I didn't see any soft sided crates on leerburg, so I am wondering if anyone has good experience with any particular brand. I need an XL crate as my two boys are both about 32" at the withers.

Currently I used a 31" high metal wire crate, but it is a pain to travel with. I am thinking a 31" would be fine for training.

The two I am considering are:
Guardian Gear XL which is 42”L x 29”W x 34”H - This one has no metal poles, it only supports itself with the doors and some supports in the doors. The thing I like about this is there are mesh sides with covers for the mesh. You can roll the mesh on the door up, or you can completely enclose it.

The other is the Pet Gear Gen 2 Soft Portable Crate Large which is 42L x 28W x 31H. This does have metal poles inside for structural support which I like, but it has mesh on the sides and top (concerns me only if we are in the sun).

My dogs do fine in crates and these will only be used for training and travel, not for unsupervised or extended use.


Any opinions on quality and use is appreciated!

Thanks.

Depends on the dog, and the training being done.

We had a guy use one for about a year at Schutzhund, because he traveled by car, and couldn't fit a hard crate in.

It worked fantastically until the dog busted out in the middle of another dog's bitework training. If they claw at the mesh parts, they can often rip them clean open, if they want to badly enough.

There are collapsible, solid crates that could be substituted.

For the guys I have now, it would be for the nosework and tracking training and agility for now.

Thanks!

Some dogs have a real knack for finding the seams on those things.

It really depends on the dog. Most of my little dogs do fine with soft sided crates but I have one I know would attempt to dismantle it. My lab who has all the grace of a fine drunk cow would destroy one. If there wasn't a seam she would make one.

If your dog's have ever challenged a crate or crate door I wouldn't use a soft sided crate.

They don't have an issue in the crate, I am more concerned about with support poles or not.

I have the Midwest brand Canine Camper and also the Day Tripper http://www.nextag.com/midwest-canine-camper/search-html
I like the canine camper best. They have some sort of pole support (not visible) but folds quickly and easily. They are good for ventilation outside but I bought them for my office because they don't look like crates, many people have been shocked when they find out it's a crate (with a dog inside!)

I also want to emphasize with everyone else that these crates cannot be considered SECURE. One of my dogs has always been super in a crate, never protested or dug at it or anything. He still showed me that he can unzip it (such a gentleman)if the zipper isn't clipped to another at the top. Also when he was 6 or 7 months he saw another dog walk by in the office and just broke through a seam, he didn't think just ran at it.

I had (actually still have) one without the poles. This partucular one was a complete waste of my money- the supports in the sides got tired and bended so now I have a completely crooked one. Dachshunds probably would feel nicely in it but dobe... no way. It might be this particular brand (can´t remember right now) but if I ever get another one, I am looking out for a one with proper support. I have used my friends and it is really not too much heavier.

My little Toy Fox Terrier can unzip one in about 30 seconds or less. LOL

I have a Cabana Crate I love for travel, but I'm going to be getting a Nylabone Fold Away Den and Carrier for my puppy. It's lighter weight than a wire crate, but made of sturdy plastic. So, if you have any concerns about your dogs being able to respect a soft-sided crate, you might look into it.

The Cabana Crate has PVC supports, and works great. Doesn't have as much mesh as the ones you're considering, but I'd definitely prefer one with an internal support structure.

leih