[Parsifal]

I need a new, larger crate to take to classes and seminars.

I love the idea of how lightweight and storable soft crates are, but I have worries about how much protection they offer from other dogs.

I have been in classes with out-of-control dogs that were quite aggressive. Now that I'm planning on doing more dog events I think maybe I should go for a wire or plastic crate.

Annie's never tried to rush another dog or get out of the crate, so I'm mostly worried about other dogs trying to get at her.

What are your experiences? Is the physical barrier of a soft crate enough to deter doggies behaving badly?

Thanks

 

[MaggieRoseLee]

My dog is very safe in the soft crate if a dog passing attacked. I've never seen any issues with this at trials (though I'm sure there could always be some weird freak thing. The mesh is fairly strong, and the material is definitely strong enough for any initial attack.

Now, long term, if a dog was allowed to continue to attack the crate with no intervention, that would be different.

And if your dog is a focused chewer or scratcher, given a while at trial the smart boogers can eat their way out thru the zipper or anywhere else they concentrated.

I like the Canine Camper cause is it a bit sturdier than some (it's also a bit heavier cause of that)
(click here)

I like that the dark mesh does give privacy to the dogs and kind of hides them. There are sides to cover ALL the mesh, for privacy or if it's cold. And yet you can roll it all up to allow for ventilation.

Look around for sales cause you can find deals.

 

[Liesje]

For one-day matches and trials, I've always used a soft crate. We're in a big show this weekend and I'm bringing my wire one, simply because we have to stay overnight at a hotel and the wire one is actually smaller. We're taking a trailer so I can fit the crate and a fold-up dolly to roll it.

Some places require "hard" crates and say no soft crates or ex-pens.

 

[Branca's Mom]

I had Branca and Valcko at a show a couple years back and had them both in the Canine Campers in the crating area which was in a separate building from the obedience rings. I was by the show ring sitting in my chair just watching the dog in the ring not really thinking much about the dogs at all when I felt something nudging me under my arm. It was Valcko!!! He had busted out of his soft crate and come to find me.... LOL I can't believe someone hadn't tried to grab him while he made his way over to find me

Anyway, went back and the zipper was ripped out so he had to spend the rest of the show in the car.

I never had a problem with Branca using the soft crate and use one for my young male Urro but never did trust Valcko again after that! Make sure that your dog is ok with not busting out of the soft crate before show day!

 

[chjhu]

I can just imagine my action guys in the soft crate - and the crate flying in all directions if something interesting were to happen around them.

 

[pinkanml]

I just got a mental picture of a crate rolling around the room like a huge hamster ball...

 

[MaggieRoseLee]

One of the reasons I only purchase the soft crates with the flat tops is because of the rolling issues. I have seen the ones with rounded tops roll around more. But the dogs are always fine inside. Just the crate (and dog) aren't in the same spot you left them!

 

[gsdlove212]

ok we have a soft "pop up" crate that we use occasionally, and speaking of hamster balls....she is able to walk hers end over end...its hilarious as all get out. however hers is just a walmart cheap-o it does not look nearly as sturdy as the ones posted here.

hmmmmm maybe i should try to get it on video lol

 

[kgursky]

I will say this....It was fine for my girl until she got really bonded to me. Then one day she broke through the canvas and we came back to the vehicle to find her loose in the car. Since she went through the canvas we were unable to repair it.

My corgi has one and we love it for him but yes he does roll it end over end if he is not teathered to the ground.

If you have a really quiet dog they are great but a no go for my dogs.

 

[MaggieRoseLee]

They are absolutely NOT for a dog that isn't calm and comfortable in it's crates. Just a little amount of time would allow a frantic or determined dog to get out. Geez, I've known the 'frantic and determined' dogs to break their teeth and bend METAL crates. So it will depend on the dog.

Because I crate train my dogs from when I get them in the house. And am able to take them to dog trial from the same age, they get the crate thing early on. I can't trust the younger dogs in the fabric crates until around a year though. But once they are around that age, as long as I use the clips to 'lock' the zippers closed, my dogs just get in, spin a few times and then nap.

 

[MaggieRoseLee]

They are absolutely NOT for a dog that isn't calm and comfortable in it's crates. Just a little amount of time would allow a frantic or determined dog to get out. Geez, I've known the 'frantic and determined' dogs to break their teeth and bend METAL crates. So it will depend on the dog.

Because I crate train my dogs from when I get them in the house. And am able to take them to dog trial from the same age, they get the crate thing early on. I can't trust the younger dogs in the fabric crates until around a year though. But once they are around that age, as long as I use the clips to 'lock' the zippers closed, my dogs just get in, spin a few times and then nap.

 

[kgursky]

Originally Posted By: MaggieRoseLeeThey are absolutely NOT for a dog that isn't calm and comfortable in it's crates.

Yep! 110%

My dogs are all crate trained and her breaking the crate was a total surprise. She was normally like your dogs spin 3 times then lie down. Not sure what happened that day but I know she can't be trusted in one ever again.

My corgi thinks crate bouncing is an olympic sport. He bounces his crate around all day to visit the other dogs. He's a little strange in that respect but I love him for it.