(Part 2) Reddit mentions: The best dog crates, houses & pens

Addressing separation anxiety takes time.

For your dog's safety, I suggest addressing a better crate first. One thing you may want to try is a crate like this. I’ve never used this crate, so I don’t know how durable it is, but because of how it’s designed it’s harder to chew on. You may want to reinforce the lock with two hasps one on each the top and bottom. Or four hasps, top and bottom on the left and right sides of the door, I don’t know how strong the crate is. Just make sure to secure any hasps in a way that screws don’t go through the door, one option is Liquid Nails which may be combined with small screws that won’t go through the door, but Liquid Nails should be sufficient if applied correctly. You may also want to put this crate in a corner where it can have strong walls on as many sides as possible.

There are more secure crates, ones made of all metal with solid walls, however those tend to be very expensive.

The most important things (besides a physically safe environment) are

1. The dog always knows that you will come back
   
2. The crate is a fun, and low-stress place for your dog
   
3. Exercise
   
   The dog always knows that you will come back
   
   Leave for less than a minute, and then come back, but don’t make a big deal of it. Just act like you are leaving for a while (jacket, keys, etc) and then go outside, wait, and come back in. Do this a few times a day. You don't need to put the dog in the crate for this.
   
   Once you can leave for a minute, make it two, then five. Once you are at five minutes, put the dog in the crate, then get your stuff, then leave.
   
   When you come back, let the dog out of the crate but don't make a big deal. Let him out, go get some water, sit down, act normal.
   
   The key is that the dog knows you are coming back, and that this is normal activity.
   
   The crate is a fun, and low-stress place for your dog
   
   Fill Kongs with your dog's highest-value treats and put them in the crate whenever you leave. You want to build a positive association with the crate, and the easiest way to do this is with food.
   
   Try covering the crate with blankets, you can get moving blankets cheap on Amazon.
   
   Or for a little more you can get something a little nicer if you don’t want to look at an ugly moving blanket.
   
   I suggest getting the 12 pack, dogs sometimes destroy the crate covers so it's handy to have spares.
   
   The idea is just to make the crate dark and to help it be a calm, distraction-free environment. Whenever you put the dog in the crate, cover it completely with the blanket. It won't block sound, but keeping it dark helps.
   
   I don't know if this product works, I'm not affiliated with the company and I've never used it before but try a Snuggle Puppy.
   
   AKC calls it:
   >This is the ideal toy for anxious puppies.
   
   Just note that AKC's description is on a page trying to sell you the product, so be cautious.
   
   I also suggest a conversation with your vet about anxiety meds, something that is acts quickly and doesn’t stay in the dog’s system too long. Meds are not a solution, but they can help. If the dog is so anxious he can’t focus on the Kong, it doesn’t matter how good the Kong is. The right medical solution helps the dog focus on the training. I’ve used anxiety medicine with dogs with good results.
   
   Exercise
   
   Make sure your dog is getting enough exercise, a tired dog is a calm dog. It’s hard to be anxious when passed out from playing and walks.
   
   Try anything
   
   You said you are willing to try anything, so here are some solutions that are less than proven.
   
   

• Calming collars (or calming disks), manufactures claim the product releases calming scents
  
• DogTV, I’m not kidding, it claims it’s programming is calming for dogs. For a lot less money, put a YouTube nature playlist

The thing is....in the old house she (as far as we could tell) did just fine being crated. I think its the feeling of a new place like "oh no, where am I? where did you go? am I alone?"

I don't think I do "crate games"...please elaborate! :)

and she doesn't get as much exercise as she use to because of my new job, but she does get some at least a little bit everyday. ...but she is a mix, and isn't as crazy hyper as everyone else acts like their full bloods are...When I get home, I let her out for a bit, but it's so hot here, she usually wants to go back in....then we'll train for a bit, and she usually just chills after that. if she gets restless, we play, we train, I let her in the yard to run, take her places, and of course the local bark park! she sleeps a lot! I mean, a lot! but she's like a switch, she can sleep all day, or she can run all day....and crash at night--she's pretty much down with anything.

