more and showed signs of separation anxiety until I switched to the plastic kennels.

Just make sure that you put down something sturdy but comfortable as flooring. My husband cut out a sheet of plywood to fit the bottom of the kennel, and we padded it with a blanket.

Someone mentioned the possibility of the dog chewing on its kennel. To prevent this, we toss in a Nylabone for the dog to chew on while we're gone. The Nylabone is safe because the dog can't chew hunks off of it and choke, and it keeps them entertained. A bored dog does NOT make for a pretty picture.

Our dogs have never minded going in their kennels and can often be found in there during the day, snoozing happily! :-)

Answer 6

To crate your pet, you can use the wire cages,or the pet taxi's. It is all the same. And yes the pet taxi's usually are in a better range of sizes for your smaller pets than the wire cages. But they both serve their purpose. Hope this helps.

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Answer 7

Plastic carrier is definitely fine as a crate. I used mine for crate training with great results. Your dog will also think of the crate as its bedroom, so when you travel, he'll feel safe and secure. Just make sure not to get a crate that's too big if you are still in the process of potty training your dog.

Answer 8

The plastic carriers work wonderfully for crate training. You can use them for transporting as well. But whether you use a wire crate or a plastic crate... it doesn't matter. Different people prefer different types.

Answer 9

As long as your pet has room to turn around and stretch out, there wouldn't be any problem using one of the plastic crates. Also make sure that there is adequate air flow. We used one of those for our dog because he was so little and it worked out great!

Answer 10

It is perfectly acceptable to use a plastic carrier over a metal crate. But should your pet have an accident in it, it is a little bit harder to get clean.