Dog Crate Advice

[salish]

Hello, I have a question about kennel brands. I've always used the cheap kennels you buy from places like Petsmart, etc., such as the Vari kennel, Petmate, etc. These are ok for home use (if you use a kennel in the house) or for transport, but they don't offer any protection for your dog. They just contain them. I would like to purchase a good kennel for my 6 year old English setter, as well as for a new English setter puppy I'll be getting in March. I've searched through forums and so far I've seen only a handful of brand names mentioned. They are the Gunner, Dakota, Lucky Dog and Ruffland kennels. These seem to be the top choices of bird dog people. I have some doubts that I can afford the Gunner & Dakota kennels, but I'll see if I can dig deep enough. Are there any other brands that are in the running for a good, safe kennel for a hunting dog?

Thank you,
Cliff

[KFhunter]

I know a dog that was killed in the back of a special made police K9 vehicle, dog bounced around inside during a wreck.
Driver survived w injuries.

I can't imagine a ruggedized dog kennel would do any better in an accident than a purpose built K9 unit.  Unless it has airbags inside...

[Forks]

My EP and GSP spend most of their time on the road surrounded by aluminum (material of kennel doesn't matter to me IMO). I prefer the smallest space for them so if pooo hit's the fan.....the less space for them to fly.

[fowl smacker]

I've got one for sale in the classifieds.  Used it on 2 of my labs.  Not new, but it's clean, no cracks.  You can always put one of the insulated covers over it for more weather protection.

[salish]

Thanks KFHunter & Forks for your input. Fowl Smaker, thank you for your offer but I think the x-large size would be a bit too large for my English setter. I agree with what Forks says about keeping your dog on the road in a crate that confines them somewhat so they don't have lots of room to slam around in if you roll your vehicle.

[brokentrail]

Have you ever entertained using an actual dog box instead of a kennel?  I have had hounds and dog boxes all my life, now just beagles, but I have always used a dog box and not a kennel.  There are a ton of versions out there that may meet your needs.

[salish]

Have you ever entertained using an actual dog box instead of a kennel?  I have had hounds and dog boxes all my life, now just beagles, but I have always used a dog box and not a kennel.  There are a ton of versions out there that may meet your needs.

No I haven't. Are these the two-kennel versions made out of aluminum that coon hunters use and similar boxes used professionally by hound hunters?

[Stein]

I know a dog that was killed in the back of a special made police K9 vehicle, dog bounced around inside during a wreck.
Driver survived w injuries.

I can't imagine a ruggedized dog kennel would do any better in an accident than a purpose built K9 unit.  Unless it has airbags inside...

   The only thing I can think of is crush resistance, but a truck is a heavy thing.  I think the high dollar kennels are more for the owner than the dog unless you are using them professionally and wear out the inexpensive ones.

[brokentrail]

Have you ever entertained using an actual dog box instead of a kennel?  I have had hounds and dog boxes all my life, now just beagles, but I have always used a dog box and not a kennel.  There are a ton of versions out there that may meet your needs.

No I haven't. Are these the two-kennel versions made out of aluminum that coon hunters use and similar boxes used professionally by hound hunters?

They make many versions, including a 3 slot version if you had that need, but yes, they are the aluminum, or sometimes wood, ones that coon hunters and other houndsman often use.  Although I know some bird dog folks that use them as well.

Random internet search results , I don't know anything about the boxes or the business.

https://www.owens-pro.com/products/category/dog_boxes/category/hunter_series_dog_boxes

https://k9-kennelstore.com/other-products/dog-boxes.html

https://www.alumline.com/products/dog-boxes-and-trailers/aluminum-dog-boxes

https://www.uwsta.com/dog-boxes

[JBG]

I have the lucky duck kennel.  I like that is has drain holes in the bottom.  Also has a locking door for when I go out to E WA. 

[Forks]

What kind of vehicle will they be traveling in?

[salish]

Have you ever entertained using an actual dog box instead of a kennel?  I have had hounds and dog boxes all my life, now just beagles, but I have always used a dog box and not a kennel.  There are a ton of versions out there that may meet your needs.

No I haven't. Are these the two-kennel versions made out of aluminum that coon hunters use and similar boxes used professionally by hound hunters?

They make many versions, including a 3 slot version if you had that need, but yes, they are the aluminum, or sometimes wood, ones that coon hunters and other houndsman often use.  Although I know some bird dog folks that use them as well.

