Crate?

[Linger112]

Having a hard time deciding on a crate. Should I buy plastic or wire? Which Brand? What size for mini to medium doodle?

[GiGi&CeCe]

Linger, I can only tell you what my doodle prefers and she is a standard size weighing about 50 lbs at 7 months. She cried in her small plastic crate when she was a pup, but as soon as I bought a large wire crate she settled in and has loved it ever since. I think that she is just much happier with being able to see the whole room and keep an eye on me. She is so spoiled to me that she watches me at bedtime and will not lie down until she sees my head hit the pillow. After that she settles in till morning, I must say it makes me feel very important. Some dogs may prefer the coziness of the plastic crates and they are easier to move around, but I think that mine is always so hot that the ventilation of the wire keeps her cooler. You might want to borrow a crate if possible to see how your baby does before making a decision. GiGi

[M&Tdoodles]

Im not sure where you live but there is a store in RI that sells crates that are not that expensive.

Ocean State Job Lot - Find A Store

They just opened a store in Albany NY , they are also in VT./Ma./Ct.

Possibly they could ship one to you ...Go with the wire, they work wonderful.
In order for them to work, go for the one that will be smaller. Leave enough room in order for the dog to comfortably lay on his/her side with legs stretched out.

Pet edge may have them also
Dr foster & smith
Revival also on line carry them. Craig's list sometimes has them also...Good luck in your search..

[Daisy'sMom]

This is the crate we bought for Daisy although it's not this big. LOVE it!! We never considered a plastic one or any kind that she couldn't see out of. We just preferred the metal one that she could see us while she was in there, and most importantly that you could collapse and fold it for transporting and storage. I honestly don't know what size we have, we don't need to use it anymore so it's in storage now or I'd measure it for you. Daisy is a medium size Labradoodle, she's full grown now and 35 lbs so probably the mid size crate I also don't even know for sure if this is the brand we have, my husband bought whatever one they carry at the Petsmart store that looks just like this one. It also came with a movable "wall" type thing so we could keep her confined to a smaller space within the crate as a puppy and then we'd give her a little more room the bigger she got, if that makes any sense. We also really appreciated the nice plastic pan that comes in the bottom of it, it's very easily washable and convenient.

Midwest Solutions 54" Double Door Dog Crate - Crates - Crates & Kennels - PetSmart

[Nikkiey]

We used to have a plastic crate and Juneau loved it as a puppy (he always curls up in the darkest spot possible) but as he grew we would come home and find him panting and anxious to get out. We eventually had to buy a new crate (he chewed threw the side of the plastic one - but that's for a different thread!) and we invested in the metal one. I must say I was a little hesitant about it at first, it didn't look as "homey" as the other one, but Juneau loves it. We no longer come home to him panting and we always find him curled up with his nose sticking out to catch the first scent of someone finally home.

[Linger112]

Thanks everyone! A wire crate with movable wall it is. We're two weeks away from bringing Nick home. Getting excited and nervous about raising a puppy again!