Top Dog Kennels

The three top dog kennels for pet owners are fairly easy to identify in reviews across the web: Life Stages Dog Crates, Petmate Pet Carriers, and Lucky Dog outdoor kennels.  Each one has its merits, depending on the purpose for containing a dog.  A fourth kennel, Mr. Herzher’s Deluxe Pet Residence, is less well known, but also highly reviewed by buyers.    It is the crème de la crème of indoor kennels, and will appeal mainly to the luxury market. All of the top dog kennels met owners’ basic requirements of safety, sturdiness, and ease of cleaning.

Life Stages Dog Crates

Life Stages Dog Crates look like large bird cages – they are made of metal, and the cage part sits in a plastic pan. The corners are rounded so you won’t hurt yourself setting it up or bumping into it. You can buy a canvas cover for use outside, but they are best used inside when you are crating your dog at night or during the day when no one is home. Dog owners love them because there are several models that come with two doors (front and side), which makes it much easier to put a dog in and out of the crate. The crate can be folded entirely flat when it is not in use. And there is a divider you can put in the crate to make the living space smaller for a puppy. As the puppy grows you can move the divider to make the space larger. There were a few negative reports, however. Some customers found them flimsy. And some dogs, particularly puppies (who chew everything), were able to chew through the metal. Most models cost between $30.00 and $70.00.

Petmate Pet Carriers

Lucky Dog Outdoor Kennels

Lucky Dog kennel buyers are looking for a kennel to keep dogs outside in a yard.  There are several manufacturers of outdoor kennels, but dog owners who chose Lucky Dog kennels seem happiest.  These kennels are made of welded wire with a rust resistant finish.  They come in several configurations and run up to 6 feet high.  They range in price from $70.00 to $340.00. There are also optional roof systems and weather covers available.  Some customers complained about the flimsiness of the metal ties that attach the chain link to the frame – and suggested replacing them with heavier-duty ties which can be bought at a hardware store.  Happy customers report that they are very easy to assemble, have lasted through the severest of winters and rainy seasons, and sport foolproof latches. One worried dog owner expressed her relief that the kennel was as good at keeping her dogs in as keeping her neighborhood coyotes out.

Mr. Herzher’s Deluxe Pet Residence

For people who value form over function, the luxury pet kennel industry has several expensive models available, some of which can also serve as an end table or ottoman.  But, hands-down, the most popular luxury model dog kennel is Mr. Herzher’s Deluxe Residence, a wicker and sold wood beauty that sits on 4 wooden feet about 1 inch above the ground.  The kennel comes in four sizes – small to extra-large – and retails from $209.90 plus shipping to $439.95 with shipping included.  Most customers bought an additional crate pad to protect the kennel floor, and raved about Mr. Herzher’s ease of assembly.   They chose the kennel, they said, because the natural materials looked great in the living room and were healthier for their dogs to be around.

Crating a dog is an excellent way to keep him happy and safe.  There are many types of crates and cages on the market in a range of prices.  Before you spend money to buy an inferior product, take the time to read customer reviews to be sure the crate is well-suited to your dog’s size and temperament and fits into your space and lifestyle.  Begin your research with the top dog kennels above and - to you and your dog – happy digging!