10 Best Crate For Escape Artist Dog

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The Definitive Guide For The Best Crate For Escape Artist Dog

Imagine spending hundreds of dollars on the ‘perfect’ dog cage for your pooch, only to find them roaming the streets minutes later. Dog crates should be your secondhand supervision. They’re what you’ll resort to as a pet owner to ensure Fido’s safety and security in your absence.

I often recommend them for energetic canines and for correcting destructive pup behaviors. If you own an escape artist dog, you’ll know what I mean. Crate training can do wonders.

Yet nowadays, I notice more and more clients complaining about faulty kennels. Our pups are getting smarter, and most brands don’t make escape-proof dog crates anymore (which defeats the purpose anyway). Take it from an expert: your escape artist would be better off in one of these best heavy-duty dog crates.

You could save yourself time, tears, and accidents with an option below.

1. Petmate Ultra Vari Dog Kennel- Best for Puppies

It’s best to train your pet during their youth before they settle into any destructive behaviors. Petmate understands that; it’s why they focus on fur-friendly products for dog lovers. Dogs have innate tendencies to huddle in snug places to rest – a term vets like to call denning. The small size of this dog kennel makes it ideal for encouraging your pup to seek shelter.

Not all young pets adopt their dog crates with ease. But Petmate offers a crate with ample airflow to help reduce your pup’s anxiety. The design allows both dogs and owners to view each other and ensure their security. Besides the durable plastic walls, I like its simple front latch mechanism, which grants easy access to your pooch.

If your puppy loves banging against the door, you’ll appreciate the tie-down strap holes included along the entrance. These will prevent your developing escape artist from bursting out of the kennel. Although the Ultra Vari won’t be suitable for all life stages, it also works well with smaller dog breeds like the Papillon, Poodle, and Chihuahua.

Pros:
● Best for small dogs under 30 lbs
● Eco-friendly plastic
● Minimal sharp edges
● Excellent ventilation
● Strong latch system
● Easy to clean material

Cons:
● It can be tricky to assemble

2. MidWest Ovation Folding Dog Crate – Best for Space Saving

Finding the ideal spot to place your pup can be complicated. Most dog crates come with a hinged door or swinging barrier that gets in the way. But this folding wire crate from Midwest brings a breath of fresh air to many dog owners. Its garage-type door opens with just a lift and rests on the roof until you’re ready to close.

The door won’t flap and jam your pet’s paws, either. Its steel frame includes a channel that locks the gate in place. Dogs tend to outgrow their crates. Hence, this one contains a divider panel that you can glide up to free more space for your pooch.

The best part is you can store this anywhere – whether you own wooden floors or tile. The cage contains rubber feet that won’t leave a scratch on your surfaces. There’s also a leak-proof plastic tray at the base, so don’t worry about getting dog food on your rug.

Pros:
● Flat folding cage for easy storage
● Garage-style door to save space
● Door locks to prevent accidents
● Divider panel for growing dogs
● Portable; comes with a carrying handle
● Gentle on floor surfaces

Cons:
● It may not be easy to set up

3. LUCKUP Heavy Duty Dog Crate – Best for Simple Setup

If I had a pooch for every time a client complained about missing parts in crate packages, I’d have a farm by now. That’s why this LUCKUP seems to be a lucky pick for so many dog owners these days. It comes with every piece of hardware you’ll need for assembly – all four wheels and eight bolts. The locks even come preassembled.

Aside from the convenience, this crate is heavy-duty strong. Its corrosion-resistant steel frame is durable and comes coated with a non-toxic finish. Clients love the two-door system that lets them interact with their pup from either the front or upper openings.

Escape artists have a hard time getting out of this one. This indestructible dog crate comes with two locks, each fastened by strong safety buckles. And talking about safety – all four caster wheels also come with locks to secure the cage in one place.

