Training class and use of soft crate

**VegasHR** · 04-12-2008, 08:59 PM

I currently take my 15 month old male to obedience class, he is in novice. I will also be taking my 4.5 month old female. Her beginner class is before his class. I am thinking of getting a soft crate to bring with me to class so that he can wait for her and vice versa. Has anyone used this type of crate? I am looking at the Firstrax Noztonoz. The large crate is 42"x28"x31" and is suitable for 90 lbs. I don't know what else to do, I want to continue training with Vegas, however Roulette also has to start. SOON !!!
Short of finding a new training facility, I am not sure of any other options.
Any input would be appreciated. Thanks.

**doberkim** · 04-12-2008, 09:16 PM

I'm not sure why you need a new training facility, or why that is the only other option?

First, I use Noz2Noz and they are the only soft crates I have personally found worth the cost associated with most of them.
That being said, none are designed for puppies, even well behaved ones - evidenced by the fact that Berlin broke Rah's 150 dollar XXL Noz2Noz 3 weeks ago and I just had to replace it.

If Vegas is used to, and trained to be, in soft crates then it's a good investment, but I would not put a puppy in there. I have a vari-kennel in my car I currently lug in and out, which is a PITA, but I'm going to leave one at my training facility to make it easier for me. There are also collapsible wire crates, but if they are too heavy, the easiest option may be an ex-pen if your facility will let you set one up.

Let my (very expensive) lesson prevent you from seeing what puppies can do to crates, even well made strong sturdy Noz2Noz ones

I'm on my third noz2noz, and I love them.

Murreydobe · 04-12-2008, 10:03 PM

After years of schlepping folding wire crates around to shows, I *love* my Nos2Nos crate!

But listen well to Kim's caution-these crates should only be used for dogs who are well crate trained. I used one for Razzle as an older puppy (8 months), but she was never one to protest being crated.

**VegasHR** · 04-12-2008, 11:09 PM

Roulette would only be in the crate while Vegas' class was going on. His class lasts 45 mins to 1 hour. She would be in site of me the whole time. I have to speak to the trainer to see if I could set up an expen. Since the training is done in a room in a church only one day per week I know I can't leave anything there. Which ever method I use has to come and go with me. I had mentioned a new facility only because of the timing of the classes. If I found another suitable site for puppy classes maybe on a different day, then I would not have to worry about crating one or the other since they would go on different days. Just a thought.

alwayshadpets · 04-13-2008, 07:32 AM

I have seen both used (soft & hard) in some classes. Some owners have multiple dogs or classes back to back.
Checking with your trainer first is always a good idea. Most trainers do not object, unless the dog barks all the time. (you can`t hear the instructions given and is really not fair for the class)
Hard plastic crates, not wire crates--some people put wheels on them and pull them in.

**doberkim** · 04-13-2008, 09:42 AM

Ah, i see where the second class could become necessary.

I will warn you - Berlin was 10 feet away from me, very close to me, when she broke the crate - if they are going to break it, they are going to break it, whether you are close or not

She didn't chew it - she broke the zipper beyond repair.

I also learned a very valuable lesson - Berlin cannot tolerate Rah doing scent articles around her without her being adequately restrained

When the weather isn't too bad, in secure locations I leave my dogs crated in the car with the car open. Many of us do.

jatango · 04-13-2008, 12:41 PM

Kim, are there any more sturdy soft crates even if they are more expensive or have fewer features?

**doberkim** · 04-13-2008, 12:59 PM

No, that's the whole reason I use Noz2Noz - IMO and IME, they are the most sturdy soft crates out there, period.

jatango · 04-13-2008, 01:01 PM

What size would you use for an 80lb 28" male?

2RescuedDobies · 04-13-2008, 02:27 PM

I've got to agree with Doberkim on this one. If the dog is going to break the crate they are going to break the crate. Brie ripped the zipper right open at the seems. I've stuck with hard sided for her ever since.