| Dog crates are a great accessory for any dog | | | | foremost concern is durability. Even a well-behaved |
| owner- in the opinion of some, an indispensable piece | | | | dog may put great stress on the seams of a soft |
| of equipment. To begin crate training a dog, you'll | | | | crate, so examine the seams for the quality of the |
| want to purchase either a wire mesh cage, or a rigid | | | | stitching. Close, numerous stitches with thick thread |
| plastic crate. Once your dog is accustomed to being | | | | will better stand up to stretching. Also, check the |
| crated, though, you may consider a soft-sided dog | | | | stitching holding the zippers- many owners of |
| crate. Because they lack the sturdiness necessary to | | | | rambunctious dogs have found that the zippers are |
| resist the struggles or chewing of an unhappy dog, | | | | the first thing to go. |
| soft crates are not appropriate for training purposes. | | | | Security is another factor. Some soft dog crates |
| However, for a trained dog, they offer several | | | | feature a D-ring on the doors, which allows the door |
| advantages over other crate types. Here is a quick | | | | to be padlocked shut- both preventing the dog from |
| guide to the advantages of soft dog crates, and tips | | | | escaping, as well as keeping unwanted intruders (such |
| for choosing one. | | | | as small children) out of the crate. Many feature a |
| First and foremost, soft dog crates offer unparalleled | | | | top door, which can be nice as a way to let your pet |
| transportability. Because they consist only of fabric | | | | get a view of his surroundings while remaining |
| over a light aluminum frame, they are exceedingly | | | | confined- provided that the dog is not prone to |
| light, and generally very simple to collapse or | | | | jumping over things! |
| reassemble. This makes them ideal for situations | | | | Finally, look to issues of convenience. Soft dog crates |
| where they must be moved frequently- in the car, | | | | can vary in their designs, much more so than wire |
| for airplane travel (in the cabin only), or for use on | | | | cages or plastic crates. Some require more assembly |
| camping trips. Also, many owners report that the | | | | than others, and you'll want to see a demonstration |
| flexible sides feel more reassuring to many dogs, | | | | of setup and breakdown before you buy. Also, there |
| perhaps mimicking the sensation of lying up against a | | | | are extra, handy features on many models- for |
| packmate. Finally, wire cages and rigid plastic crates | | | | example, extra pockets for storing dog treats and |
| are generally considered to be unattractive at best. | | | | the like, or shoulder straps for easy carrying. Most |
| Soft dog crates tend to cater toward more | | | | soft dog crates are of good quality. Your primary |
| fashion-forward shoppers, and offer stylings similar to | | | | concern is to find the one that suits you and your |
| those you'd find in trendy backpacks or tennis shoes. | | | | dog best. Pay attention to the details, and you'll find |
| When considering a soft dog crate for purpose, your | | | | a dog crate that fits like a glove. |