Pros:
● Easy setup in under five minutes
● Rust-proof, durable metal frame
● Non-toxic coating for dog safety
● Two doors for easy access to pet
● Reinforced locks to prevent escapes
● Easy to clean; includes a removable plastic pan
Cons:
● Heavy to transport or pull around
● Some owners prefer if there were more locks

4. New Age Pet ecoFLEX – Best for Versatility

As a dog owner myself, I’m all for keeping my pets indoors. New Age makes this easy with their antique wood crate that doubles as an end table at home. It’s sturdy enough to house your pooch without spilling coffee over on your sofa.

As a plus, the ecoFLEX wooden polymer used in its design is non-toxic and won’t crack under pressure. We all know dogs can get messy in their crates, but this one is moisture-resistant. So you can forget about the stains and lingering odors.

As a trainer, however, I only recommend this kennel for dogs who are already crate trained. The double latches on the locks are great for preventing escapes, but anxious dogs might struggle with this as their first cage. The wooden sides can block your pet’s view and cut your connection as you coach them into their new shelter.

Pros:
● Decorative furniture design
● Non-hazardous wooden material
● Low maintenance
● Moisture-resistant
● Stainless steel bars
● Available in all sizes

Cons:
● Wooden frames are chewable
● Not best for untrained pups

5. Pet Gear “The Other Door” Steel Dog Crate – Best for Travel

There’s no need to walk out on your dog when you leave home. Pet Gear offers a portable, folding dog crate that lets you bring your pet on every ride. The cage includes built-in wheels and a handle to help carry Fido’s luggage.

Some trips introduce long rides and harsh weather conditions. The good news is, this crate comes with a bolster pad to guarantee your dog’s comfort. Its base also has full insulation to keep pets warm despite the cold weather.

Moreover, the cage’s four doors allow you to feed, pet, and play with your doggy from any angle in the room or vehicle. Each of these entrances has secure steel locks, making this another excellent escape-proof dog crate.

Pros:
● Folding crate for easy storage
● Scratch-proof; no sharp edges
● Insulated base with bolster pad
● Four doors; each with steel locks
● Storage bag to pack away during travel
● No tools required for setup

Cons:
● Memory foam padding would be better for lengthy trips.

6. ProSelect Empire Dog Cage – Best for Separation Anxiety Dogs

Dogs with separation anxiety experience feelings of stress and abandonment whenever left alone. They may exhibit negative behaviors such as excessive barking, chewing, scratch, or digging. These can lead to both pet injury and home wreckage. But that doesn’t have to be your problem with an indestructible dog crate from ProSelect.

This reinforced steel frame includes durable latches that can withstand all kinds of abuse from a disturbed dog. And its corrosion-resistant paint protects the bars from rusting after getting slobbered down in a frenzy.

Visibility is crucial for distressed canines. Hence, the caster wheels are an excellent addition to this cage. You can effortlessly move your pet into rooms where it can see you – a surefire way to relieve its anxiety.

Pros:
● Durable steel frame
● Anti-rust paint
● Chew-proof
● Strong door locks
● Full visibility
● Grated floor has a removable cleaning tray
Cons:
● Expensive
● It may require extra locks.

7. SMONTER Heavy Duty Dog Crate – Best for Powerful Pets

Some pets are stronger than others, but this metal dog crate is at the top of our list for keeping escape experts in check. Its upgraded model includes a specialized Y-pattern design that prevents dogs from getting trap-jaw. SMONTER also uses a new side bolt latch technique to secure your dog inside.

One advantage of this heavy-duty crate is that its bars leave enough space for your dog to see you. As long as they’re able to look at their owners, canines tend to remain relaxed.

Moreover, the paint on the steel cage is non-poisonous. So your pet will be safe even if they do try to chew their way out.

Pros:
● Thickened steel bars
● Upgraded lock system
● Full ventilation and pet visibility
● Easy-wipe plastic tray
● Lockable caster wheels for motility
● Partially assembled in the package

Cons:
● Pricey
● Locks require zip ties for reinforcement.

