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We understand that looking after a dog is a real responsibility and with that, training your pet is a crucial part of the responsibility, especially for safety and hygiene reasons. Crate training can be a really important aspect. If you have a large dog, then it makes sense that you will also need a large crate.
Here we have outlined the best extra large dog crates that are available on the market for sale in 2018.
Article Contents
The Best Extra Large Dog Crates
We have found and reviewed some of the best-rated dog crates available over the Internet. These particular products are popular with other pet owners, so they are worth considering when selecting the best for your furry friend.
1. Crown Pet Products Eco-Friendly Pet Crate
This small home comes in three different finishes. It is solid and made of hardwood. It has a beautiful design, the top can be used as a table as well, which could be useful for rooms where space might be limited.
Three of the sides are partial walls, while the front one is the door and ensures perfect ventilation.
2. Midwest Life Stages Folding Metal Dog Crate
Available in a few different sizes, depending on your dog. It is sturdy and comes with two doors. It can be folded for easy transportation.
Easy to keep an eye on your pet – this type of design also guarantees good ventilation.
3. EliteField Beige 3-Door Soft Dog Crate
It might look a little unusual at a first glance, yet it represents a very innovative dog crate. It takes a few seconds to fold and install.
It has a steel frame and three different doors.
4. Petego Pet Tube Kennel
This kennel brings the ultimate in comfort when you need to carry your dog.
It is designed like a tube. The fabric is extremely resistant to claws, and the size is adjustable.
5. Proselect Petedge Easy Wire Dog Crate
A classic and cost-efficient wire unit.
It is very affordable, foldable and easy to transport. Since your dog can see you all the time, it might prevent whining too.
Which Material to Choose?
Choosing the size of the crate is extremely important. Ideally, you want a size that is neither too small nor too big. Once you have decided on the size, you are still left with a number of questions that you have to answer if you want to find the best possible fit.
You can go with different styles and materials, but ultimately you should always think about your dog’s comfort. To us, the exterior may be the focus as it’s what we see, however it should not matter as much as the interior. Even if it is a big, ugly and yellow crate, if our pooch thinks it is the best, then we should simply comply and let them enjoy their new way of transportation in safety and comfort.
Why the material is important
When it comes to the two most popular choices, people usually decide on a wire or a plastic crate. The wire crate represents a quality choice for those who want their crate to fit in a small space. Often the wire crates are an ideal choice for most people because most of those crates can be folded. They were designed that way so the dog owner can easily carry them by themselves, without it taking up a lot of space.
Another great advantage of the wire crate is the air ventilation that it allows. As a dog owner, you are likely to know that different breeds have vastly different physical characteristics such as muscle mass as well as the thickness and length of their fur coat.
Understanding those differences, it is also likely that dogs will react to heat and cold vastly differently as well. While a crate that allows for great air ventilation can be great for a certain breed, it may be life-threatening to another, depending on the surrounding temperatures. For example, if you are transporting your dog during a warm season, and your dog is a long-haired dog, putting it in a crate that does not allow much ventilation could be a terrible idea.
Conversely, putting your short haired dog in a wire crate during cold weather can be just as bad if not worse. You have to factor in your dog’s breed, the breed’s specific temperature sensitivity if there is any, and a couple of other criteria as well. Now let’s talk about plastic dog crates for a moment.
Even with big dog crates, you can still go the plastic route
That’s right, with today’s technology, they can create plastic crates that even though light, are extremely durable, and come in sizes that can accommodate even the biggest of dogs out there. Just like a wire crate, a plastic version also comes with its certain advantages and disadvantages. Among the advantages, there is versatility and movability as the two most important ones. Those crates usually come with a body made from quality plastic, and usually one or two doors, a front, and a back.
The doors are usually made of wire and generally, these models can feel more enclosed. These types of crates can be perfect for really short haired dogs, or those that feel stressed and like to hide in their own little shelter, be that a box or anything else. With a dog like that, the material of the crate will be of utmost importance.
At the same time, some dogs won’t prefer the feeling of isolation. They don’t fear the lack of space, but they can feel the presence of their favorite human but not see them, which can turn into a negative emotion in the dog, or even aggression.
