Car Crate Options - Page 1

Please give me your answers ;Hi - I am looking for a Car Crate for my GSD Female. My local store has Metal ones, Air approved Plastic ones(Very expensive), and Canvas ones(like a tent). The largest Canvas one will allow her to lie down- but she cannot stand or sit in it. This is for very occasional use, and the  longest journey will be 30 minutes. I like the Canvas one as it stops her hair from flying around the car. My question is.... How big should it be? Is lying down size sufficient?

 

thanks!

hello triskell, if the dog has room to turn around and lie down then I would consider the size sufficient. I prefer metal as i don't want to be concerned about the dog chewing out if I make a stop and leave unattended with the doors or hatch open. may not be a concern for you. Covers can be had for the metal crates.

hth,

Rik

I personally don't use the canvas, since it's not strong enough to help in an accident.  For me the purpose of the crate in the vehicle is to protect myself, my passengers, and the dogs as much as possible.  That means a decent wire gauge (I use wire crates) and either attaching them to the seatbelt or child seat anchors or installing them in such a way that they can't move.  I had a near-accident experience involving a dog in a vehicle that could have turned out REALLY bad for both of us and after that, I don't mess around.  If you have to slam on your brakes you need something that can withstand the psi of a large dog hurdling against the side of the crate.

what make and model car do you have?
europe has lots of auto specific crates, but her in the US we're much more limited.


on our trip to colorado this past summer, our full sized male gsd found a 300 crate very interesting. he crawled into it and i just knew that i'd have to take the thing apart to get him out, but he turned around so his head was sticking out and fell asleep. it was so snug that i'm still wondering how he actually managed to stay comfortable for the hours he stayed in it.

id never force such a large dog into such a small crate, and left the door open so he could come and go as he pleased.....

I had a canvas crate and my puppy learned to tumble it like a hanster in a ball, within hours, he managed to control speed and direction......i had to chase him throught an airport at one point.

I agree, the crate must contain the dog in case of an accident.

Personally I measure the rear of the car, then get a cheap Wire Crate off Ebay.

I get the biggest size the rear of the car will take, canvas aren't safe in an accident, neither strong, or on warm days I drive with a rear down so the air can circulate, I would worry it would be too hot for the dog. Also when you park up at the club for example you can have the rear open.

I have modified the cages slightly, as they're only thin wire I've cut the roof out, as the rear of many cars is much higher than the back door so my GSD, who's pretty chilled can sit up straight, I cut a little section out of the door so I put a lead on him without opening it or remove his water bowl.

I've used a few plastic ties and some tape to reduce the rattling, and I bought a cage with two doors at opposite ends so in a rear end accident you drop the back seat and extract the dog from the 2nd door; all for $30-.

Ronin

Be careful of wire crates. upon impact the wires can and will break and can cause serious damage to the dog. Also, just for the record most accident occur within 15-30 minutes from home. I prefer a well constructed metal crate which allows for safety and comfort. A bit more money but worth the piece of mind

I think metal crate is what I'm referring too as opposed to wire, I'm trying to read between the American vernacular, mine has 5mm bars so not wire, and the quality of the welds is something Triskell will no doubt be conscious of.

I think if you are worried about the wire breaking in a rear end smash then you and the dog will have bigger problems on your hands.

I would disregard the comment about accidents happening within 15-30mins, it's not relevant, an accident is an accident it's about the welfare of you and the dog. Fitting a tow bar would offer a bit more protection to the rear passenger cell.

Ronin

(24yrs patrolling London's M25 Motorway, lost count of death messages delivered)