(Part 2) Reddit mentions: The best dog crates

My basic recommendations, having survived a Corgi puppyhood, are crate training, bell training, good exercise, and safe socialization.

Any pup can be destructive, but if you limit their access to destructible things and spend as much time with them as possible, they will tend to remain a Good Dog. We kept our pup in her crate when we left the house at first (~2-3 hours max). After a couple months, she graduated to the gated kitchen (~3-4 hours max), and gradually we started trusting her enough to give her more access to the house (probably 5-6 hours, but we rarely leave her home that long). She slept in her crate in our bedroom for about a year, but then we retired the crate and she sleeps in her dog bed.

Potty training went rather smoothly for us. As much as possible, we took her outside every 30 minutes while she was awake. It sounds like it's too frequent, but you're more likely to catch them before they go potty, and they'll learn more from actually going potty outside than having accidents and being rushed outside after the fact. Bell training has worked great as a way for her to tell us when she needs to potty. She learned almost immediately, just from us dinging her bell whenever we went out into the back yard, and now she will ding her bell whenever she wants to go outside. It's a little tricky to teach them to use the bell only for potty breaks, but we are fine with her going outside for non-potty reasons.

One other important detail: there will be accidents, and it's important to clean up their urine using an enzyme-based cleaner (urine destroyer) so that they don't smell it later and decide that it's a good place to go potty again.

With exercise and socialization, you do have to be careful before they complete their puppy vaccines. Don't take them to an open place or dog park with unknown dogs. I think before her vaccinations were complete, we mostly played with her in the back yard and took her to see my parents' dogs. If you know someone with dogs and fully trust that their dogs are up-to-date on their vaccinations, it should be safe to have your pup play with them.

Consult your vet on the specific risks in your area, and weigh any advice you hear elsewhere against their professional recommendations, but as much as possible, exercise your pup daily and let them safely interact with other dogs. Tired dogs are happy dogs, and puppies learn so much from playing with other dogs. Going to the dog park is our pup's most favorite thing in the world, and she will squeak and bark at me when it's time to go there.

Specific products?

• 30-inch wire crate (maybe a 36-inch crate would be better for a Corgi on the bigger side)
  
• Flexi Classic leash - the medium/large size might be a little overkill, but we broke our first one right away and wanted something super strong. If you train your pup to walk with a loose leash, you'll only need a simple rope leash. Otherwise, I also recommend a good harness.
  
• Slow feed bowl - It's not a big deal now that she's older, but she started off eating so fast that she would get whole-body hiccups after eating.
  
• Potty training bell - The doorknob jingle bells are good too, but we went with these ring-for-service style bells.
  
  I'm not a dog trainer at all, and this is our first dog on our own. I don't know if we just lucked out and got an exceptionally well-mannered pup, but I like to think the information we learned from lots of other dog owners helped her grow up to be a wonderful Corgi girl.

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 :)

> 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!

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.

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.

I don't know if this will actually help as I've never tried it, but there are wire meshes that go ontop of crate holders like the midwest crates. https://www.amazon.com/Elevated-MidWest-Folding-Models-1536DDU/dp/B001JHZF7Q?ref_=bl_dp_s_web_3035547011

If you put it in, the pee and poop mostly falls through and will not cover your pup. It's definitely not very comfortable, but I think the first thing you need to figure out is how to break her from being ok with being covered in her own pee and poop. Another thing that might be worth trying is switching crates as she's clearly associated her crate with pottying. A new environment may be enough to reset the urge.