Training a dog can be done in two different ways
You can take your puppy to a professional trainer or you can do it yourself. In any of these situations, you will have to invest in some accessories and tools. They will help you later on, but they will also provide continuous results.
A tempory home is one of the first things to pay attention to. The crate is used to keep the dog calm while being away or while doing something important. If properly implemented, it will work wonders in the long run.
Why crate training is so efficient
Since every animal is constantly looking for a shelter under particular situations, chances are your dog will love this small and safe place due to the feeling of being more secure. At the same time, their instincts tell your dog that this place should not be soiled.
These two major factors can make crate training a very efficient solution. Generally speaking, the crate must be introduced as a reward and not really as a punishment.
The crate can become the place where your dog relaxes and spends some quality time when tired. If you have just welcomed your puppy in, the large dog crate will keep your furry friend under control until it becomes familiar with the rules.
For example, you can rely on the crate in order to feed it, then take it outdoors when nature calls. This can provide a simple way to teach your dog when and where to do so.
At some point, the necessity of a large dog crate becomes obvious, especially if you need to travel and the dog must stay in there. If used to this environment, it will patiently wait until you reach to the destination.
Otherwise, travel can be quite stressful and potentially harmful, so your dog will never really feel like getting into a vehicle or close to a crate they haven’t had a good experience with anymore.
Determining the perfect large dog crate
Dog crates come in all kinds of shapes and sizes. On the surface, it may seem that are not too many factors that can make the difference between one crate and another.
However, the more you realize that crate training is actually a very sophisticated task, you can learn that different crates come with various specifications that can make training easier or more difficult.
Of course, you can always buy the cheapest product you can find at a local pet shop, but you are less likely to actually benefit from it if your dog dislikes it. Instead, you should opt for a reputable brand and a crate that is actually designed with the dog’s necessities in mind.
Small features make the difference
We aim to educate you on what dog crates are supposed to come with, but we also review the front-running products in this industry. There are, indeed, a lot of products out there, yet some of them are better than others.
The most expensive large dog crate is not necessarily the best one, so look for cost efficiency and reliability instead. Make sure that the crate is actually appropriate for your dog before spending your money. Otherwise, you will probably have to buy a new one later on.
Discover the different types of dog crates
A large dog crate cannot be classified by too many criteria aside from the size, design, and material. With this idea in mind, considering the construction is one of the first things to do. So what should you know about different types of materials?
- Wire dog crates are usually metallic and can be used for other purposes too – such as transportation. Most of these things can be folded for an easy storage or transportation when the dog is not inside. You also have the possibility to observe the dog, just like it can take a peek at you and feel safe knowing that everything is alright. The ventilation is also very good, which is great for very hairy dogs.
- Plastic dog crates are sturdy and represent a good solution for transportation. They ensure a decent privacy, so the puppy may no longer whine. They are very good during the cold season too because they provide coverage and can retain heat better. Many of them are approved by airlines too, yet it is still very important to ask about them upfront.
- Wood dog crates are not as popular as the other varieties, but they have a few major advantages – they look good, feel stylish and can match any kind of decor. They are durable and sturdy, yet some dogs might try chewing them if they are not properly trained. This kind of destructive behavior must be addressed as soon as possible.
Find out what you should look for in a large dog crate
There are a few simple elements to look for when about to purchase a large dog crate. Pay attention to all these elements in order to make a wise selection.
- Durability is often a key factor. You do not want to replace this crate at every few months. Ask your trainer for some suggestions if you rely on one. Otherwise, research most materials and find out which one is better, but count your dog’s behavior too.
- Storage is very important too, so make sure that you have enough room. Some crates might need to be moved too, especially around the home. Therefore, a crate that collapses or folds is way more flexible than a very sturdy one.
- Size depends on your dog. Your dog should not feel restricted in one way or another. It should have enough space to stretch, stand up, roll over or turn around. The size is directly proportional to the comfort. Without any comfort, it is easy to realize that your dog will never enjoy stepping into the crate, so your entire training is in vain.
