Best Heavy Duty Dog Crate

You want the best for your dog, but many dog owners are unsure of how to transport their pets effectively; and if you keep your dog confined during the day, it can be a nightmare to come home from work to find they have escaped.

If your dog escapes within your home they can cause damage, but if they escape during transit, or if their cage is outside, its possible they can go missing or worse.

That’s why purchasing a heavy duty dog crate is one of the best investments you will make for your dog’s well-being.

At Heel Boy Heel we recognize the importance of keeping your pup comfortable, while ensuring their safety and protecting your valuables from being destroyed; that’s why we have done the research for you.

After looking at all the products on the market we have carefully selected what we think are the five best heavy duty dog crates available today. Following on from that we have also composed a comprehensive buyers guide to help you make the best decision.

Best Heavy Duty Dog Crate: Buyers Guide

Your dog will spend a considerable amount of time within their dog cage, especially if you travel a lot. It is important to ensure that not only can the crate stand up to the rigors of daily use, but that your dog is comfortable and secure.

A dog crate is as much about keeping the dog confined as it is protecting their well-being. If you travel with your pup by air or sea regularly, you will already be aware that a solid crate that caters for your dog’s well-being is a must.

For inexperienced dog owner’s, it is worth noting that travel can and will be refused on flight’s and ferries if the stewards feel that the crate is not only unsecure but hazardous to your dog’s health.

First and foremost, your dog should have a comfortable amount of space available to them, regardless of the style of crate. Measuring your dog can be tricky, but you should at least measure their length and height.

The correct way to do this is to measure from the tip of the nose to the base of their tail then add 3’’, this will give you their length; tail doesn’t need to be measured unless it is excessively large.

For height you need to measure from the floor to the tips of their ears (if they point upwards) while they are seated. Add 3’’ again to account for movement.

To provide comfort for your dog during transit, you should provide a bed, or their favorite blankets to sleep on and soften the floor. It is also worth putting their favorite chew toys in with them.

Three ways that dogs escape their cage

Some dogs take to their new cage like a duck to water, while others will do everything in their power to escape. Different breeds have different temperaments and how your dog reacts will be unique to them.

If you are looking for a new crate, you need to consider the three main methods of escape:

Chewing

Dog caged made from wire have small connectors to keep the side panels affixed. Typically, these connections are quite insubstantial and take little effort for most dogs to demolish them and escape.

Using the latch

Many owners underestimate the intelligence of their dog, but if the locking mechanisms are accessible to them a large number can eventually figure out how to operate them.

Normally learned through trial and error, determined dogs will simply play with the latch until the door becomes unlocked; and it doesn’t take them long to remember how to replicate this consistently.

Force

If your crate is poorly made, flimsy, or you have a particularly strong headed dog they will often just muscle their way out of confinement. Corners on poorly made, or wire crates are the weak point, and exceptionally muscular breeds will have no problem bursting through and escaping.

Features of a good heavy-duty dog crate

Buying a heavy-duty dog crate can be a fairly substantial investment, but well made dog crates will last a lifetime. When comparing dog crates, you should keep these key points in mind:

Solid construction

Heavy duty dog crates need to be constructed from metal, preferably steel. Plastic and cheap wire cages can discourage some dogs from attempting to escape but will easily be overcome by determined pups.

A lot of dogs will feel separation anxiety when locked up too, which can cause normally calm dogs to attempt a jailbreak. It is always best to avoid plastic confinements, wire cages are suitable for short journeys in the car but ideally your dog crate will be made from quality materials.

Many dog crates are made from solid metal sheets and are the most secure, however you must make sure that they are properly ventilated. Ventilation must never be sacrificed for security.

Well ventilated

Comfort and wellbeing of your dog takes priority, no matter how unruly they may become when put in their crate. Crates that aren’t sufficiently ventilated can become damp and stuffy leading to health problems caused by bacteria.

Removable pan, and caster wheels

Since your dog will be spending extended periods in their cage, particularly during travel, accidents are bound to happen. Removable pans are ideal as they can easily be removed to clean up any accidents or spills in the crate.

Wheels are handy for transport, as well constructed heavy-duty crates can be fairly heavy; having wheels reduces risk of injury to you and your dog.

Inaccessible locking mechanisms

A number of dogs can learn to operate the latches found on most crates if given the opportunity. If your dog has difficulty reaching the locks, or is incapable of operating them, the risk of them escaping goes down.

Many professional dog handlers swear by slam latches, which automatically lock when the door is closed.

Recap

If you are looking for the best bang for your buck, I would definitely recommend the SMONTER Heavy Duty Dog Cage. For the features it boasts, and the price point that it comes in at it is hard to justify spending more.

While some users may have found the Pro Select to be slightly more solid in its construction, the SMONTER offers all the same features without the premium price tag.

Have you found these reviews helpful? Please let us know in the comments below, or if there is anything you think we have missed.

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