Random internet search results , I don't know anything about the boxes or the business.

https://www.owens-pro.com/products/category/dog_boxes/category/hunter_series_dog_boxes

https://k9-kennelstore.com/other-products/dog-boxes.html

https://www.alumline.com/products/dog-boxes-and-trailers/aluminum-dog-boxes

https://www.uwsta.com/dog-boxes

Thank you for the links.

[salish]

What kind of vehicle will they be traveling in?

For now they will be traveling most often in the back of a small Subaru hatchback, but I will be purchasing a pickup truck this spring with either a canopy or an enclosed camper. The camper I have has a pretty wide door, but two kennels wouldn't be able to sit side by side, it would be tandem.

[follow maggie]

My hunting partner uses a ruffland and it’s been great. Very tough kennel. I have an aluminum dog crate with a key locking door that I used for many years when Maggie was with me. I don’t know the brand of it, I got it at cabelas in 2008 and it’s still good as new, with lots of heavy use. I think the kennels pushing  over $500 to almost $1,000 like gunner & Dakota are a straight up rip off

[dreadi]

Gunner kennel.



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[salish]

Follow Maggie & dreadi, thank you for your suggestions.

[follow maggie]

Follow Maggie & dreadi, thank you for your suggestions.

 

[follow maggie]

I’m pretty sure this is the crate I have. It’s been a great purchase, has survived a lot years of rough use. It has thousands of miles bolted to the bed floor of my pick ups over the years & still works like it’s new It also came with a cover for the door, which it looks like they charge extra for now. I also insulated it with rigid foam & plywood to keep Maggie from eating the foam. It’s pretty expensive, though.

https://www.owens-pro.com/product/dog_box_all_k9_transport_series_single_compartment_various_sizes_adjustable_rear_air_vent

[salish]

I’m pretty sure this is the crate I have. It’s been a great purchase, has survived a lot years of rough use. It has thousands of miles bolted to the bed floor of my pick ups over the years & still works like it’s new It also came with a cover for the door, which it looks like they charge extra for now. I also insulated it with rigid foam & plywood to keep Maggie from eating the foam. It’s pretty expensive, though.

https://www.owens-pro.com/product/dog_box_all_k9_transport_series_single_compartment_various_sizes_adjustable_rear_air_vent

Thank you for providing the link. That version of it is actually less expensive than the Gunner kennels I've looked at, and I believe it's about the same price as the Lucky kennels.

[dreadi]

With as much as my wife and I went through to get our dog, I couldn’t bring myself to put her in anything less, anytime we are going for a ride somewhere. It’s safety aspects that sold me on getting her a Gunner.


BLACK HAMMER ARMS
Type 07 Class 2 NFA Dealer
http://www.blackhammerarms.com
https://www.Silencershop.com/blackhammerarms
http://www.facebook.com/blackhammerarms
https://www.instagram.com/blackhammerarms
GLOCK Certified Armourer

[salish]

 

With as much as my wife and I went through to get our dog, I couldn’t bring myself to put her in anything less, anytime we are going for a ride somewhere. It’s safety aspects that sold me on getting her a Gunner.


BLACK HAMMER ARMS
Type 07 Class 2 NFA Dealer
http://www.blackhammerarms.com
https://www.Silencershop.com/blackhammerarms
http://www.facebook.com/blackhammerarms
https://www.instagram.com/blackhammerarms
GLOCK Certified Armourer

[UplandSetter]

Salish I would give Ruffland kennels a look, as many have suggested. All the serious hunters out west I know who run serious bird dogs have had Ruffland kennels. They're strong, light when you need to take it in and out of the truck/car, and don't break the bank when compared to some of these other crates. If you're looking for a good jack of all trades definitely consider Ruffland.

[salish]

Salish I would give Ruffland kennels a look, as many have suggested. All the serious hunters out west I know who run serious bird dogs have had Ruffland kennels. They're strong, light when you need to take it in and out of the truck/car, and don't break the bank when compared to some of these other crates. If you're looking for a good jack of all trades definitely consider Ruffland.

Thanks. This is probably the kennel I'm going to go with.

[7mmBuckley]

I have a gunner1 large that hasn’t been used more than 3 times for sale for $500. My loss is someone’s gain.