The Benefits of Crate Training
Crate training is a controversial topic.
Despite the positive results, some dog owners simply cannot bear the thought of their four-legged baby being locked in a cage-like device. On an emotional level, that is understandable. Many owners interact with their dog as if they were a human child.
Although that is maybe weird for some, and probably not ideal, it won’t really cause long-term problems for the dog. That is until the owner doesn’t go overboard with it. After all, a dog is not a human being, no matter how smart they are. At the end of the day, they are still instinctual animals and have totally different needs than us.
For some, crates are the enemy, and they completely ignore the fact that those devices are actually beneficial for the dog and the owner alike. A crate can be used in many different ways, but the rule of thumb is to try not to confuse the dog.
Using those devices as a disciplinary, and as a housing tool at the same time for example obviously does not make too much sense. In those cases, the dog will link a positive and a negative pattern to the crate, which will only confuse them. The best is to follow one road. Either use the crate as a disciplinary tool or use it as a housing and/or transportation device.
Benefits as a housing and transportation tool
Crating the dog from the start (once they can eat solid) has many positive benefits, the biggest one being our very own schedule. Being the owner (and friend, family member) of a dog is not only a big commitment, but it is also an honor.
However, we are only human, we have our obligations and we often have to “juggle” a pretty hectic schedule to make it work. By crating our furry friend, we can facilitate several positive transitions in the dog’s life. One of those transitions leads to being housebroken.
When we use the crate for that purpose, however, the size of it becomes extremely important. If the crate is too big, the dog will be able to soil at one end, then simply move away from it and sit down or even lay down at the other end.
That won’t lead to the desired outcome, so it is essential to buy a crate with a size that is just right, where the dog has just enough room to turn around and sit or lay down but no more. When that happens, it will not soil while being in the crate, and sooner or later they will learn a specific schedule.
Teething
Another important aspect of crating is to be able to avoid the destruction of our home.
It is important for the dog to chew, so we should never take that away from it. However, if we restrict them to the crate and give them something to chew on, we can kill one bird with two stones.
We can offer some quality chewing time to our pup, while also being able to conserve our home. A pooch – no matter how small – can do an unbelievable amount of damage to our home if left alone for too long.
They will chew on anything and everything they can find from shoes to our furniture. That is not only unfortunate because of the aesthetic unpleasantness that it causes, but also because it is dangerous for the dog.
When the puppy is teething, we should always give it a specific chewing toy that will keep them occupied. By putting them in the crate, we can avoid any unwanted damage, and the dog will also realize that they can safely chew away while being there.
Are Dogs Den Animals?
This topic is rather controversial, especially when it becomes a discussion between animal (and dog) lovers. Regardless how and where it goes down, however, the argument can usually be divided into two groups of thought.
One represented by those who rely on the help of science, and those who would rather believe their own experiences. There is nothing wrong with belonging to either of those groups by the way until the discussion is healthy and both sides have the interest of finding out the truth.
Another tidbit to add, just because somebody swears by the science behind the den theory, it doesn’t mean that they cannot love those majestic animals, and vice-versa!
Those who don’t believe in this particular scientific theory can easily love science otherwise. Now that we have clarified those points, let’s delve into the subject.
What is the den animal theory?
Den animals are usually mammals who live in a den (one that they either dig themselves or occupy) year round. The den offers safety both from other animals and also from the natural elements. In addition to this, the animals that live in those dens also raise their young there, until they are strong enough to discover the world on their own (or in a pack).
When you ask if dogs are den animals or not, the answer cannot necessarily be a yes or a no. They are den animals, but they are also not. How is that possible? Well, dogs – just like wolves – enjoy a cozy den, but they don’t live there all year long, which seems to be the main characteristic of a true “textbook” den animal.
That is actually one of the arguments of those who are against crating. Dogs are certainly not textbook den animals, we can all agree on that. But that doesn’t mean they don’t enjoy the safety and the coziness of their own little home. Just think about dog houses.
