A dog crate is a metal, wire, plastic, or fabric enclosure with a door in which a dog may be kept for security or transportation. For best results in using crates, crate training is recommended.

• There are many types of crates, and variations within the types:

• FOR YOUR HOME, WE RECOMMEND PURCHASING A WIRE CRATE (pictured on right). Wire crates come in all different sizes. We recommend a medium to large crate that is foldable and has a divider. Make sure to put a towel, pad, or soft blanket in the crate so that your German Shepherd puppy can lie down comfortably. We also recommend covering the back part of the crate at least halfway with a sheet.

• Solid plastic crates are usually more suitable than other types for secure travel, such as in an airplane. They might also be safer in a car accident than other types. Disadvantages are that they take up a lot of space and do not fold for storage.

• Aluminum crates can be either fixed or folding. A few of their advantages are: light weight, very strong when constructed with appropriate bracing, will not rust, excellent airflow & vision for the dog, appealing looks compared to wire crates. Aluminum crates are suitable for use at veterinary hospitals, car travel, as a permanent “den” for your dog inside the home and in breeding kennel environments.

• Soft crates can always be easily folded for storage or transport and are lightweight. They provide your dog with a stronger sense of security but still allow visibility and airflow. They cannot be used with dogs who are likely to dig or chew at the crate, and they are unsuitable for transporting dogs in any type of vehicle. Dog tents are a new alternative to soft crates. They offer many of the same advantages (and disadvantages) of soft crates but fold down to an even smaller size and are ultra lightweight so that they can be stuffed into tent bags and taken virtually anywhere. They make ideal enclosures for people who need to pack their soft crates into cramped vehicles or suitcases or for people who hike, camp or are involved in dog sports. Like soft crates, they are not suitable for puppies, dogs who are not housebroken, or for vehicle travel.