Frisco Fold & Carry Double Door Dog Crate
Sizes Available: 22 inch, 24 inch, 30 inch, 36 inch, 42 inch and 48 inch.
In our humble opinion, the Fold & Carry model dog crate from Frisco has all of the exceptional qualities needed to house a German Shepherd safely and securely. One of the best features in this model is the divider , which allows you to section off the crate so you can use it as your dog grows from pup to adult.This wired crate is perfect for German Shepherds. Its just the right size, its strong, its durable, its super easy to clean up, and is perfect for those that love to travel as it folds right down.Heres a quick list of the pros and cons, so you can easily see all you need to know about this Frisco model crate:
Pros:
- Comes with an easy-to-clean, durable plastic pan
- Adjustable handles / folds down for travel
Cons:
- Wired crates can be loud if your dog moves around a lot
- Latches can be fiddly to open at first
- Can bend if folded down wrong
Now that weve told you our overall favorite crate for German Shepherds, lets see what else is available on the market. Were going to take a look at a few more of the top rated crates out there and see what all their pros and cons are.
Soft-sided crates can be tricky to come across for larger breeds like the German Shepherd. We managed to find the perfect model, though, so dont worry. This is our top pick:
Amazonbasics Folding Metal Dog Crate
- Available in front and side door.
- Equipped with slid bolt latches for maximum protection.
- It folds flat, easy to store, and highly portable.
- Comes with an optional divider panel and a removable composite plastic pan.
- Ideal for German Shepherd puppies, adults, and seniors.
AmazonBasics Folding Metal Dog Crate is the most lightweight and durable dog crate in the market, which comes in single door and double door models and in different sizes. German Shepherd is calm and loving dogs, and this crate is ideal for them from puppyhood to adult age. It is made with high-quality steel wires, and its plastic tray makes cleaning easy. You can clean and wash the tray for sanitation.
Its coating is pet-friendly, and it serves you for many of the coming years. Its foldable and collapsible folds flat that makes it easy to store and carry.
Provides A Sense Of Security
Even though it can seem cruel from the human perspective, if you get the right-sized crate, your German Shepherd will not feel confined as much as he will feel secure. From a human standpoint, a crate is like a jail even if adjusted to our own bodys proportion with the same ratio as a dog crate is to a dogs body.
But we cannot project our psychology onto our puppies and assume what would be kind to us is also kind to the dog. In fact, if your home is large enough, you might make a new puppy, whos just left its mother quite uncomfortable. Having a cozy corner, puppy zone, or a crate can give your German Shepherd puppy a proportionate place that feels secure and more like home. Remember, whats home to you is unexplored territory to him, at least for a while.
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Male Vs Female German Shepherd
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According to American Kennel Club, GSDs rank second as the most popular dogs because of their extraordinary characteristics. Theyre faithful, obedient, brave and intelligent, regardless of the gender. Though male and female GSDs have similarities, they also have relevant differences. If youre thinking of buying either a male or a female GSD, take note of the following differences so you can choose which one is a good match for your lifestyle and preference.
How Does Neutering/spaying Affect My Dogs Growth
Research has shown that neutering dogs can affect their growth. But how exactly? Well, its not entirely clear, and there is more research yet to be done.
But early indications show that early neutering can increase the length of time that the bone grows. Meaning potentially taller dogs. But this also poses questions about whether this affects the joint alignment and whether it can cause any problems. And for the German Shepherd breed and his heightened propensity for hip dysplasia, this is a concern to be aware of.
But waiting for full skeletal maturity also poses risks. Because neutering for females can reduce mammary cancer. If spayed before her first heat, it can eliminate the chances of this type of cancer altogether.
Overall, how neutering affects your dogs growth is something to discuss with your vet. As they will be able to offer you tailored advice for your German Shepherd.
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Benefits Of Using A Crate
Herere some benefits of using a crate for your German Shepherd:
- It can be used as a tool for crate training.
- It can be a den for your GSD a place for your dog to curl up, rest, and relax.
- It can be a warm and comfortable dog bedroom.
- It will make traveling and camping with your German shepherd so much easier.
- And many more.
Do Dogs Like Small Crates
Dogs need a den, or a small space just for them, to feel safe, cozy, and secure. When a crate is used appropriately, it can give dogs this feeling of a safe space and it can be a sanctuary for a dog. If your dog can comfortably use one side as a sleeping area and another as a toilet, its too big.
Read Also: Furminator German Shepherd Long Or Short
Introduce Your German Shepherd To Their New Crate
Is Big Always Best
If crates come in such huge sizes, why not just get the biggest crate possible for your dog?
For some people, it is a matter of space. The bigger the dog crate, the harder it can be to find space for it in your home.