8. KELIXU Updated Metal Dog Crate – Best for Destructive Dogs

KELIXU updated its latest steel frame cage to a model that Escape artists will hate. This version comes with thicker, rust-resistant metal tubes and an advanced plug lock system. Destructive pets will have a hard time getting out of this durable, bite-proof dog cage.

The design allows easy airflow in and out of the crate to keep your dog from feeling claustrophobic. And you can easily keep an eye on your pup through its steel bars.

This heavy-duty dog cage also comes with a changeable tray that traps waste and keeps your pup clean. Still, accidents happen. So as part of their quality service, KELIXU also offers each customer a 3-year warranty on their crate.

Pros:
● Updated metal dog crate
● Corrosion-resistant steel
● New plug locks
● Great ventilation
● Easy to clean
● Tools for assembly included

Cons:
● Some dogs manage to chew through bars.

9. HAIGE Heavy Duty Dog Kennel – Best for Large Dogs

Even large dogs need to learn how to stay in their kennels. HAIGE offers a spacious, corrosion-resistant steel frame cage for giant dog breeds. Pitbulls, Border Collies, and German Shepherds will thrive in their 46-inch tall dog crate.

The cage is sturdy and locks with two strong safety buckles to prevent hounds from breaking free. Like many of the other indestructible dog crates on our list, the HAIGE kennel comes with rotating caster wheels that can move across your home.

Typically, you can expect big messes from big canines. Luckily, this cage is easy to clean up after spills from dog food and potty time. You can guarantee the safety of any sized dog with one of these.

Pros:
● Spacious; houses large dogs
● Reinforced steel pipe walls
● Non-toxic, anti-rust finish
● Locks contain safety buckles for added security
● Low maintenance

Cons:
● Some pet owners opt to add extra locks on the door.

10. Homey Pet Store Stackable Dog Cage – Best for Convenience

If you’re looking for a wire dog crate that will last as your pet grows, this is the one. The Homey Pet Store dog crate is large enough to accommodate dogs as heavy as 150 lbs. Ergo, you won’t need to replace crates as your pup develops into a full-grown canine.

As an escape-proof dog crate, the company included a double chain lock on the door to avoid any mishaps. And you can always wheel your pup from room to room so they don’t get lonely.

This cage has everything – a small feeding door at the front and a removable ABS plastic tray at the bottom for cleaning. Unlike most metal dog crates, this one has a plastic floor grid that’s gentle on paws. Say goodbye to foot blisters! And when you’re ready to pack it away, you can use the cage’s stackable feature to save space around the house.

Pros:
● Large dog cage for all pet sizes
● Corrosion-resistant steel
● Convenient feeding door
● Double chain locks
● Lockable caster wheels for transport
● Comfortable plastic floor grid

Cons:
● Pricey
● It does not have a top door

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you deal with escape artist dogs?

A few tips:
1. Introduce your new crate with some tasty treats. Place them inside the kennel and watch Fido walk right through.
2. Take your dog for some exercise before caging. They won’t have the energy to fight afterward.
3. Keep them busy with a toy during crate time. It will distract them from the locks.
4. Change your dog’s scenery while in the crate. Canines are sensitive to their environment, and the wrong venue can spoil their overall experience.

How long should I leave my dog in his crate for punishment?

Dog crates are NOT a substitute to unspoil your dog. Their kennel should be a haven for them – a place where they find solace when they can’t connect with owners. Don’t take that away from them.

If you scold your pooch into their crate, they’ll begin to associate caging with negative feelings. That’ll make staying inside even less appealing and might as well aggravate the dog’s behavioral problems.

Is it cruel to crate a dog at night?

Most pet owners don’t see any harm in overnight caging. For puppies, vets recommend an hour of crate time per their age in months. It’s a brilliant technique to help train young dogs to accept their dens.

By the time they grow old, most of these dogs willingly walk into their crates at nap time.

However, it’s a bad practice to keep your pet locked up for too long during waking hours. They need their exercise and day-to-day interactions. Otherwise, they’ll fall into bouts of anxiety and depression.