Are you also rewarding her for pottying outside?

ty! No, I just kinda built it around the plexiglass door I already had. The screen part was just one of these https://www.amazon.com/Exo-Terra-Screen-Cover-Gallon/dp/B00LH2ET20

I had to make a bunch of those doors at my old job, and I kept some of the rejects. they just sat around forever until I got a Crested Gecko and thought well that would be about perfect for a 20g door

Here's another conversion I did, same concept but with a small door made from a scrap piece. I made it for my day gecko when he was still small, but he has pretty much outgrown it already, I'm looking at upgrading him to a 18x18x36 zilla

that weird little piece is my magnetic door latch that I'm super proud of lol

Honestly, she is a spaz in the car and we're trying to figure out if having her confined will help her calm down. Not that I'm not concerned about safety, but more that I want to make sure it is a good solution without dumping a ton of money into something we'll just end up getting rid of. If it works, I'll likely upgrade to a more hardcore option to take camping etc. in the summer.
Been looking at something like this to start:

https://www.amazon.com/2PET-Folding-indoor-travel-training/dp/B00V5IMLQW?th=1&psc=1

This was posted on the Austin Pets Alive Facebook page around 1 pm today (link shorteners removed):


"We are expecting several hundred more displaced pets today and this week as we continue our rescue effort for #APAHarvey. We've set up a temporary location at 7711 Burnet Rd. Suite 7723, Austin, TX 78757 for animals.


We need the following things donated ASAP: Donated (not loaned) medium & large wire dog crates (we have heard local places are running low on crates so you can buy from Amazon & get them shipped to the above address: example 1, example 2, sheets (can be used), bath & beach towels (can be used), aluminum food bowls, styrofoam bowls, dog & cat food (meat as 1st ingredient), wet canned cat food, kitty litter, aluminum baking pans (like this for litter boxes), trash bags, bleach, paper towels, dog poop bags, clorox wipes, sponges, hand brooms/dust pans, litter scoopers, leashes (all size- flat), all size martingale collars, mops, mop buckets, push brooms. Please bring donations INSIDE do not leave items outside.


We also need LOTS of volunteers today and in the next several days (volunteers must be 18+ and able to do physical labor). Please fill out this short term volunteer form before coming: https://app.betterimpact.com/Application?OrganizationGuid=3a6c8abe-0a11-4fbb-8beb-ad60b24f68a1&ApplicationFormNumber=2. We are here now so please bring items here or have them shipped to this address and show up to volunteer."

Not sure what type of crate you have, but we had to get the [bolt lock](amazonbasics single-door folding metal dog crate - medium (36x23x25 inches) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QAVO29I/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_8zrRAbS2GREVX) since ours figured out how to get out of the [lift door](midwest homes for pets ovation double door dog crate, 36-inch https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00C1OREUW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_wCrRAbRRD3VNY) crate (even with a carabineer like yours).

Since we got the bolt lock no issues of escaping and ours are in the crate while at work. Even when I work from home they will crate themselves for naps and enjoy being in there. If you're worried about boredom you can drop in a rawhide/bone/toy to keep them busy. Our neighbors will leave the tv on for their pup since the noise and activity helps keep them calm. The bitter spray worked really well for our one sibe and luckily our other didn't need it.

Ultimately you'll have to figure out what works best for you and your sibe's personality

Look into a dog crate - they're really good for rabbits when you need to secure him. As time goes on it'll probably end up just as a safe place they hang out in if you're comfortable having him free roam. If you have trouble with training the he'll have enough room.

I fold the seats down and it sits pretty nicely in there. This is the one I use. The only downside is the seats don't lie flat when folded down so I bolster with a few towels to make it level. It's also a great option because you can place it in the car folded up and pop it up in place with relative ease so you don't have to worry about messing up your doors when you put the crate in/take it out.

They make crates big enough for great danes. I have a dog around your dogs size and her kennel was just under $100. For her, we have a wire kennel. Many people make the mistake of getting a crate that is too big for their dog. The dog should be able to turn around and lay down comfortably, but they don't need room to play. They just need a quiet place to chew on a kong or take a nap.


http://www.amazon.com/Black-Triple-door-Suitcase-Style-Folding/dp/B001QXHHRE/ref=sr_1_3?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1374869501&sr=1-3&keywords=large+kennel

The first reviewer for that crate has a 70lb GSD and loves that crate.

