Hello

Wonder if you could help please.  We are going down to Cornwall on holiday with our mini schnauzer Otto in a couple of weeks and although we have a wire cage for him we thought a soft dog crate for him would be more practical in the car.  I ordered one on line from Pets at Home which arrived damaged yesterday.  Can't seem to get anyone there to answer the phone at the moment (typical).   It cost £45 and didn't look very sturdy upon examination.

Can anyone recommend a particular brand?  Not sure whether to change this one or go for a different one.

Thanks all!

Snowflake

Is picked one up on eBay for around £27 recently

Mine’s a Croft soft crate, they seem very popular at shows but I couldn’t say whether any are used in a car.

I like the o0ens that have entry points on both long and short side and top.  I have this type  https://www.amazon.co.uk/Petsfit-Indoor-House-Fabric-Medium/dp/B01BBUH4EW/ref=pd_sbs_199_2/259-4512811-3226741?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B01BBUH4EW&pd_rd_r=4f14d477-7c9f-11e9-ba93-39a448e0c0c0&pd_rd_w=17Sos&pd_rd_wg=lx1oi&pf_rd_p=18edf98b-139a-41ee-bb40-d725dd59d1d3&pf_rd_r=H1VB3MD0JY2GEYTYWK10&psc=1&refRID=H1VB3MD0JY2GEYTYWK10 for that reason as the one I already had only opened top and short end, not so adaptable in car..

Just a word of warning....dogs which are fine in metal cages have managed to get out of fabric cages(scratching chewing).

Mine never have but I have seen it happen

I'd use a wire crate, especially in the car.  Not that a soft one would be any use at all with mine.  Why would you opt for a soft crate ..... I'd imagine a Mini Schnauzer could easily chew his way out of them, and would they be any use at all in a crash situation?   Also a metal crate would be of more use, in the accommodation you will be in down here?

> Also a metal crate would be of more use, in the accommodation you will be in down here?

Usually the soft crates are lighter to carry and they also contain any hair or dirt better, so being better for the accommodation.

I agree I would only ever use them with dogs who do not try to get out of them.

I haven't had any problems with my dogs chewing fabric crates, but I have had failed zip fasteners, (at an outdoor show too!), and tears in the mesh panels - from my dogs using their feet in excitement. I have also seen these crates roll when being used outdoors for large, bouncy dogs. I think these must be the reasons why the KC appear not to be fond of them. I am well into my seventies, and would love to be able to pack less weight, but unless it is a breed show, in a hall, I do feel happier using a metal crate. I have moved on to the lighter black ones though. (My dogs usually travel behind a tailgate in the car).

I would never use one in the car.  If you're in a crash it will provide no protection whatsoever.  Fine for accommodation, if the dog doesn't try to rip out of them (seen that happen a few times), but not for car travel.

I only use soft crates when I am stopping out for the night like crufts, and only so they are contained in a crate when I am not in the room with them, travelling they are in metal crates at shows a dog show trolley