Top 7 Indestructible and Escape Proof Dog Cages – Our 2020 Picks
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- Last Updated on: January 20, 2020
What makes a great “no escape” kennel your pets will love and that won’t make them suffer from unnecessary anxiety?
It needs to be strong, durable and heavy enough to withstand any escape attempt. But, it also needs to be comfortable and spacious enough to allow your pets to remain confined for a longer period of time (for example if you are traveling).
Just like with all other equipment, the market is oversaturated with various brands and models of so-called chew-proof and inescapable cages that can’t live up to the task. It can be really challenging to find one that will genuinely suit the needs of your dog, especially if you don’t know a lot about these items. Read our review guidlines for best heavy duty dog crates, and find everything that you need to know before purchasing one of them.
By the time you read this article, you will know everything you need to make a decision and your pet will love you for it. Make to see our top 11 crates for 2020 overall.
Read on!
Our 7 Top Rated Heavy Duty Crates For Dogs
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | |
|---|---|---|---|
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Top Choice
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Guardian Gear Top Choice |
✓ Durable thick steel construction ✓ Rust-resistant ✓ Great for large and medium dogs ✓ Grated floor tray ✓ Removable caster wheels |
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|
Collapsible
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Impact Collapsible |
✓ Space-saving design ✓ Durable anti-corrosion construction ✓ Plenty of ventilation ✓ No harmful toxins or chemicals ✓ Easy to assemble |
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|
Four Wheels
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LUCKUP Four Wheels |
✓ Steel frame ✓ Easy to assemble ✓ Features tray ✓ Multiple locks ✓ Suitable for indoor and outdoor use |
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|
Empire
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PARPET Empire |
✓ Escape-proof construction ✓ Slide-out tray ✓ Rust resistant ✓ 360-degree rotating wheels ✓Removable Wheels |
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|
Large Dogs
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SMONTER Large Dogs |
✓ Two separate trays ✓ Easy to assemble ✓ Square pipe provides a firm base ✓ Affordable |
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|
Open Top
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Homey Pet Open Top |
✓ Strong design ✓ Non-toxic finish surface ✓ Easy to clean ✓ Airy and spacious |
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|
Two Door
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SmithBuilt Two Door |
✓ Affordable price ✓ Two-door design ✓ Rolling casters for portability ✓ Detachable metal pan ✓ 360-degree visibility |
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Guardian Gear ProSelect Empire Dog Cage
Next up is the Guardian Gear Empire, made by ProSelect – it’s one of the most robust crates on today’s market, designed to keep even the most aggressive or anxious canines safely contained.
It weighs 15.2 pounds and has the dimensions of 37″ x 25.3″ x 33.8″. Unlike the plastic cages which are prone to your pup’s chewing, this thing is guaranteed to stop every escape artist from achieving his goal. The crate is very spacious and can easily accommodate canines of all breeds and sizes – it’s one of the model’s main selling points.
The construction quality of this model deserves only words of praise. Every stress point on its surface has undergone some heavy duty welding, so there’s no need to worry about breaking on bumpy roads. Furthermore, the crate’s corners are rounded off, preventing the possibility of accidental cuts. It is also rust-resistant.
When it comes to safety, we were pleased to find a couple of sturdy latches on the frontal door. They sport the strength of the steel tubing, preventing the dog from unlocking them in any possible way. Cleaning-wise, the ProSelect Empire comes with a removable steel tray which makes keeping the product clean a real breeze.
Even though the crate model is large and heavy, transporting it is a piece of cake. The thing that makes this possible is the inclusion of removable caster wheels – one only has to push or pull the object to move it from one place to another.
When it comes to downsides, we didn’t like the price tag of ProSelect Empire – it is among the most expensive heavy duty steel dog cages on the market. Therefore, it’s not really suitable for the budget-minded shoppers.
In our opinion, the ProSelect Empire is a perfect choice for the owners of strong, large dogs that always easily escape from conventional crates. This model is guaranteed to effortlessly handle every escape attempt of your four-legged companion.