Not only dogs do love those, but they often spend the vast majority of their day either in it, or close to it, even if their masters are home or in the garden. In my opinion, at the very least, we have to at least contemplate the possibility that dogs – even though are not true den animals – show certain characteristics that can only be associated with those mammals who perfectly fit the description.
Just think about pups. Puppies often find their own little hiding places, under the table or bed, a corner behind the sofa or even a shelf. They will drag their favorite blanket to this favorite place of theirs, and sleep like there is no tomorrow. They choose those places instinctually.
They are not only great hiding places but while there, they don’t have to worry about a possible attack from several directions. No matter how vehemently some people deny it, dogs do use those places, and whether some people can accept it or not, they happen to love them.
Crating as a tool
Ideally, crates can offer your pooch a security blanket, a place where they can truly feel safe, regardless if your kids are harassing them or a huge thunderstorm is looming. In addition to all that, however, a crate can also be a valuable tool that will allow the dog to learn without ever having to feel bad about itself, or fear their owners. Keeping your pooch in the crate overnight will introduce a daily routine to the dog.
The animal will sleep better, and it will learn that night time is for sleeping. All in all, crates just represent a valuable all-around tool when it comes to teaching man’s best friend, and I would argue that not only crates benefit most dog owners, but also most dogs.
How to Crate Train Your Pooch
Before we go into the specifics about crate training, first we should admit one thing. Using dog crates is definitely beneficial for us, humans. They allow us to leave the dog in a space where it can’t hurt itself, but also, anything else in our home.
A dog, especially if it’s still a pup, can literally destroy our living area, regardless if we left anything deemed “chewable” out in the open or not. We have seen dogs tear down massive doors or even thin walls!
The power of their jaw and their willingness to chew cannot be underestimated. Regardless of the trouble they cause to us sometimes, we obviously love our fur babies, and most of us are more than willing to accept some of those small flaws in exchange of the unconditional love that they can provide for us. If there is one thing that they are even better than chewing our home up, it is that, loving unconditionally.
With that said, sometimes their affection, and especially their guarding instinct, can be in the way. Admitting that won’t make you an uncaring person, it’s that that, the truth. Dogs have one gear when it comes to love and affection, and they are going all-in, each day, every day.
Most of the time, we not only accept that but welcome it, we can’t always be there for them however. Work and other obligations will come in the way sometimes, and a crate for those moments can be a great solution. A solution that contrary to the popular belief, is not inhuman at all. If you are a sceptic about crates, maybe understanding the whole philosophy behind them will change your mind.
Do dogs love their crates? If the answer is yes, why?
Let start out with this. Yes, dogs usually love their crates. In order to understand that aspect, first we have to examine the very nature of those animals. There is a popular theory about modern day dogs being the descendants of wolves, but that is only partially true.
Today it is believed that both wolves and dogs descended from a common ancestor that was a wolf-like mammal, and it happened anywhere from 9 to roughly 30.000 years ago. Regardless, dogs are wolves certainly share a large portion of the same ancient “wolf-like” DNA, which means that they have a lot in common.
Dogs, just like wolves, are pack animals. Luckily for us though, they are not really picky when it comes to their pack, and will gladly accept us humans to join the party.
They are not only pack animals, but they are also den animals. That is why they often occupy shelves as a pup, or a box, and that is also why they love their dog house so much, often defending it even from their owners. That is the same way they will react to the crate.
At first they will be curious but careful, then they will start to like it before accepting it as a part of their home, and maybe even as a home. If you fear that your dog might not like small spaces, rest assured, that cannot be the case, unless something bad happens to the dog while in the crate. Animals exist on a purely instinctual level, they can feel fear or even terror, but they won’t ever feel irrational fear.
That means that the dog will only reject the crate it if can associate something unpleasant with it, and unless something unpleasant happens with it while being in the crate, that won’t ever be the case.
Crating Step by Step
Crating your furry friend can be beneficial to you and your dog as well. But doing it right is not necessarily easy.
It takes time and effort to really hone that skill, and even so, dogs have their own little characteristics that can either make the whole procedure easier, or a lot harder, depending on the breed of the pooch. Finding out how your dog would react to crating is also essential.