I LOVE the skype Idea....now i just need a laptop! lol or a wireless web cam in the dogs' bedroom

and I have 2 kennels...the one she is breaking out of is a pop up wire one. it has hooks that connect the sides together, but she is able to wiggle them out and bust through. when I got home today, she was 1 hook away from being free! lol It's the new one. Trying to figure out a way to use it to help her...not harm her.(kinda like this one--size may be bigger). and we have a plastic Vari-kennel that is medium sized, it fits her pretty snug now.

and yes. she has eaten some of the plastic off the rim of the vari-kennel....and that's just since we've moved. I know for a fact it was there when packing up. we can't give her a blanker or anything, she will tear it into little strings and swallow them.--this is why I'm thinking if I do leave her out...to place a few "hidden" kongs around the house to keep her occupied. like she goes looking for "trouble" and finds a kong....not sure if that's a good thought o put in her head though! :/

I guess when I'm the first to get home, I usually do this:: walk in, don't speak to her, walk calmly through the room, to the bathroom, use it, walk out, let her out CALMLY, but she still freaks. I don't know why I don't wait longer. I've even told my fiance to do so....damn. why did I not see that....but he is usually the first one home, so it doesn't happen often, but when it does....I should wait longer. she isn't barking, but she is wiggling in the down position (obvious signs of excitement)

Dishes: Recommend the rubber bottomed dishes - we have hardwood floors and like not having the food bowl in the kitchen and water in the living room.

Leashes and collars: We have a Bucklebone quick release collar - required by our daycare. JJ's only 24 lbs, so we don't have to worry about super strength collars.

Please, for the love of GOD, use a fixed length leash. Yeah, we have a flexi for the 2am potty breaks, but fixed leashes are NECESSARY if you have your dogs in any sort of crowded situation. Flexi's are dangerous if you just let your dog wander - for your dog and mine!

Toys: Kong + PB=magic. Ditto on the Antlers and Nylabones for super chewers. JJ loves the Orbee brand balls - super bouncy but not easily destroyed.

Crates: Got ours from Amazon. Works great, easily collapses. www.amazon.com/dp/B00063MQJ4

*Brushes: Short haired dogs FTW. :)

I have two these crates for the Aussies, and I like them. My only complaint is the mesh is almost too tight, and they can get a little stuffy sometimes, especially if you need to cover it at all.

I also have an Elitefield, which I like too. I really like the mesh on top, but the weave is not as tight as the Pet Nation crate, although it still feels pretty durable. The support poles are a little easier to line up and lock together on the Pet Nation crates, but the Elitefield is super similar and still pretty easy. It also has the side door, which I've only used once or twice in the year I've had it, but it's handy when the need arises.

Noz2Noz is the brand I originally wanted before I picked up the Pet Nation crates, but they were quite a bit more money at the time. Both brands are made by the same company so quality should be similar or better. I see these at agility trials a lot. However, I've never seen a Noz2Noz fold the way those instructions show, which I'm pretty sure are actually the instructions for the Nature's Miracle crate

Sure thing! So what I mean by kennelling is you keep the dog in the kennel whenever you can't watch them (sleeping, errands, etc.) By providing them with a safe place, but one that's small enough to where they won't eliminate in, will help train them to not use the restroom inside the house, and help them feel more comfortable in general with the situation. It took my dog a few weeks to be comfortable with it, so give it time. Don't force them into it, and just have a bed or blanket with comforting smells, that helps. So do treats.

AmazonBasics Double-Door Folding Metal Dog Crate - Small (24x19x18 Inches) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QAVNODI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_nKk1AbE6Y1WX4

This is the one we have now, and it's great as it's got two doors so you can arrange it how you need for space. I'd do some research about kennel training too, as it was a combination of reading about things and pure trial and error to finally get Charlie comfortable with things. I think the most important thing is your dog doesn't want to be alone (and given their past history, I wouldn't blame them!) That was the hardest for mine too, he was left outside alone for days at a time without food or water, so I think that part of it is retraining them to understand that's not going to happen again, because now they're with you.

I hope that's a bit more helpful. :)

Okay, gotcha! Good to know it's just fine then, I guess when I hear porch I don't usually assume it's enclosed. I guess the one thing I would add then is that a crate might help her feel more secure since it's a smaller space. Have you thought about a collapsable one? You could get something like this that you set up for her at night and take down during the day while you're home so it doesn't take up space (a big one with a divider would be a good idea, so you can adjust it according to her size since she'll be growing a lot).

Even if you can't crate train her, you can still work on similar training routines (just sans crate) to help her get used to staying by herself and being comfortable with the fact that you'll return. One thing I liked to do when I first adopted my adult dog is give her a kong filled with treats or frozen peanut butter before I go--that way she has a little bit of a distraction and a mental game, so it's an easier transition.