However, a crate that is too big for your dog can be problematic for other reasons. If you are housetraining your dog, he may use half of a big crate as a toilet, rather than using it just for sleeping.
We will tackle how you can stop this in puppies later.
Crate training your dog will be much easier if you choose one that fits him properly.
But, now weve looked at the best size of crate for a German Shepherd, lets look at what crates are used for.
Read Also: Why Do German Shepherds Whine So Much
We All Have Health Issues Even King Shepherds
Like the rest of us, King Shepherds may have some health problems.
Dont panic. But it pays to be informed. Because your King Shepherd is a crossbreed, they may have health problems associated with both of his parents.
The good news is that hybrids like King Shepherds have what vets call hybrid vigor. This means they can be delightfully hardy and healthy.
However, King Shepherds like other big dogs may be prone to such medical conditions as joint dysplasia, Von Willebrands disease, hypothyroidism. They may also inherit allergies and eye diseases, degenerative myelopathy, pancreatic problems and thrombopathia.
Disadvantages Of Wire Crates
- For some dogs, instead of comforting them being able to look around and see the family, the visibility can cause whining and stress. Some dogs are best covered overbut you can of course cover a wire crate.
- Can feel exposed, offering little shelter in colder climates.
- They may be collapsible for portability, but they can also be quite heavy!
- The noisiest of crates when dogs move around a lot.
- The easiest of crates to escape from for determined and intelligent dogs.
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Bonus Review: Midwest Crate Cover
Sometimes a crate cover is necessary to provide extra comfort and security for your Australian Shepherd. With the MidWest Crate Cover, youll be creating a private and quiet sanctuary for your Aussie! Its recommended by veterinarians for dogs that experience high anxiety and stress.
Though its made by MidWest, its compatible with options 1, 2 and 4 on this list. Just make sure youre buying the correct size cover for your dog crate.
Midwest Homes Crate Cover Overview
- What to Get: The 42 inch
- Reviews: 2500 +
- Highlights: hook & loop tab, 100% polyester, machine washable, 1-year warranty.
Best Features
The MidWest Crate Cover is highly compatible and fits most standard 42 inch dog crates. Despite being able to covering all 5 sides, the cover still provides easy access to front, rear and side doors.
Cover comes with hook & loop tabs to help secure the crate cover onto the kennel. This way it wont fly off when your Aussie tries to tug at the cover.
The high quality cover is made from 100% polyester, which is both durable and dog-friendly. Crate cover can be machine washed and dried in a standard dryer without any problems.
The 5 flaps covers the front and rear, both sides and the top of the dog crate. Keep in mind, there is not a bottom panel as it is not necessary.
All of this comes with a 1-year warranty on your purchase. To check out more reviews on the crate cover, .
What Aussie Owners are Saying
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What Size Crate Should You Get For A Puppy
If your budget allows it and youd prefer to buy different-sized crates for your dog throughout their growing period, you can use the same method as above.
But lets face it pups grow fast so that money wont last! So, if you choose to do this, I would advise you not to spend too much money on your first purchases. Once she reaches adult size, you can opt for more expensive, stylish crates that she can enjoy for longer.
Below is another handy money-saving tip Id like to suggest.
Recommended Reading: How Much Do You Feed German Shepherd Puppy
Choose Appropriate Kennels For Medium And Large Dogs
Medium-size kennels are around 36 inches long and can accommodate dogs in the 40- to 70-pound range. Bulldogs, Cocker Spaniels, and American Eskimo dogs at a normal adult size all fit well in these size kennels.
Large-size kennels are around 42 inches long, and can accommodate dogs in the 70- to 90-pound range. If you have an adult Dalmatian, Border Collie, Labrador retriever, or Golden retriever, it should be comfortable in one of these kennels.
What Size Crate Should You Get For A Labrador Puppy
To buy the correct size crate for a Labrador puppy, you want to estimate the size theyll be as an adult dog and buy one large enough for that, along with a divider to make it smaller until your puppy grows.
You could buy a smaller crate and upgrade later on, but I think thats just unnecessary spending.
For a Labrador puppy, buy a 36 or 42-inch crate that comes with a divider.
This will almost always be the correct size for them when fully grown.
The same applies if you have a Labrador cross puppy or one from another breed. Find out the size you need for your adult dog, purchase this and a divider to cut down the size for your puppy until they grow into the full size crate.
OUR EXPERIENCE: When Linus was a puppy we purchased a MidWest Life Stages Crate and it came with a divider. That was over 15 years ago and we still use the same crate with our new Service Dog puppies.
For a list of highly recommended crates suitable for Labrador puppies, please.
