Dog crates are a fantastic tool for training a pup and enabling the puppy to have its little sanctuary or safe place. Crates are great for house training and prevention of destructive behavior, which dogs are pretty well known for!
Not only for puppies, but the crate is also utilized for all dogs to keep them confined when the need arises. If you intend to travel with a dog, then taking the crate with you is an ideal way to keep the dog safe and secure when in an unknown location.
If you can take the dog’s belongings, it will feel right at home no matter where you are. This is comforting for the dog and peace of mind for the dog owner.
Taking a collapsible dog crate with you is only as simple as knowing how to collapse the dog crate and then how to erect it again once at your destination. Collapsible crates are adaptable and favorable for those on the move with their canine companions.
How To Collapse A Dog Crate
Type of Crate
Folding Wire Dog Crate
The wire crates are very popular, as they come in many different sizes. They are open, so you can easily keep an eye on your dog – plus, the dog can see out and don’t feel too restricted. It is well-ventilated, which is essential if the weather is warm.
The wire crate can be folded for traveling and is relatively light-weight. Also, you can put a divider in a wire crate for when the puppy is small and then remove it as the dog grows.
Plastic Dog Crate
Plastic crates are suitable for small to medium size dogs. They have gaps so the dog can see out, but not so open as a wire crate. 
This can be an advantage if the dog is nervous and likes a bit more privacy. Plastic crates are light-weight but can prove to be bulky if traveling with one.
Soft-Sided Dog Crate
The soft-sided crate is excellent for traveling as it is light-weight and easy to fold up.
However, this crate is not recommended for the first stages of puppy training as the puppy will scratch and chew the canvas or nylon material that this crate is made of. This type of crate is for small to medium-sized dogs and is best for an already crate-trained dog.
Heavy Duty Dog Crate
If you have a large dog, this crate is for you—a big strong steel crate for a big strong dog. Knowing your dog is safe and secure in one of these metal beds and your house is free from destruction is the reassurance any dog owner needs. This is a heavier crate but is still collapsible.
Furniture Dog Crate
Are you looking for something bespoke? This could be your answer. Furniture crates are also known as Fashion crates. A Furniture crate can double as a piece of furniture, such as a credenza, a table, cabinet, desk, or seat, with the dog crate built underneath. These are usually made of wood and can be constructed to fit the size of the dog.
With the construction being wood, it would probably be best not for a new puppy, as they do like to chew, and wood can be great for their teething antics – but not so good for the furniture! As this is a robust and more permanent type of bed, it is not collapsible.
Clean the Crate First
When you collapse the dog crate, this is a prime opportunity to give it a clean while disassembling. This can be done using warm water with a soft cloth. As all the latches and catches need to be undone, you can get the fabric in there to clean out any hidden areas that you couldn’t get to when the crate was in its static position.
Ensure you remove all of the dog’s toys and any pieces of food or anything left in the bed. The water and food bowls will also need to be removed, and it will be an opportune time to give these a cleaning too.
Any bedding – blankets, comfort pad, towels, etc. – need to be taken out. Having washed these will be so satisfying once you are putting everything back in the lovely clean crate!
When cleaning the crate, the bottom liner can be removed and should slide out from one end.
Collapsing the Crate
If you have an Owners’ Manual for the crate, you should consult regarding your particular crate’s collapsing. Some models will have different instructions to others.
Ensure the doors to the crate are shut and latched correctly, as they would be if the dog were inside.
The end panels (the short sides) of the crate need to be folded inwards first, so find the tabs that attach the end pieces to the top of the crate. Push the top down slightly, which should allow you to release the latches of these tabs. Do the same with the tabs connecting the end panel to the front and back panels.
Lift the top slightly, and you should then be able to fold the end panels down inside the crate. The two long side panels and the top panel should then collapse down with the top to one side. The top panel can then be folded over so on top of the other panels. This can then all be latched together so as not to fall apart when being lifted.
Bottom Line
Dog Crates can be convenient for containing your dog both at home and while you are away. But it would be best if you never left your dog in the crate for extended periods. This isn’t fair to your pet.
When away somewhere which is not familiar to your dog, you need to ensure they are safe and not wander off as they are like children and can become disorientated in unfamiliar territory. Therefore, if you can keep your dog in a suitable crate while in this foreign place – unless you have it on a leash, then the crate can be a lifesaver!
Suppose you have no choice but to put the dog in the crate for longer than usual. In that case, you must ensure it has an ideal amount of exercise before the containment and that they have ample food and water, and perhaps a toy to keep them occupied as well, so they remain calm and contents.
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