Purchasing a Crate
In the last few years, the crate-and-carrier market has expanded greatly with the addition of many new and innovative products. From side-loading metal wire crates and pop-up tentlike mesh crates to collapsible and partitioned kennels, there is a crate out there for every dog and every budget.
Wire Crates
The German shepherd loves to be able to see what is going on around her. The wire crate enables your puppy or dog to see her surroundings even when she's spending time in her special space. The metal wire crate provides the best air circulation possible when traveling by car, too, and thanks to the removable metal tray at the bottom, this crate can be completely and thoroughly cleaned.
Wire crates can come with convenient features, such as a partition that can be moved within the crate to accommodate a growing shepherd from puppyhood to adulthood. Other crates are made to fit sideways in the rear of an SUV or station wagon. These crates open both at the end and at the side. Metal crates are often collapsible for easy storage.
So what's the downside? Some shepherds prefer a more denlike kennel and are uneasy being exposed all the time. Other shepherds may have such severe separation anxiety that they will chew, twist, and rip escape holes in the crate, creating a very dangerous situation. The metal crate is not accepted for airline travel and can be quite heavy to carry. A quality metal crate is also relatively expensive — often $100 or more, not including a high-quality pad.
Hard-Shell Plastic Carriers
These plastic carriers come in two pieces, with a top and a bottom that fasten together. They are inexpensive, too; a good, airline-approved crate may cost as little as $25 for a puppy or $50 to $75 for an adult dog. Plastic carriers are lightweight and just about perfect for the puppy or dog that prefers a warm, cozy space.
The plastic crate does have a few shortcomings. For one, the crate cannot be partitioned. That means it will be necessary to purchase a smaller crate for a puppy and upgrade to a larger crate when your shepherd reaches adolescence. Additionally, the air circulation is not as good as that in a wire or mesh crate, and the crate doesn't break down into pieces that are easily stored or stowed away. Finally, because of the cracks and tiny fissures that occur in plastic, it is nearly impossible to completely clean and sterilize this crate.
Mesh Tents
Mesh crates set up like tents and are the ultimate in lightweight temporary housing. Mesh traveling crates are made with a screen-like material that is supported by PVC tubing. They collapse into very manageable sizes, have tremendous air circulation, and are nice options for a well-behaved, calm dog that is reliable and quiet in a crate.
For the majority of shepherds, this crate can only be used while the owner is supervising the dog. A shepherd — whether a pup or an adult — can rip through the mesh walls easily, if she is so inclined. The mesh kennel is also not safe for traveling in a car because it doesn't limit the dog's movement in the event of a sudden stop.
How do I size a crate to fit my shepherd?
The general rule is that the crate should be just large enough for the puppy or adult to stand up without crouching, turn around easily, and lie down comfortably. If the crate is any larger, it makes house-training difficult.
