Pros & Cons of Soft Sided Dog Crates

The type of crate you purchase for your dog depends on several factors, including the personality of your dog and how you intend to use the crate. If it is going to remain in your house, then a wire crate is fine; however, if you are going to transport your dog, you may be better off with a soft-sided crate, although there are disadvantages to this kind of crate.

  1. Pros

    • Soft-sided dog crates are portable and light. Metal crates are sometimes inconvenient, heavy and cumbersome when transporting a dog; plastic crates take up a lot of space and are bulky. Because soft-sided crates are made of lightweight material, they are easier to carry. The mesh in a soft-sided crate provides ventilation for the pet, as well as allows him to see outside of the crate. He doesn't feel isolated or secluded. The soft sides don't make the dog feel trapped; rather they are comforting.

    Additional Advantages

    • A soft-sided dog crate is easy to store because it folds up. They come in a variety of colors and, most importantly, are safe because the dog is not able to injure herself on plastic or wire. Soft-sided crates are easy to put together. You insert two poles into the crate and it's ready to go. There are different size crates to accommodate various size dogs.

    Cons

    • The cons of a soft-sided dog crate include its inappropriateness if your puppy is a chronic chewer, as he may chew through the canvas. If a dog is extremely aggressive, a soft-sided dog crate is not your best bet. Another drawback is that this type of crate isn't as robust as crates made out of other materials. The soft-sided version is hardy to a degree, but doesn't work for a dog that is destructive or extremely rowdy.

    Other Considerations

    • Another disadvantage is that this type of crate is scratched easier than other types of pet carriers, which is why they are less expensive than a wire crate or aluminum.