Choosing the right crate for your dog is a big decision. According to the American Kennel Club, it’s crucial to find a crate that is equal parts safe and comfortable for your dog. Your dog is a natural den animal, and what they want is a space they can retreat to in order to relax, revive, feel safe, and call their own. With all the crates on the market – how do you know you’re making the best decision?
Two Different Crates, Two Different Builds
Wire dog crates are a popular choice amongst pet parents, and so are aluminum. While wire dog crates are often made from metal, this differs quite a bit from those with complete aluminum construction. Not all metal dog crates are the same, and they shouldn’t be treated as such.
The Pros And Cons Of Wire Dog Crates
Wire dog crates are those grated sorts of crates that pet parents see often when looking for crates at typical pet stores. Some of the pros of wire dog crates include:
- They’re open air – Wire dog crates are open air dog crates, which allows for optimal airflow at all times while the dog is crated. This is beneficial for dogs who have a tendency to overheat or who require more air for any reason. They also allow dogs to look around, keep track of their surroundings, and sometimes remain calmer if they can see their family members while crated.
- They don’t absorb odors – Being made from metal, and usually with a hard plastic “tray” type bed, these are crates that aren’t prone to absorbing any sort of odor. This makes the crate easier to keep clean and presentable when in the home.
- They’re portable – Wire dog crates are considered to be one of the more portable options on the market. These crates can fold down and be transported easily, and with open metal grating, they tend to be lighter to carry when needed.
- They’re cheaper – Metal wire dog crates tend to be less expensive than some options, but more expensive than others. They’re a good “middle ground” in terms of crate cost. However, with lower cost does come lower durability when compared to other crates on the market like aluminum.
With the pros of wire dog crates come some cons, and these include:
- Not great for escape artists – The same grating pattern that makes the crate lighter and easier to carry also causes the durability of the crate to take something of a hit. For larger, stronger dogs who experience anxiety or carry out destructive habits when bored, this may not be the best option. For these dogs, they may be able to destroy the wire crate with enough determination.
- The plastic trays are fragile and can be noisy – On the bottom of a wire crate is typically a plastic tray, and this gives your dog something more comfortable to lay on when compared to grated metal. These trays are anything but indestructible, and they can be chewed or scratched apart easily if your dog is feeling anxious or bored. Additionally, when your dog is getting comfortable in their crate, the sound of their nails on the plastic tray can be noisy and disruptive. For dogs who are crated overnight, the act of “rolling over in bed” can be enough to wake up their pet parents.
- They’re more difficult to clean – When looking at aluminum vs wire dog crate comparisons, if cleanliness is a priority to you, wire crates are certainly at a disadvantage here. If your dog makes a mess in their crate, getting in between all of the nooks and crannies within the metal grating can be close to impossible. This can leave hair, dander, or worse stuck between the metal wires. Aluminum dog crates, however, can be easily and completely washed.
- Not the best for reactive dogs – Some dogs need to be blocked from outside stimuli in order to settle in and relax, and for dogs like these, a wire crate is not your best option. Because these types of crates are so open, they can be challenging to reactive or easily distracted dogs, making it far more difficult for them to find their cozy “den” space within the crate. For dogs with certain types of anxieties, this open nature of the crate can contribute to feelings of anxiousness, which may “inspire” the dog to partake in destructive behaviors as a comfort mechanism.
The Pros And Cons Of Aluminum Dog Crates
With the pros and cons of wire dog crates laid out, it’s time to look at what’s great and what to consider about aluminum dog crates. Some of the pros of aluminum dog crates include:
- They’re nearly indestructible – For pet parents of dogs who have destructive tendencies, keeping your dog both safe and comfortable in all situations is of the utmost importance. In this way, it doesn’t get any better than an aluminum dog crate. These crates are nearly indestructible no matter the size, strength, or habits of your dog, so you always have peace of mind that your dog is safe and behaving well while they’re enjoying crated time anywhere.
- They’re easy to clean – Aluminum dog crates can be hosed out, and sprayed down with a cleaning solution for deep cleans whenever necessary. Whether it’s for regular routine cleaning, or if your dog makes a mess in their crate, the clean-out process takes only a couple of minutes and you know you’ve done a completely thorough job. There are no “nooks and crannies” for messes to get stuck in, like you may find with wire dog crates, and the crates can be dried completely in seconds using just a soft cloth or towel.
- They’re built to last – If you’re looking to invest in one crate for your dog, and have that crate last a lifetime, an aluminum dog crate is exactly what you’re looking for. These crates are built to last, and once your dog gets used to having their own little “den” for comfort and relaxation, with proper care, they’ll likely never have to get used to another one again.
- They can be crash tested – For pet parents who like to take their dogs on adventures, travel safety is critical when it comes to choosing the perfect crate. Accidents happen, and when they do, it’s best to be prepared and know your dog will be kept safe. Aluminum dog crates are so strong and so durable, they can be crash tested to ensure the highest safety standards for your furry best friend.
With every list of pros, there are some cons to consider, and aluminum dog crates are no exception. Some of the cons of aluminum dog crates include:
- They tend to be pricier – When compared to plastic, wire, wood, or fabric dog crates, aluminum dog crates are some of the pricier options on the market. However, this cost evens itself out when you consider the durability and longevity of these types of crates. Where you may have to replace other types of crates every handful of years for whatever reason, your aluminum crate will still be going strong. Additionally, you’re also paying for safety standards, potential crash test rating, and peace of mind that your crate can hold up to any behavior from your dog.
- They can be a heavier option – Full aluminum dog crates can be a heavier option when compared to fabric, plastic, or wire respectively. However, there are collapsible crate options that make transporting the crate much easier. These collapsible crates break down and set up in less than a minute, and the crate can be easily carried and slid into a trunk, under a sofa, or anywhere it may need to be temporarily stored.
- They’re not as open as wire dog crates – When comparing aluminum vs wire dog crate options, wire dog crates are clearly the more “open” option. However, there are pros and cons that come with this as well. For reactive dogs, having a more “closed” style crate is preferrable to limit stimuli around the dog while he or she is trying to settle in and relax. Additionally, it’s this closed style that adds to the durability of the aluminum crate. To add more “airiness” to an aluminum style crate, installing a safe crate fan is a simple solution that allows you to benefit from greater airflow as well as a cozier den experience for your dog.
Which Is Best For Your Dog?
Comparing an aluminum vs wire dog crate really puts into perspective what different crates have to offer, and sheds light on which is likely to be the best option for your dog. With a wire crate, you’re giving up quite a bit of durability and cleaning convenience in favor of more open construction, lower price tag, and a lighter weight. With an aluminum dog crate, you may be investing more at the start, but you’re getting a crate that’s built to last a lifetime for your dog. Additionally, you’re gaining greater durability and there are workable solutions to provide greater airflow for dogs who may need it.
Your dog’s crate is their bedroom, their safe space, and their space they can rely on for calm in times of need. When you choose a crate, you’re making an important decision for your furry best friend, so it’s not a decision that should be taken lightly. Take into consideration your dog’s needs, what you value in a crate, and what will work best for all situations throughout your dog’s life.