I think the ASPCA has some good, detailed resources, here are their links to their articles on Puppy Mouthing and Puppy Socialization.

Anyway, best of luck, sorry about the misunderstanding! It sounds like you're doing well so far, I'm sure your puppy will become a lovely dog :)

I've posted this before, but it's worth doing again!

Hutches & cages are, IMO, more difficult to clean. To make clean up super snappy and the habitat more inexpensive, try this!

Get a waterproof cover for your floor as layer 1. I used this on my wood floor: Whelping Mat These also, coincidentally, make great picnic / tailgating blankets! They wash up great in the washer.

Then for layer 2 I got these: Foam Floor These wipe up great, and, we liked them so much we got 24 more of them to do our spare room so we can do yoga & kettlebells / weight training. The tiles include the "frame" pieces so the edges are square.

Then, we use this for a "gate" Ex Pen We got the 48" H one because Pepper our girl is 8 lbs and can jump really high. The one downside of this is that it's not very heavy and we have to put kettlebell weights around it so she can't push the whole thing. We only have this gate up when we're not home, though. The up side of it being light is that it's easy to carry. If you go to a pet store and "try before you buy" take down the name and it's probably on Amazon for less money.

For a litter box, we don't use the ones for cats marketed as "litter box" since none are large enough for our buns. I just get those generic "rubbermaid" storage tubs w/o the lid for about $5 at Target - the one that's 6"H x 24" x 18" or so. If you have a "High Shooter" you can get the taller kind - but our little guy is 11 and needs the shorter sides for easy in and out. The larger the box you can get, the less likely accidents will happen and they are less expensive by far.

Don't forget some carpet areas and a hidey box or tube!

Cleanup is so much easier than a cage - no stooping! just take away the gate and sweep with a broom. I can can "deep clean" the whole area including litterbox and mopping up in less than 10 minutes.

Edit: wrong link for Ex Pen. :)

It really sounds like you would be a great bunny parent!

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I still think an xpen will work - you just need to make a top. :) If I were you would build this set up for max amount of space - this and this. They are using a large dog crate and they added a second floor to it also. The person kindly shared their set up and how they made it in this thread.

Get a 42 inch xpen - then you will attached a top to the ope part. You can use a few things:

1. Buy a set of NIC storage grid cubes connect together firmly and reinforce with zipties. Then attach to the top as a roof with some binder clips or more zipties. Voila. :)
   
2. Simply by an xpen and top to go with it - midwest sells one see here.
   
3. Use something like this - just google "xpen roof or top" or "kennel cover"
   
   ​
   
   You can also try this enclosure that you can purchase - https://www.etsy.com/shop/DutchElves?ref=l2-shopheader-name
   
   ​
   
   Or build a space with a tip out of NIC grids entirely - just reinforce with zipties to make it more sturdy.
   
   
4. See here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KzS82KZ7ADo
   
5. Great wiki DYI cage page for NIC grids - http://wabbitwiki.com/wiki/Housing#NIC_DIY_cages
   
6. Here is a good set to buy.
   
   ​
   
   Now you will still want to let the bunny explore when you are home to supervise. :)

> wanted to be able to run fridge and laptop for a week at least before on solar before I have to turn on the engine and drive to my next spot

A normal laptop (10-90W), a small fridge (100-400W), and a room heater (900-1500W+) are orders of magnitude apart. The only time I've heard of anyone using an electric heater when camping was when he had an over-abundance of gasoline-electrical generator output, but one probably wouldn't want to run a generator at night due to noise.

> do you think these buddy heaters are save enough for children to be in the same room

A lot of people use propane heaters in RVs. Of course having a CO (Carbon Monoxide) detector and a fire extinguisher on hand is a must, even if burning a single candle. That aside, the most important thing is to assure adequate ventilation. Extra super-safety measure: set an alarm every 2 hours the first night to walk around the room and make sure the air is fine, nothing is overheating, etc.

When it comes to the possibility of leaks, propane is generally safer than natural gas, because: (1) You can smell it. (2) Propane vapors are heavier than air, so being higher off the floor is an added safety benefit (in addition to being more heat-efficient). (3) Buddy Heaters self-ignite automatically, so there's no chance of turning on the gas and forgetting to light the flame. You can get a propane leak detector as well (a separate function from CO detection, but possible to have both in one device).

