Soft Dog Crates

Soft dog crates offer the major advantage over wire crates as they are extraordinarily easy to assemble and disassemble. They are ideal if you are going to travel with a dog or puppy. They can fold up to a flat state that allows them to be easily transported while taking up a minimum amount of space. Soft crates are also highly ventilated; the front, sides, roof and back of the crate are lined with a mesh like material that allows air to easily flow in and out, while keeping your dog safely inside. They also are quite dark inside so provide your dog with a natural cavernous environment. Soft crates are generally more comfortable for your dog. The fact that the perimeters of the crate aren't made of hardened steel or plastic means that your dog won't hurt itself if it hits the sides of the crate.

They are not suitable for use in a car as they would not offer any protection in the event of an accident. If you are looking for a car crate we would recommend that you buy one that has had proper crash testing to human safety standards.

Our soft crates are ideal if staying away from home with your dog as you are taking his bedroom with you when you travel. Simply insert a few blankets or pillows and your dog will have himself a brand new and comfy place in which to rest.

Many dog behaviourist and trainers recommend the use of crate training dogs. Dogs, whether domestic or wild, will naturally find a den or safe area to sleep. In the wild, the mother dog keeps the den clean until the pups are old enough to venture outside on their own to defecate or urinate. Puppies learn from their mother that theyshouldn't soil their sleeping area. Domestic dogs will display similar behaviour.

To be successful, a good crate-training program uses positive reinforcement. The crate should be a comfortable and inviting place for the puppy or dog. To accomplish this, the crate can be lined with a soft towel or padding or a piece of clothing with the owner's scent on it, like a worn T-shirt. The dog should want to enter the crate. Luring is fastest way to associate the crate with being good place to go. To lure the dog into the crate, the use of treats such is ideal. When the dog goes into the crate to get the treat and explore the new area, leave the door open to let it come out as it wishes. Continue to use this process until the dog enters the crate on its own for the treat. Be sure to praise the dog gently while it is in the crate and associate a cue word or phrase for going in the crate. Phases such as "on your bed" or “go to your room” work well. Use the cue word as you are putting the treat into the crate and the dog is following it in. Repeat this procedure several times to get your puppy accustomed to going into its crate.

TOA dog crates, come in 5 sizes and in blue and beige. They are ethical products and have been tried out on their own dogs before being put on the market. Here at Xtra Dog we use TOA dog crates for our own dogs too.

Size Guide: Please note that this is only a rough guide as all breed sizes can vary.

Small- 19.5 in: Cats, small puppies, Chihuahua or Rabbits.

Med- 24 in: Westie, Jack Russell, Cairn Terrier, Yorkshire Terrier, Large Cats, Large Rabbits

Large- 27 in: Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Springer Spaniel, Beagle, English Bulldog.

XL - 32 in: Boxer, Basset Hound, Whippet, Border Collie.

XXL - 36 in: Greyhound, Alsatian, Labrador, Golden Retriever, Rottweiler, Dalmatian, Doberman, Husky