Soft Crates - Page 1

Can anyone recommend a soft sided crate that is durable enough for an adult GSD and easy to assemble/pack? Are there any I should avoid?

I use soft crates for Blitz, have 3 different styles. After dragging around heavy metal crates for 36 years, the soft crates are are a pleasant change. I love them but they are not escape proof and if a dog wants out, he can easily get out. I have never had a problem with either of my male GSD's trying to get out, but I have owned dogs of another breed that would have torn their way out in 15 minutes or less. The most sturdy one I have is a Port-A-Crate made by PetNation. It has a metal frame and folds fairly flat in just a few minutes. I also bought one that is has a round top, I forget the brand name, and this one is my favorite. It folds flat in less than 2 minutes, fits it's own carrying bag and is lighter since there is no metal frame. I like this one for the RV since I can easliy lift it and put it on the bed above the cab. I've trained Blitz to climb up on the bed and inot the crate his using a chair. The downside is it's not as sturdy as the Port-A-Crate. If you're interested, I can check the name and let you know. The 3rd one is the one I would not recommend. The frame is PVC pipe which makes it lightweight, but getting it apart takes 3 men since you have to remove the piping and then fold it all inside the crate. It's not worth fooling with IMO.

I have quite a few portables but my favorite is the NoztoNoz brand.. a little heavier but very strong.. like the first response said they are not escape proof and were never menat to be used in a car.. Certain dogs I would trust in them, some not so much but they are perfect for a hotel room once you are in for the night.. I think the one you are talking about is the EeziCrate.. had one of those also.. finally got broken but it was the lightest one by far.... have seen many rolling around agility trials like little border collie tumbleweeds though..

No, I looked, the one I like best is the PetMate. Out of shame I did neglect to admit that I also owned a 4th soft crate, a General Cage product - It's a Breeze Tent Crate. It was a nightmare to set up and take down requiring the removal and insertion of long skinny staves rammed into pockets sercured with rubber fittings that ripped apart. I just hated it. LOL.... don't buy one the those darned things. Yes, soft crates are perfect for a hotel room. I love them for the RV too since there is no wire crate I know of that will fold small enough to not take up too much room or that will fit under the bed. And there you have it, circuited, everything you've ever wanted to know about soft crates (and then some).

PetMate good, some arent strong enough for an adult

We used Blitzen's crates for my dog at show when she came to pick us up I thought for sure I would replacing at least one of her crates by end of trip as my dog had never used them before... OMG i fell in love with them and the ease of using them and my dog respected them. My fav of the two we used was the one that folds completely flat as she mentioned. It had a nice domed top for her ears and floded to a nice carry package.

Thank you all for your responses. I now have a good sense of what to look for. I will check out your recommendations and let you know what I get.