soft crates

[kbella999]

Can anyone tell me where to find a good quality soft crate? The zipper broke on one of mine and I need a replacement fast. The one I had folded up like an accordian and I loved that. Would be nice if I could get one like that again. I would need one about 36" or bigger.

[blehmannwa]

Try googling N2N dog crates. That was the brand that we used and I think it's what you described

[Chicagocanine]

What purpose are you using it for?
The best quality one I've had was an old style Cabana Crate, but they don't make them like that anymore. You might be able to find one for sale somewhere, though. The company that used to make them now makes a tent style/version: DoggoneGood!: Cabana Crate Ultra-Lite

It's a bit different from a traditional soft crate, though, and from the type they used to make.

However if it's just the zipper you may be able to get it fixed? Or if it's the edge where the mesh meets the zipper, you could also buy paw proof window screen material and patch it.

[GSD246]

I have the cheap one that target and walmart sale. Mines has lasted awhile but I'm sure if I'm not careful the zipper will break. These crates are 25-30 dollars so if anything happens to it replacing it shouldn't be hard.

[kbella999]

It will be used mostly for agility trials. I need to get it by tomorrow so I don't have time to order online. I wasn't sure if the ones at Petsmart are worth the money and I can't think of any other stores to get one from. It will have to be sturdy enough for a 70lb GSD.

[wildo]

I also use the N2N and like it just fine. I really like the ability to open the top, as the venues I compete in tend to get hot- even in the winter. So that was an absolute requirement for me. I also wanted window flaps that roll down, but N2N no longer offers this feature. The Canine Camper that MRL uses has this, but those crates are also no longer produced. I spent quite a bit of time looking into soft crate and settled on N2N from all the reviews.

[wildo]

I do like the look and features of the petsmart one. I especially like the add on pouches. The only gotchya is that I read that that model (which multiple brands seem to use) can sag on the top- so be wary of how much you stack on it.

Speaking of putting things on top- this is absolutely my biggest frustration with soft crates. Where I compete, crating is CRAMPED! There's no room to spread out and you get some seriously nasty looks if you take more space than JUST your crate(s). So you pretty much have to put stuff on top. The soft crate just can't hold as much as a wire crate, and especially if you want to open the top flap for more ventilation.

[kbella999]

Opening at the top is a very big deal with me also. I found this on Amazon

Amazon.com: Firstrax NOZTONOZ Sof-Krate Indoor/Outdoor Pet Home, Model N2-42: Pet Supplies

Amazon.com: Firstrax NOZTONOZ Sof-Krate Indoor/Outdoor Pet Home, Model N2-42: Pet Supplies

. Is this what you are talking about the N2N? I guess I could order this one and buy a temporary/cheap one until that one comes in.

[wildo]

Yes- that is exactly what I'm talking about. And, btw, Amazon Prime paid for itself on that very order for me. $8.99 Saturday delivery if you order right now. (I think I ordered on a weekday and paid $3.99 next day)

And yes- you definitely want the N2-42 size.

[wildo]

It's reported that a 200 pound man can sit on the corner of a N2N crate without damage. I've never seen proof of that, but I do believe that they say that in their marketing material or something. It's a pretty bold claim for a tube steel folding crate. I doubt many of the competitors could say that (and again- I've never actually seen proof though).

[EDIT]- maybe this is where I read it:

"Sturdy and lightweight. When we tested this crate, we had a 200 pound man sit on a corner of the set up crate and it didn't budge! Now this is where we say, "Kids, don't try this at home, we are professionals!" Try sitting on the edge of another brand of soft crate (when it breaks, come to SitStay for a new NOZTONOZ Sof Krate)."