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.

So this is the brand of dog crate I use for my puppy. GRANTED she is very good in her crate, but it has a regular latch and then also requires to be lifted up before it can open. It's also rather sturdy and in my opinion quite well put together. I got the 36inch one when it was on sale for $60 so you might have to wait for a deal if the regular price is a bit out of your ballpark, but I'd DEFINITELY recommend it if you are having trouble with yours.

I got one of these while I was working on getting the separation anxiety down. I would have liked to have had my buddy all free of separation anxiety first but I still would have to leave from time to time. This was pretty expensive but he couldn't get out and hurt himself or the house. He loves it now and does fine in there.

While we haven't used one for 'activities' We have a large one for our previous dog. The nice thing is with a large one is you can actually make it smaller by putting walls inside the cage.
It's a lot harder to make a cage larger after you've purchased a smaller one.
I just saw a large one at a thrift store for 30 bucks. and one slightly smaller for 20.
Also, look at amazon and e-bay for much better pricing. I think ours was an e-bay one and it was quite inexpensive (not thrift store cheap) and similar to the one you posted. if you find you like it you could move onto This

We went through something similar with our Pitbull. He was pulled from a "rescue" that had become overwhelmed with dogs (they had well over 200 at the time.) While he was here I guess he was living outside 24/7 while tied to a fence on a two foot lead with very little human interaction. After he was rescued he was quickly shuffled through seven or eight different homes who all loved him but could not deal with his severe separation anxiety. At the last home he went to he actually broke out of his crate and then broke out of a window in order to escape. We took him on as a foster and ended up adopting him after seeing how much he was suffering mentally after going through so much in such a short amount of time.

I'm not going to lie it took A LOT of work to help him get over his separation anxiety. He broke his way out of three kennels and managed to tear up all of the blinds in our house as well as most of the wood on the frame to our front door. Honestly if he wasn't such a great dog in every other way I don't know that we would have been able to deal with this level of anxiety. With everything he went through though it was hard to fault him for having an issue.

It took over a year of consistently working with him every day before we started to see progress. We gave up on the kennel while we were training him because we were so worried that he would hurt himself and instead gave him free reign of the house. Whenever we left we would not acknowledge him in any way so that he wouldn't get too excited and we would do the same whenever we came home. He slowly learned the routine and eventually he accepted that us coming and going was not a huge event and he wouldn't get so worked up. Some days went better than others but he finally got to a point where we would leave and then come home at the end of the day and he would be comfortably sleeping away instead of trying to break the door down when he heard the car pull up. At this point we felt that he was ready to be reintroduced to the crate but we knew that we would have to get him a tough one since he already knew he could break out of a standard kennel. We did some research and settled on an aluminum crate, specifically this one: https://www.amazon.com/Impact-Collapsible-Dog-X-Large-Desert/dp/B00A0VZAGI

This kennel is going on three years now with our boy and it's been great. He has zero issues with the kennel now and we were even able to fly him in it from Hawaii to Colorado without him relapsing in his training at all.

I hope this helps! It took so much work and patience to get our dog through the worst of his separation anxiety but it was definitely worth it in the end.

I have this one and really like it...also comes with a carrying case, but I use it to take traveling with me so maybe all the extra pockets aren't for you.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007NIDPZ4?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00

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

What do you mean by "crate" them? If you mean you put them in something like this for 11 hours a day, that's clearly animal abuse.

Along with a lot more exercise, have you tried a heavier duty crate?

These come to mind:

ProSelect Empire Cage

BestPet

SmithBuilt <- Cheapest

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B007NIDPZ4/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1521338933&sr=8-3&keywords=extra+large+soft+dog+crate&dpPl=1&dpID=51X4BdsrbmL&ref=plSrch

This is the one we got. Caution, it’s ridiculously big. Caution number two, usually he sleeps on the couch.