I don't know anything about kids, but I don't think they are inclined to touch things that are very obviously very hot. I guess using some sort of a cage (around the heater, I mean, not the kids) would add an extra level of safety...

Awhile ago my husband and I were interested in getting a soft crate, and we were actually going to get this one but it was on back order and we needed a crate sooner than later. This soft crate would most likely work for you, I'm actually still interested in getting it out of convenience. Dimensions are 48"L x 32" W x 38.5" H and I'd recommend taking a look at the reviews, some people bought the crate for their great dane or irish wolfhound.

Also, just came across this one. It is slightly shorter and a lot more expensive, but better reviews on average.

Anyway, good luck finding the right soft crate!

As other posters said, start from scratch. Maybe buy a new crate.

Our dog was so bad that she chewed her way out of two different heavy duty plastic ones and would bend the wire ones to escape.

We tried just leaving her out but she destroyed a lot of our stuff and chewed up my rug :(

We bought a heavy duty metal one like linked below, put it in a different spot of the house and HOLY CRAP.

We dont know if it's the elevation, the fact that the cage is sturdier, or changing the location, but it completely changed her attitude on being crated. We put in a crate pad from Costco and give her 2 to 3 stuffed treats, and she settles right in and doesnt whine. If she's home alone with our roommate, she goes and lays in it.

With time, on days she had a lot of playtime and a long walk, we started leaving her out to run to the grocery store (we'd make like 6 to 7 stuffed treat toys and place them all in her crate but not close her in).

Now we're up to 4 to 5 hour blocks of time with only 2 stuffed toys and no issues and I'm feeling pretty confident that she is almost ready for a full work day.

We do close our window blinds while gone as occasionally the outside world makes her anxious and she's more likely to chew... but we've forgotten before and she's been ok.

SO THERE IS STILL HOPE. be patient!

I've also linked the toys that we bought several of and then stuff with treats from costco for our pup. They've lasted surprisingly well for her, though you can tell they've been well loved. I just bought a couple replacements this week

Crate
https://www.amazon.com/LUCKUP-Strong-Kennel-Playpen-Install/dp/B076ZFXYVG/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=luckup+dog+crate&qid=1559270500&s=gateway&sr=8-3

Our fav toys, we buy large
https://www.amazon.com/West-Paw-Interactive-Dispensing-Guaranteed/dp/B01N29SD5A/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?keywords=west+paw+dog+toys&qid=1559270539&s=gateway&sprefix=west+paw+&sr=8-5

It looks a little weird but on really nice days I use these to give my snakes a taste of the outdoors and a little sunlight. I have two of these pens and they zip completely closed so I don't have to worry about the snake going for a wander or getting into something that might be dangerous.

They are great for hanging out on the porch or yard, just add somewhere for the snake to get out of the sunlight and keep your snakes natural behaviour in mind. A corn snake will probably love being outside but a ball python would not be too happy with the bright light and open space.

Those pens also make great places to put snakes when we are cleaning the tubs out.

Hey, great !

Nice to see some custom build around here.

Also your idea of using backing tray as floor is realy great.

I'am in the process of doing something similar but started with an AmazonBasics Folding Metal Dog Crate in XS size as a base https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-pliante-m%C3%A9tal-1-porte-Taille-M/dp/B018YCTX6M/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1490549692&sr=8-4&keywords=cage&th=1

I could not find a sturdy plastic crate who i will be sure nothing could happend to it when i take the train or bus, also the width was a limited factor since bus have a small inside corridor.

Also could only find the 1 door version in France, and now seems that the restock time will be long, so stuck with a 1 door 22 inches for the moment.

As for the wall, will use rabbit welded wire, since our catsnake can be very creative in escape.

You could cut an L shape of the floor rack and make it so that you have a ramp going down, so they can use all floor when the want.

For the litter box you can use velcro, one side on the litter box, the other one on the base/wall of plastic cage, with 3 point of fixation, the litter box will not moove.

Also, you can maybe have a lower gap beetween the 2 plastic side with using a heatgun and heating the plastic at the point where the rack stay in place, it will not damage the plastic shell, just make it softer and you could gain a few mm so that the two side fit perfectly. Dont melt them in, just make so that the base have the marking of the grate.

