Has anyone used one called "Sof-Krate i-series". I have seeen one for sale  cheaply and wondered if they are any good? I am going to be showing a lab pup and the weight of a wire crate (13k) is REALLY putting me off! But I am concerned that a fabric one may not contain a boisterous  Lab puppy safely if I have to nip to the loo/refreshments tent etc without her. I have been recommended to buy a Berriewood one - but this  Sof Krate is such a bargain ( second hand but barely used) that I thought I would ask if anyone has used/seen one?

I don't use fabric crates, but I have seen them advertised as only suitable for already crate trained dogs. I presume the reason is exactly as your describe, boistrous dogs not knowing the limitations of a crate.

Just something to think about.

Dawn R.

Labs can open these crates!!!!!  I still use the metal ones for my Labs,

Edited to add....I also use a 2 wheeled trolley to cart my cages around. £9.99 from Matalan.  Just like trundling a handled suitcase :)

How much of a bargain and where abouts if you are not having it,lol?

My experiences with fabric crates goes like this:

9 a.m. arrive at show buy new fabric crate for £60
9.30 a.m. set up round ringside pop Louis in new fabric crate whilst brushing up pup ready for first class he lies down and sems a happy chappy in new crate
10.a.m ask friends to keep an eye on Louis, bags etc and go in ring for puppy class
10.15.am Louis joins me in ring with remains of new fabric crate door still in teeth
10.20 Louis is locked firmly in friends metal crate.
12.am go back to trade stall to try and get refund ( crate mesh door is ripped from top to bottom) - told that guarantee invalid as I had not supervised dog in crate.
12.30 a.m. new fabric crate in rubbish bin - borrow friends metal crate for rest of the day

I would not reccomend these for large bouncy dogs

Yvonne

I love mine for sp;ecific purposes, eg taking pups to vets for vaccinations (light enough toi carry single handed) overnight stays in hotels, keeping one in the car in case of emergencies.  taking to training class is taking more than one pup. Very ocassionaly take one to a show but never leave a dog in unattended, as I worry aobut chewing through, or unzipping!  I did see a Standard poodle  bounce his fabric cage almost into to a show ring when he was woofing at something and got over excited!
bye
Gwen

I wish someone would swap my new pet voyageur 19" x 12" x 11", cream/mocha for a thicker type fabric crate any size,new or used, ive got small dogs and am getting desperate now, nearly holiday time.Cant afford to buy.

Thanks - I'll give them a miss then and get off to Matalan for a trolley. The fabric crate I saw was on ebay auction and went too expensive anyway thank goodness. I shall get a wire crate on e bay, there are 36" ones for under £30. :-)

I love my light N Easy crate because of it being so lite.  Some of the sturdier ones frankly are getting almost as heavy as a wire crate. 

The light crates are a boon for very easy going sogs who are happy to stay where put, but can't be left because of no anchorage point.  Mine are like this so the mesh crate is a godsend, and as has ben said great for Hotels.

Yvonne-  what a terrible day for you, though I bet it raised a few smiles LOL, bounding into the ring with crate attached - I can just picture it. ROFLOL. Thanks for sharing that with us. :-)