We saw the new nylon crates at Crufts and were very impressed - then we saw adverts for the "dog bag" indoor kennel, and liked the look of that too. So - has anyone any experience of actually using them? They appeal to me far more than crates because - they don't look like cages!!!! - they're lighter and should be much easier to carry around - and somehow they just look more comfortable for the dog. I can now envisage our future puppy in the kitchen in a puppy pen with one or other of these fabric kennels as his "den". Your thoughts, everyone, please!
Cathy.

Hi Cathy,
I bought one of these at Crufts- the Marlin one- think it's called something like the Portable Pet Home or something. I LOVE IT! It's so easy to carry around for shows etc, weighing only about 6lbs, warm in cold halls, and has 'blinds' at the sides you can roll up for ventilation.
I wouldn't want to use it for a dog that tended to chew or dig a lot though, although they are supposed to be quite durable.
My dogs seem to be more comfortable in it than they are in a metal cage, it seems more cosy somehow.
I would still always use the metal cage for car travel, as the fabric ones wouldn't offer any protection in case of an accident.
Hope this helps.
Liz

Hi Cathy,

I don't think I would use a fabric crate to house-train a puppy. Having seen mine chew through skirting boards, door frames and the plaster on the wall, I would not trust a fabric crate to stay intact. Especially, with the door open, I would expect the puppy to have a gnaw on the opening when he feels like soothing his gums. I know not all puppies are destructive, but most are for a while and I can't imagine the fabric crates would be up to the job, somehow. For the puppy phase, I would use a metal crate, especially when you compare prices with the fabric ones. Just my thoughts on the subject. :)

Monty's Mum :)

For a puppy I would still train to a wire crate. Once they are happy in one then these fabric crates are a godsend. The dog being used to0 one is unlikely to try and escape. This could happen at the puppy stage when they are chewing or trying to escape.

For shows, where the dog is usually in sight, or once the dog is well used to a crate and is very unlikley to try wrecking one, then they are a godsend.

I have used one of the 'Light and Easy' ones in a Hotel, whewre the dog was left during the evening dinner and dance, and at a show. They are the same price as a wire crate, and their advantage is the lightness to carry, but for safety and strength a you can't beat the wire crates.