Impact Dog Crate Collapsible Model
As one of the most expensive models we’ve reviewed so far, manufactured by Grain Valley has a construction quality that justifies its price. This is an exceptional piece of pet equipment, and one that undoubtedly deserves a more in-depth look – let’s do it together!
This crate is a fully collapsible model – it takes just a couple of second to collapse it to a height of mere 8 inches! When we combine this with the IATA compliant certificate and the lightweight build, we get a model that’ sports high portability and is very easy to store away.
Another space-saving feature here is that the crate features stacking corners – one can easily stack multiple Grain Valley crates together.
When it comes to security measures, the kennel comes with the so-called “slam” latch, turning the crate into a self-closing model. The combination of aluminum and stainless steel as the primary build materials are guaranteed to provide your pet with the necessary amount of security during the car rides. Another thing worth mentioning is that the model is rust resistant, removing the need to avoid rain and wet conditions.
The ventilation, on the other hand, is solved by the addition of a generous number of holes in each side of the crate. Their purpose is to promote extra air flow and allow the owner to use the cage on warm days. The heat can also cause evaporation of toxic materials, but that’s not something you need to worry about with this model – no harmful chemicals were used during its manufacture.
On the downside, this crate doesn’t come with a detachable tray. This will present an issue for the owners of dogs prone to accidents. The model is also quite expensive, but we certainly didn’t expect a low price for a crate with such a great design and construction quality.
For the price that it comes at, this model certainly offers a lot – it’s one of the best indestructible crates we’ve had the opportunity to test so far. As such, we can do nothing else but give it our sincere recommendation.
LUCKUP Escape Proof Dog Crate
Offering premium quality, the LUCKUP heavy duty dog crate is specially designed for medium-sized and large breeds. If you are dealing with a big, energetic, and aggressive pet, then you’ll need kennel a bit stronger, than a standard unit.
Therefore, the LUCKUP cage might be your next pick. The 43-inch model will be spacious enough to accommodate your pet’s needs.
This kennel comes equipped with a steel frame constriction, which sets it apart from the competition. The manufacturer uses spray paint technology, which prevents rust and corrosion or the tubes.
The enclosure features slide-out tray made of elastic material, while the grated floor allows urine and other residue pass below in the tray. For that reason, it’s very convenient for messy dogs. You can take out the tray and clean it in a few minutes.
The wheels are universal and can be rotated 360 degrees. They feature a lock mechanism so that you can stop them at any time.
Additionally, the unit contains three types of doors, designed for various purposes. The front door ensures a perfect way to let your dog in and out of the crate. On the other hand, there is a small door in the front which you can use to provide your pet with food and water.
Finally, the door located on the top is fixed to offer a quick escape route, for whatever reason. A great thing about LUCKUP is that it can be assembled in just five minutes.
Overall, the new LUCKUP dog kennel will be perfect for transporting your pet over long distances, while the safety mechanism prevents his escape.
PARPET Empire Heavy Duty Crate
The PARPET Empire crate was built to test the ultimate performance and strength of your canine. The reinforced steel tubing makes the construction of this cage literally indestructible, so it can stand up to even to the most powerful dogs.
The surface is coated with the powder finish, which prevents dogs from hurting themselves. On the other hand, the bars are placed with enough space to offer your pooch plenty of ventilation and fresh air.
This crate features front slide-bolt latches which prevent any escape attempts. In this case, you will offer your pooch a secure and reliable environment while you are away. The front door features two deadbolts, while the security latches are made of heavy-duty steel.
A lot of time our pets tend to get messy, so we need a kennel that offers a convenient cleaning solution. The PARPET comes with a slide-out tray, which makes it quite easy to clean.
On the other hand, four removable wheels can lock in place or swivel is you plan to move the cage. Therefore, it’s ideal for indoor or outdoor use. Additionally, if you often travel with your pooch, the PARPET is a great way to secure him inside the car.
For pet parents who are looking for premium quality, and are ready to pay the price, the PARPET is an excellent option for heavy duty dog crate.