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German Shepherd Puppy Crate Training Schedule
| Time | |
|---|---|
| Take your pup outside after playing with him and allowing him supervised time. | |
| 7:00 pm | Feed your dog their last meal of the day hours before they go to bed. Let them outside. Praise them for using the bathroom outside. Throw a ball or work on basic obedience. Return inside and leash them to you to supervise while playing, petting, or letting them rest next to you. |
| 9:00 pm | Take your dog outside for bathroom time. Bring them in and let them explore while you watch them. Keep them leashed to you when indoors to avoid any accidents. Offer fresh water. Take up the water a couple of hours before bed. This is to prevent accidents in the crate overnight. |
| 11:00 pm | Puppies need to go outside right before bedtime. Let them stretch their legs in the yard. But dont begin playing with them enthusiastically. This gets him too excited before bed. You want bedtime to be a calming ritual. |
Try setting your phones reminder alarms so you dont miss a potty break.
Maybe you cant stay home all day with your new dog, so this schedule wont work for you.
No problem, theres a simple solution
Best Crates For German Shepherd Dogs & Puppies
Our top choices for the best dog crates are:
Best Value Metal Wire Dog Crate
Read more about some of the best dog exercise pens here.
*Note a dog crate should be able to safely and comfortably fit your dog when it is standing, sitting and laying down.
Make sure you measure your dog, and read the product sizing details, and product description prior to purchasing to make sure a dog crate is suitable for your dog.
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How Big Is A Full
While there are some variations depending on the gender of the animal, generally speaking, a full-grown German Shepherd will stand somewhere between 22 26 inches and weigh around 50 to 90 pounds. This is the average German Shepherd size.
German Shepherds usually get to half their full weight between 4.5 and 6 months, and their adult weight between 12.5-16 months.
You can calculate their potential adult weight at 23 weeks by taking what they weigh at that age and multiplying it by two.
A different formula you could use is:
So, for example, if your 12-week old pup weighs 18 pounds. You simply divide the current weight by their age in weeks and multiply the result with 52:
18/ 12 = 1.51.5 x 52= 78 pounds
78 pounds would be the expected weight of your adult-sized German Shepherd.
How Big Of A Crate Does A German Shepherd Need
When buying a dog crate, the consensus is that you should err on the side of caution and opt for more space and a bigger crate. German Shepherds are a large breed, and the American Kennel Club states that they weigh between 65-90 pounds for a male and 50-70 pounds for females.
However, you have to consider that this is only a rough guide as all dogs are different, just like you and me. When you get your pup, its hard to know exactly how big hell grow. I can certainly vouch for that, as my female German Shepherd weighs a whopping 88 pounds ! However, she isnt overweight she is just very tall.
But to do good with your new companion, you must also keep your dogs age in mind when you ask, how big of a crate does a German Shepherd need?
A fully grown adult German Shepherd needs a 48-inch size crate. The full dimensions will be 48 inches long, 33-inch in height, and 30-inch wide. An 8-week old puppy needs 3/4th that length and an increase of an inch a week until 12 weeks. You can use a sliding divider to increase this length.
You can ignore this guideline if your German Shepherd is bigger and weighs more than 110 lbs , such as the mighty King Shepherd. Ultimately you want to give your dog enough room to stand and stretch.
With that said, it might seem the safest to buy as big a crate as possible and pop your puppy in there. Although thats a great idea, unfortunately, it isnt that simple. While erring on the side of spaciousness is good, you should do it within reason.
Recommended Reading: Why Are German Shepherds So Smart
Where To Put A Dog Crate In Your House
Should a dog crate be in a bedroom? A dog crate is highly suited to being into a bedroom, especially if you have a young puppy or a dog who suffers from separation anxiety that needs to be comforted at night however this may lead to disrupted sleep. Additionally, its a very warm and cozy spot to put a crate.
Should a dog crate be in a living room? The living room is another great location for a dog crate as it is a high traffic area meaning your dog will be able to see whats going on around them and feel like a part of the family. The disadvantage is that it is a large, draughty space thats likely to be cold at night.
In my personal experience, I prefer to put my dogs crate in the living room. This is because my dog likes to groom herself really loudly at night and this disrupts my sleep. While a wire crate is a bit of an eye sore in my lounge room and it can get cold in winter, I cover it with a dog crate blanket cover set which makes it look much nice whilst keeping my dog warm!
Where should I put my dog crate in my apartment? The best place to put a dog crate in an apartment is in the bedroom as there is generally limited space in living rooms. It is also especially important for your dog to be close to notify you if they need to go to the bathroom as apartments dont have a doggy doors to a backyard.
If You Want More Specific Information Read My Article: Where To Put A Dog Crate In Your House