Crate training is one of the most popular methods of dog training. It can be a huge help with house training, and when done properly your dog will likely enjoy being in his crate very much. But, the first step to proper crate training is finding the right crate for your pup. Could the Midwest iCrate Folding Metal Dog Crate be right for your canine companion?
Metal dog crates are typically the type that most people think of, and it's safe to say they are the most popular type of crate used by dog owners. However, they aren't the only option out there. Choosing the right crate for your dog isn't easy, so it's best to do your research on the types of crates available and which may be the best choice for your Fido.
If you've settled on a metal wire crate, the Midwest iCrate Folding Metal Dog Crate is one of the best-selling options on the market. I recommend these types of crates for puppies and dogs that chew. They're also a good fit for dogs that like to have full visibility while in a crate.
Let's take a look at the features that this crate offers so you can decide if it's a good option to meet your needs. I'll explain the pros and cons of the crate, as well as give you information about the many sizes and features available.
TRAINING TIPS: Crate Training A Puppy – 20 Easy Crate Training Tricks
Midwest iCrate Folding Metal Dog Crate Review
Midwest is the most popular manufacturer of metal dog crates. As I mentioned, the Midwest iCrate Folding Metal Dog Crate is available in a variety of sizes. Each size is available in single- and double-door options, and they all come with a divider that allows you to adjust the size of the crate as your pup grows.
Available sizes are:
- 18″ crate – 18″L X 12″W X 14″H
- 22″ crate – 22″L X 13″W X 16″H
- 24″ crate – 24″L X 18″W X 19″H (this is the size featured in my review)
- 30″ crate – 30″L X 19″W X 21″H
- 36″ crate – 36″L X 23″W X 25″H
- 42″ crate – 42″L X 28″W X 30″H
- 48″ crate – 48″L X 30″W X 33″H
In order to measure your dog properly for a crate, you'll need measure his height from the floor to the highest point of his head and his length from the tip of his nose to the base of his tail.
Add 2″ to each of these measurements and then find a crate that is at least those dimensions. You can also find precise measuring instructions for this crate on the Midwest Homes For Pets website. As a side note, the company has a great reputation among pet owners, and several of their options were ranked among the best dog crates of all time.
For example, if your dog measures 27″ long and 15″ tall, you'll want a crate that measures at least 29″ long and 17″ high. In the case of the Midwest iCrate Folding Metal Dog Crate, you'd want the 30″ crate noted above.
These crates feature a collapsible design and are less than 4 inches high when folded flat.
They also feature slide-bolt latches that are very secure. As I demonstrate in my video review above, you have to slide the latch through the bolt and then you can fold the latch down so the handle is flat against the side of the crate. This makes it nearly impossible for your dog to get the latches open on his own.
The corners of the crate are rounded, and the segments are welded together with smooth welds. There is nothing that your dog could scratch himself on, unless he is extremely destructive and manages to break the welds or snap the wires.
The Midwest iCrate Folding Metal Dog Crate also has rubber ‘roller' feet underneath, which you can see in my video review. This prevents the metal from scratching your floors. It is also equipped with a handle for easy carrying and a lock that prevents it from unfolding while you're carrying it.
One thing to mention is the weight of this crate. My small 24″ model only weighs 14-pounds, but the larger 48″ option weighs 43 pounds. While the smaller models will be easy to take along while traveling, it may be more difficult for some pet owners to carry around the larger models.
The Midwest iCrate Folding Metal Dog Crate is a great option for puppies. Just do a bit of research about the average full-grown size of your dogs' breed and purchase a crate accordingly. You can use the included divider to make the crate smaller for your puppy and then adjust the divider as Fido grows.
Plus, it comes with a leak-proof plastic pan for easy cleaning in case your puppy has an accident. As you'll see in my video review, the pan easily slides out through the bottom of the crate for easy cleaning.
RELATED: How To Choose the Right Size Dog Crate – A Quick Video Guide
Now, while I wouldn't recommend the Midwest iCrate Folding Metal Dog Crate for destructive dogs or escape artists, it is a great choice for pretty much any other canine. You can put a bed or blankets in the bottom to make it a bit more comfortable, as the hard plastic bottom won't be very comfy for your pooch to sleep on.
As far as pricing is concerned, this crate is an excellent value in my opinion! Obviously the price depends on the size of the crate you need and whether you choose the one- or two-door option. The Midwest iCrate Folding Metal Dog Crate varies in price from $15.99 to $77.99 on Amazon at the time of this review.
This is a great price for a dog crate of this style. Many brands are more expensive than this, and some similar crates are made with thinner wire and have larger spaces between the wire. This makes the crate less sturdy, but they still sell for a similar or more expensive price.
We have a Midwest iCrate Folding Metal Dog Crate for our Labrador Saddie, and we actually bought it 11 years ago for a Boxer puppy that we had at the time. We've used the crate for 3 puppies since we purchased it, and we've also loaned it to friends to use with their pups from time to time. I'm happy to say the iCrate is still going strong, and we'll probably have it for at least a few more pups in the future!
READ NEXT: 11 Tips On How To Use Dog Crates Safely