There are certain breeds that have a hard time complying when it comes to crating, so before you purchase your crate, it might be a good idea to ask your veterinarian or a knowledgeable breeder about your dog.
Once you purchased your crate, there are certain guidelines that you simply have to follow. That way not only you can facilitate a positive outcome but you can also guarantee the health and safety of your pooch which should obviously always come first.
Size does matter:
Figuring out what kind of crate you want to buy is obviously the first step. The breed of your dog will determine the size of the kennel. If you have a big dog then a normal sized dog crate won’t work.
Once you know the size, you can decide on the material. If you have an anxious dog who would react to crating better if they would not see what’s going on around them, plastic is definitely the way to go. If you have a relaxed dog, however, that seems like they are always calm, a wire mesh crate represents a good choice.
Alternatively, you could also purchase a wooden kennel but that is certainly not recommended while the dog is still teething.
The crate should always be comfortable:
Making the crate comfortable for the dog should always be a top priority. If your pooch already has their own dog bed, and it fits into the crate, that is good news for your furry little friend. If that cannot be achieved for whatever reason, use the dog’s blanket (assuming it has one), that way they will smell their own scent and that will allow them to stay more relaxed during the whole procedure. Once they get used to the crate, those small details won’t really matter, they will feel just as fine on another blanket.
Water is essential:
Dogs are amazing creatures, they are survivors. There are reports about dogs that survived months without food. Without water, however, they could not have made it. Water is essential to all mammals, including us. It is very important that your fur baby always has fresh water in their crate. A dog should never be left alone without water for more than two hours.
Make the crate more appealing:
If you place your dog’s favorite toy in the crate, they will find the time that they have to spend in it much more pleasant. Alternatively, you can also leave treats in the crate, that will be even more appealing to your dog, but it is important to not go overboard. The dog has to work for the treat.
Interact with your dog while it’s in the crate:
If your dog sees familiar faces during their crating periods, they won’t associate the experience with loneliness. This is important, especially if you plan to use the crate as a housing and transportation tool later. Your everyday activities will allow the dog to keep an eye on you, and that will comfort them. Once they are used to the crate, you will be able to leave them in for longer periods, even letting them sleep in it.
How to Crate Your Dog Whilst Traveling
Most of us love Summertime. Relaxing and travelling, the whole family is together, creating unforgettable memories. Dogs are family members for most of us, which means that we cannot (and don’t want to) leave them home, we have to take them with us wherever we can.
This sometimes means that we have to travel with them in the car. In order to do that in the most efficient way possible, we can try a couple of tricks. Let’s take a more detailed look at what they are, and why can they make our life easier when it comes to “packing up” the pooch.
1. Always walk your dog before the trip starts:
I guess the reason is obvious. A worn out dog will be much more relaxed during the trip. It won’t bark during the whole way, and if you are lucky, depending on how many hours away your destination is, it will sleep through the whole drive.
2. Never, ever leave the leash on:
It is important to always take off the leash before you put your dog in the crate, or ask it to go in on their own. If you don’t take off the leash, it can actually strangle your beloved friend, which is obviously something that we cannot risk under any circumstances. If you feel that you have to hold on to the leash while the animal is in the crate in order to prevent it from moving around, that means that your dog is simply not crate trained yet, and you should not travel with it.
3. Practice crating before going on the trip:
If your dog is not used to crates, and you have come up with the idea only to be able to bring the animal with you, you have to practice beforehand. Don’t forget, this is a team effort. You cannot expect your dog to just jump into the crate without any game planning. If the start of the trip is the first time where your pooch interacts with the crate, you cannot expect a positive outcome. At best, the animal will be distressed and you won’t be able to ever crate him properly after that, and at worst, your dog will begin to show signs of aggressiveness of separation anxiety.
4. How to practice:
It’s important that you don’t put the animal directly into the crate. You put it down when they are half-way in, so they can get in on their own. That is important because if you simply put your dog in, directly into the crate, they won’t really understand how and why they got there. Conversely, if you put them down in front of the crate, ideally they will go in on their own, and feel like that have discovered it themselves, instead of experiencing something that was forced on them.
