What is the Best Dog Crate?

This is a very familiar and popular question.  Many people are looking for the best dog crate, and there are a lot of different answers regarding this.  There are so many different crates on the market today, that each serve different purposes, so I can't pick a specific crate that is the answer to the question.  The real answer depends on what you will be using it for and what type of dog you have.  There are some that I prefer over others, and quality as I have stated in most all of my posts, should be a top priority.  Evaluating you dog's specific needs (and yours too) will help you in deciding what type of crate to buy.  Here are the most popular types, and what I would recommend using them for.

Plastic Dog Crates - Great for traveling with your pet.  Make sure you find a top quality product that is approved for airline use (if that is your purpose) and be sure to check with the airline you are flying on, because each has specific guidelines.  They are also very tough and last a very long time (I use one that's as old as me)

Wire Dog Crates - Great for indoor or outdoor use, and excellent for training purposes.  They can be made very plush with the addition of a bed, cover, and there is even furniture designed to go over them and make them an attractive addition to the home.  Many top brands fold flat and store easily.  They are strong and great for traveling in the car, but not approved for airlines.

Soft Dog Crates - Great for the outdoor or traveling type.  They are very portable and act just like your pet's own personal tent.  They are excellent for going to the park, beach, on a camping adventure, or any similar type activity.  They should not be used for dogs that chew, or aggressive dogs.  Good ones are made of tough fabric that is usually water resistant, but still don't hold up to a chewing canine.

As you can see, it can be a difficult question to answer.  I certainly have my own personal recommendations as to specific models in each category, but what I prefer, may not be best for everyone.  Just make sure you choose quality, and maybe you too will be using a dog crate that's as old as you someday.