SMONTER Heavy Duty Metal Dog Cage
The structural and attractive design is what sets apart SMONTER escape proof dog crate from its competition. It comes equipped with a heavy steel frame which can uphold even the most energetic breeds. Also, the metal construction is coated with rust and corrosion resistant material, designed to last.
The SMONTER has two doors, one on the top panel, and one at the front side of the kennel. Doors feature double locks, meaning that lock-picking pooches will have a hard time escaping. The bottom of this cage has two plastics slide-out trays instead of one, so you can easily clean anything your dog has left behind.
Additionally, SMONTER can be quite convenient for traveling because you can remove or lock the caster wheels, and it is airplane-proof. The bars are appropriately aligned to offer your pooch plenty of air and improve ventilation.
The bottom line, within this price range, the SMONTER dog crate comes as the highly recommended solution. It will keep your pet secure, while you are out finishing your errands, or having a hectic day at work.
HomeyPet 49" Stackable Strong Metal Dog Crate
Dog kennels are pretty big things, and even small ones can take quite a lot of space in your home. However, this might not be a problem for pet parents with small dogs, but for those who keep large breeds.
However, suitable size and heavy-duty construction have made 49” Stackable a favorite among dog owners. It features steel bars which are impossible to penetrate. They are coated with a powdery finish to prevent your pooch from damaging his teeth or skin.
Additionally, this kennel has an excellent anti-rust ability, which makes it ideal for outdoor use. It features three types of different doors, designed for multiple purposes. Small door upfront is quite convenient for water and food, while the top door provides a quick escape route.
They are equipped with the double chain lock, and the all-metal design makes it nearly impossible for your pooch to get out. The 49” Stackable has a slide-out tray, which is quite convenient and easy to clean. The plastic floor grid features the small hole, leaving the cage clean, while the residue goes into the tray.
We should point out this crate contains 360-degree rotating wheels with casters, which makes it comfortable to manipulate and move around. On top of that, you can assemble the entire unit in a couple of minutes.
Once we consider price and quality this product provides, you are getting an excellent barging. The cage will offer your pooch the maximum comfort while you are away.
SmithBuilt Heavy Duty Dog Kennel
SmithBuilt is one of the most renowned manufacturers of extra strong metal dog crates – they’re well-known for the comfort and security of their models. Those looking for a reasonably priced heavy duty dog crate should consider their newest product, the SmithBuilt Heavy, as it offers good construction quality, a convenient 2-door design, and a removable pan for easy cleaning.
Unlike the cheaper kennels, the SmithBuilt Heavy comes with an ultra-durable and multi-layered finish which is resistant to corrosion and fading. It has a very attractive design and offers 360-degree visibility to the dog, as well as the optimal airflow. The use of premium materials in its construction makes it one of the top choices in its price category.
One thing we like about this model is that it comes with two separate doors. There’s the top door, which the owner can use for feeding his pet, as well as the front door that provides the canine with easy access to the interior. The front door has two slide-bolt latches, providing your pooch with the necessary safety and security.
The SmithBuilt Heavy is also equipped with a removable metal pan. It is made out of long-lasting, high-quality material that’s very easy to wash and keep clean. Furthermore, its flooring pieces won’t retain stains or odor, allowing your pet to stay healthy and clean at all times.
Another thing we liked about this crate is that it comes with four rolling casters. As you can already guess, these provide maximum portability and allow the owner to move the object inside and outside the house quickly.
When it comes to disadvantages, we didn’t like that the top door has only one latch, unlike the frontal one which has two. Escape artist dogs could exploit this error and successfully make their escape. Moreover, the steel used for the model’s construction isn’t really of the highest quality, but it should serve the purpose.
If you’re on a tight budget but still need an escape proof kennel for your pup, definitely take SmithBuilt Heavy into consideration. It’s a reliable model with useful features that easily put it above the competition.
How Dogs Typically Escape Standard Crates
Unfortunately, our canine friends find escaping from standard crates incredibly easy. To even have a chance at keeping them inside, the owners need to understand how their four-legged friends manage to escape in the first place.
There are endless variations, so we’re going to focus only on the three most common methods – chewing, manipulation of the latch, and the brute force.