5. A blanket or a toy can work wonders:
If you have a special bond with your furry little friend, your scent and presence can definitely make it relax during the trip. If that is the case, ideally you want to sit with the dog in the back. If you are the one driving, unfortunately, the whole thing can work the other way. If you are the pack leader, the favorite of the dog, they will direct all their attention to you during the whole trip, and the fact that you won’t be able to pay attention to them (because you will be driving, obviously), will make them more anxious. We can combat this nervousness by bringing the dog’s favorite blanket and toy, so they have positive distractions during the trip.
Separation Anxiety During The Crating Process
Separation anxiety among dogs is one of the most common symptoms. This is also what usually stress the owners the most, and unfortunately, they will let the dog dictate and reward it for its behavior by petting it. Interestingly, crating can actually cause, and also treat separation anxiety in dogs.
This particular behavior has several symptoms, including but not limited to salivating, barking, crying and destroying various personal articles in our home. It is obviously a behavior that cannot and should not be tolerated, but how exactly can we counter it? What are the methods that can help us?
Crating is the way to go
Crating can help us determine if the dog is simply simulating the symptoms of separation anxiety, or they indeed suffer from it whenever we are not around. The simulated version usually rears its ugly head when the dog feels like it is the pack leader. They basically feel like they can get away with everything, including simulating separation anxiety. Here is when the crate comes into the picture, for the rescue, I might add.
This device can help us in so many different ways, and this is just one of them. The root cause of the problem is that we reward the dog whenever it feels like it does not get the usual attention and affection. Unfortunately, when a dog feels like it is the unrivalled pack leader, it will feel like that all the time, no matter what we do, bar scratching its tummy all day long.
So the dog simulates being distressed, and we reward that behavior. We don’t even realize, but we teach the dog a trick. From that point on, whenever it cries and begs for attention, we will give in instantly, petting them and giving them treats, literally and figuratively. In those cases, the animal is actually not in distress, this is simple misbehavior on their part.
The dog simply knows that it will get the attention that it wants. We can battle this by putting the animal in the crate, and gradually increasing their alone time. They don’t actually have to be alone, we can be in the same area, but we have to ignore their “cries” for a while. I know, as a dog lover myself, I’m just cringing while writing this, but the truth remains.
Dogs can and will take advantage of you if you let them. We have to take care of them, and love them with the best of our abilities, but that does not mean that we have to comply with their acting performance. By gradually increasing the dog’s “alone time” in their crate, we will slowly but surely turn this phenomenon around. The dog will realize that they are not the pack leaders, and if the unwanted behavior suddenly does not get rewarded, they will simply stop. If you are lucky, sooner rather than later.
Real separation anxiety
Real separation anxiety will have certain symptoms. Stressful behavior even when we are not there (our family members can witness that), and just a general level of anxiety in the dog, whenever we stand up to do something in the house.
Unknowingly, we often generate that anxiety, without actually realizing it. Making a big deal out of our departure is a prime example of this. When that happens, we say goodbye to the dog, often talking to it for minutes before leaving, explaining it, even though we may be going out for mere hours.
Changing those habits is the first step towards showing a different behavioral routine to the dog, one that can lead to a life without separation anxiety.
Conclusion
You cannot expect pets to fully understand you but you can learn more about their habits.
Unlike Children who grow up and learn how to behave, pets are a little different. While they also get older and lose some of the destructive habits from their earlier years, they are always prone to causing trouble.
With that in mind, training a dog doesn’t have to be the hardest job in the world. It is part of its education. Of course, training a dog is different from raising a kid, but at the same time, it is essential to understand that this is the only way to benefit from a friendly and life-long relationship.
Both you and your dog will benefit from this practice. The dog will understand you better, but it will also learn what it is allowed or forbidden to do. It’s also a way to prevent trouble and destructive behaviours.
In the end, making a final decision is down to you. Make sure that you choose the size correctly because this is the most important thing. As for all the other features, they are a balance between your convenience and your dog’s comfort.
Our unbiased reviews provide all the details required for a good final choice when picking your big dog crate.