Get a 18 gallon tote, cut a opening in the front of it. Fill it with straw/hay. They will use it. You may want to make 2, or 3 since there is multiple cats. Also, you may want to look in to a TNR program in your area. Because they will keep populating, until they are spayed/neutered. Good luck, and feel free to message us if you need any tips. We care for a colony of cats, and several local strays. So we have a wee bit of experience. Also, you may want to make a amazon wish list with the needed items in case someone wanted to purchase them. The shelter you have listed in your posting is nice, but for that price you could make a few of the tote ones. And they will serve the same purpose. Also, amazon had small doghouses that were around $26 each. They work out pretty good too. Here is the link to the doghouses ; http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00176F7TU/ref=wl_it_dp_v_S_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=Q3RZ8O5UKQPO&coliid=I81BUVGZCIDYS
Thanks for helping these kitties...

I actually don’t know if this would work but maybe it could. With the window flaps down, hopefully it would help contain the barf. I would keep a towel in the car near the non-window flap for air flow so it’s there to catch.

EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate, Indoor & Outdoor Pet Home, Multiple Sizes and Colors Available (36" L x 24" W x 28" H, Red+Beige) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M63ZAT9/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_ugCrDbD1RBAES

I would look into methods to help with car sickness though. I have one dog that does better sitting forward in the front seat than being in the back. I’m sure there is a medication that could help as well.

Ok here is what you do. get some 1"x3" wood strips and a 30 inch dog crate pan.

What you are going to do is measure the bottom of the pan and subtract that from your interior dimensions. So if the specs on amazon are correct you get 3.8 inches length wise and 2 inches width. You need to make that up with pieces of wood. Basically you build a frame that you will place on the floor of the cage and the kenel pan will fit inside it. Now cut the plug off your UTH about 5 or 6 inches from the plug and drill a small whole at the back of the cage to put the now cut cable through. Now splice the plug back onto the UTH. Now you have a UTH inside your cage. Put the frame you made in and put the kenel pan on top of the UTH. Now your snake is not in direct contact with the UTH. If the snake tips its water bowl the kenel pan will catch the liquids protecting the UTH.

This whole plan assumes you can cut the wood safely. Splice the plug back together and are comfortable drilling into the side of your cage.

Thank you so much!! Can the SCN fit 3 males though? Idk why but the space seems kind of small.

Im currently using this https://www.amazon.ca/gp/aw/d/B00QAVO07C/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1527451324&sr=8-4&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=amazonbasics+kennel&dpPl=1&dpID=617rCTjjYAL&ref=plSrch right now for 2 males because they dont like to escape. I have it flipped upside down where the large spaced bars allow them to sit on top.

Im getting a new cage bc this one is old and smelly. Would i be better off with buying this again? I fill it with a ton of toys and stuff lots of space to do so.

Edit: im using the 36 inch version actually

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00063MQNU/ref=ya_aw_oh_bia_dp?ie=UTF8&psc=1


Geg him one of those. Don't build anything, you'll want it to be foldable for way easy travel. It made a HUGE difference.

It's this one https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B0064NOR5G/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1466801411&sr=8-1&keywords=rabbit+pen&pi=SX200_QL40

I zip tied it to the edges of their cages to make it bigger. You can also buy a couple to make it as big as you want :)

One of my bunnies can jump over it, though, so just watch out if you have athletic rabbits!

There is also one on sale in the UK, so it might be easier for Europeans to get.

Buy an xl crate with a divider that is movable.. Start them with just enough room to get up and be able to turn around.. Increase size as wiggle butt get bigger.. Took me 2 weeks to train mine.. All I gotta say now is "I gotta go buddy" and he goes right in..

Midwest Life Stages Folding Single Door Dog Crate by Mid-West http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00063MQNU/ref=cm_sw_r_udp_awd_G7Nitb1PV002A

search Amazon for "dog crate" they have lots of sizes

This might work
Homey Pet New Durable Plastic Black Tray for 31" Two Tier Cage (Tray) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01GGMJTV6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_52QJDb8B4NCNW

Or possibly this one
Midwest Dog Crate Replacement Pan, 30 Inch, for Life Stages Fold and Carry Dog Crates https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002DHW10/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_x5QJDbS2YM2DJ

The tricky part is finding one for the top shelf because it has the opening for the ramp. The first link looked flexibly enough that you may be able to cut it for that space

It's this, https://www.amazon.co.uk/VivaPet-Outdoor-Octagon-Protection-Assorted/dp/B0064NOR5G but at least 3 sets to get the size!

Im planning on getting this one