Sandy Moore wrote 09/22/2006 10:03 AM Travel Crate Size for GSD #114279 - 09/22/2006 10:03 AM
Sandy Moore Webboard User Reg: 07-25-2006 Posts: 2665 Loc: AZ Offline	Was wondering if those who have traveled with an adult GSD can recommend the correct size crate for the back of an SUV (rear seats can be folded down if needed). Will be traveling in SUV for Thanksgiving. My pup will be 6 months old but want to get the comfortable adult size that can be used now and for later travel. Currently I have a Kennel-Aire at home, size 26W x 42L x 29 1/2 H. I'd like to get an actual travel crate, however, so I can keep it in the vehicle. I'm currently looking at Petmate brand Deluxe Vari-Kennel size 24 1/2W x 36L x 26H. Is this big enough, or next size is 27W x 40 L x 30H. Thanks for any advice, cause don't want to get one bigger than what is really needed, unless it IS needed.
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Jeff Hines wrote 09/22/2006 11:25 AM Re: Travel Crate Size for GSD [Re: Sandy Moore ] #114280 - 09/22/2006 11:25 AM
Jeff Hines Webboard User Reg: 01-14-2005 Posts: 57 Loc: Orlando, FL Offline	I have a Petmate Pet Porter, which is basically the same thing as the Vari-Kennel just a cheaper model, that is the Extra Large Size (the 40"L I believe) that fits my 80lb guy alright. He's fairly long and when he lays down he has to slightly curve him self from front to back. Plus when he stands his head can only rise as high as his back. So if I buy another one (but I'll probably make a custom one) I'm gonna with the "Giant" size just for more room. But I know Ed usually says people often buy crates that are too big for their dogs. Hope I interpreted that right. Just my $0.02 ...and the training has started
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Nancy Jocoy wrote 09/22/2006 12:14 PM Re: Travel Crate Size for GSD [Re: Sandy Moore ] #114281 - 09/22/2006 12:14 PM
Nancy Jocoy Webboard User Reg: 05-03-2003 Posts: 924 Loc: Offline	You may want to drive around with a big box in the back before you decide on a vari-kennel. I don't like them in SUVs because (1) visibility issues for the driver and (2) air flow is not so great and the backs of SUVs seem to heat up pretty bad because the rear side windows are usually fixed. Now I am working with crates we built, but before that I zip tied the beejeebers ouf of a wire crate to keep it rigid. I figure a hundred zip ties have to be at least as strong as the screws that hold the plastic vari kennels together. Just some considerations.
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Sandy Moore wrote 09/22/2006 12:21 PM Re: Travel Crate Size for GSD [Re: Jeff Hines ] #114282 - 09/22/2006 12:21 PM
Sandy Moore Webboard User Reg: 07-25-2006 Posts: 2665 Loc: AZ Offline	Thanks so much Jeff, sure appreciate your reply. It helped me a lot to know the size you use and how it fits your dog. I think I'm going with the size you have, the 40" long. Just found one, Pet Den brand, with ventilation on all 4 sides at drsfostersmith.com for 69.99, 27x40x30. From what you say, even though your dog has to curve slightly to fit, it seems like a good overall size, considering needing room for suitcases and for taking it inside motel rooms or a friend's house. Thanks!
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Sandy Moore wrote 09/22/2006 12:28 PM Re: Travel Crate Size for GSD [Re: Nancy Jocoy ] #114283 - 09/22/2006 12:28 PM
Sandy Moore Webboard User Reg: 07-25-2006 Posts: 2665 Loc: AZ Offline	Thanks Nancy, was replying to Jeff so didn't see your post right away. I hadn't considered the visibility issue. I will put a large box in the back and drive around to see the effect, great idea. The one I found at website I mentioned has ventilation on all 4 sides, but doesn't mention what kind of device holds it together. The picture provided is too small to see the type of screws.
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Rich Pallechio wrote 09/22/2006 12:40 PM Re: Travel Crate Size for GSD [Re: Sandy Moore ] #114284 - 09/22/2006 12:40 PM
Rich Pallechio Webboard User Reg: 05-08-2006 Posts: 687 Loc: Washington Offline	I have the large Pet Gear soft crate for my Expedition. Item# PG5420MG Size 42"L x 29"W x 28"H Capacity up to 90 lbs. My GSD is nearly 9 months old and weighs over 80 lbs. I think the crate will handle over 90 lbs, IMO. The pluses are that it is very well ventalated, it has more than enough room for my dog, is easy for the dog to get into and out of, and it is light enough for my wife to get it in and out of the Expedition. That last was the major consideration that dictated our decision. We needed something my wife could get into and out of the Expedition by herself if she needed to. The minuses are that it takes up a lot of room and hinders visibility, and I'm not sure how much protection it would provide if we were in an accident. If you should decide to consider this crate, put it in your SUV first so you can really appreciate how much room it takes up and how much it obstructs the view in your rear view mirror.
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Sandy Moore wrote 09/22/2006 01:15 PM Re: Travel Crate Size for GSD [Re: Rich Pallechio ] #114285 - 09/22/2006 01:15 PM
Sandy Moore Webboard User Reg: 07-25-2006 Posts: 2665 Loc: AZ Offline	Rich, my first preference was actually the soft crate, but I was concerned about getting one since I'm still trying to tame the shrew (my pup, who will actually be 5 months in November, not 6 months as I previously posted). Guess I was hoping for one more month of taming before leaving. My concern is that he would totally destroy the soft crate. <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />
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Rich Pallechio wrote 09/22/2006 02:05 PM Re: Travel Crate Size for GSD [Re: Sandy Moore ] #114286 - 09/22/2006 02:05 PM
Rich Pallechio Webboard User Reg: 05-08-2006 Posts: 687 Loc: Washington Offline	We have a hard plastic crate in the house. My dog has used it since he was 9 weeks old and doesn't fight it at all. I would never have considered the soft crate if I thought he would try to escape it. They cost too much to find out your dog would try to tear it apart the hard way. Good decision on your part.
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Melissa Hoyer wrote 09/22/2006 02:24 PM Re: Travel Crate Size for GSD [Re: Sandy Moore ] #114287 - 09/22/2006 02:24 PM
Melissa Hoyer Webboard User Reg: 05-09-2005 Posts: 1340 Loc: SE Michigan Offline	My girl is 5 months old too. I use the size 27W x 40 L x 30H with her (I believe it is a Petmate?? can't remember and I'm not at home) and it also fits my 4 yr old GSD who is about 68 lbs. I do have a minivan though...best thing I ever bought for my dogs! <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> -Melissa
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Kimberly Bunk wrote 09/22/2006 03:02 PM Re: Travel Crate Size for GSD [Re: Sandy Moore ] #114288 - 09/22/2006 03:02 PM
Kimberly Bunk Webboard User Reg: 05-04-2006 Posts: 384 Loc: PA Offline	Look at the wire cages on Leerburg. They are probably your best bet for visibility, durability and you can always partition it to make it smaller for your dog now. Most shepherds at that age will probably destroy a soft crate if they are chewers or get upset in vehicles.
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