Chewing on Connectors
Most of the regular wire crates come with metal connectors – their purpose is to keep the door mounted correctly and the sides connected with each other. Unfortunately, these connectors are often very flimsy, so it’s not a problem for the dogs to mangle them with their teeth and simply escape through the opening afterward. Remember, dogs can chew through almost anything, especially softer materials.
Manipulating the Latch
If you own an intelligent dog, he’ll probably figure out how to escape from a cage sooner or later. One possible way is by manipulating the latch mechanism. His initial attempts to do such a thing might seem random and clumsy, but after some time, he’ll learn how the whole thing works and unlock the crate’s door with remarkable speed.
Brute Force
On the other hand, some dogs will simply use brute force to bend apart the door bars. After a bit of mouth-work, they will push their heads between the metal bars and use muscles and mass to bend them and fit their bodies through.
Pups often combine these techniques to achieve freedom. Don’t expect your pooch to give up easily – he has enough energy, time, and drive to get out.
Recommended reading: How to Keep Your Dog From Escaping Their Crate?
Important Things to Consider Before Buying
When it comes to considering which features to look for when buying a heavy pet crate, the things are a bit more complicated than with the regular kennels. Take the following factors into account:
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Size
Although it’s the most important one, size is actually a very simple factor. Bigger is always better, except in case you intend to use the crate while traveling. If you do; then try to purchase a model that’s only a couple of inches longer than your canine friend. Check out our in-depth crate size analysis here.
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Material
There are three most common materials used – steel, aluminum, and wood. The steel ones are the most durable and an excellent option for the aggressive dogs. The aluminum kennels are a bit lighter but equally as durable, while the wooden ones look the best but aren’t as safe as the two previous versions. For smaller and not aggressive dogs check top soft-sided crates.
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Portability
Most models come with wheels – they are mandatory. Some models don’t, and we advise you to avoid them as moving them around is a real hassle, especially if you travel often. Crates with wheels will allow you to easily transport your pooch no matter the circumstances. For the less portable solution, you might as well go with an outdoor kennel or a good quality playpen.
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Resistance to Rust
Another critical factor is the resistance to rust. Try to find a model that has a protective layer of special paint that gives it a necessary immunity to rust. With such a model, you won’t have to worry when the crate is exposed to elements.
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Easiness of Entering/Exiting
Make sure that your dog’s new kennel has a large door that allows easy access to the interior. The door needs to be easy to open and close, as well as to stay tight and secure once it’s closed.
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Easiness of Cleaning
Models with removable trays are the easiest to clean – it’s as simple as that. Make sure to get one if you want to be done with the chore of cleaning as quickly as possible.
Learn more: What’s the Best Way to Clean a Dog Crate?
Conclusion
As you can see, using an escape-proof pet crate comes with a lot of benefits, for both the pooch and his owner. This is especially pronounced if you always bring your canine friend with you when you’re traveling – a quality crate will provide the pet with safe and comfortable space in the car and other vehicles.
Furthermore, using a cage for a longer period will turn this object into a significant part of everyday life of your pet. It can quickly become the dog’s soothing space, a calm retreat which he can visit whenever he wants to. He’ll use it whenever he’s afraid, stressed, or tired – it will become a haven that belongs only to him and nobody else.
Dogs who are sick or have suffered a severe injury can also greatly benefit. Being able to keep your injured dog confined will undoubtedly give you the necessary peace of mind, and it will also prevent the pet from accidentally hurting himself and complicating his condition even further.
Because of these and other benefits, we have decided to put the market’s most popular models on a test. We took a closer look at each model’s construction quality, level of comfort, easiness of cleaning, accessibility, level of ventilation, portability, value for the money, and other features.
Our short but informative reviews should help you select a perfect heavy duty crate for your dog that will suit the needs of your pup in every way.
If we had to choose a winner, however, that would undoubtedly be Guardian Gear ProSelect. Although it comes at a higher price, it is, simply, one of the best products of this type on today’s market. We recommend it!
The post Top 7 Indestructible and Escape Proof Dog Cages – Our 2020 Picks appeared first on Woof Dog.
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