This review delves into the features, performance, and value of the MidWest Homes for Pets Double-Door Crate, offering insights for prospective buyers and current dog owners. The crate was purchased several months ago and has since become a reliable part of the household, providing a comfortable and secure space for a growing Labradoodle. Its ease of setup and user-friendly design were immediately apparent, making the transition for the puppy into her new space a positive experience.
Initial Setup and Puppy Acclimation
The crate’s assembly process is straightforward, requiring minimal effort to set up, including the insertion of a divider. This feature is particularly useful for accommodating a growing puppy, allowing the crate size to be adjusted as needed. The puppy showed immediate comfort and willingness to enter and exit the crate, indicating a stress-free introduction to her new den. This initial positive association is crucial for establishing a crate as a safe haven rather than a place of confinement.
Durability and Performance After Several Months
After several months of consistent use, the crate has proven to be remarkably durable. For dogs that are not prone to chewing or separation anxiety, this crate holds up exceptionally well. The paint remains intact, with no signs of chipping, and all components are still in excellent condition.
Positive Aspects:
- Generous Size: The crate offers ample space for a large and growing dog, such as a Labradoodle, even when weighing over 50 pounds. This ensures the dog has enough room to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
- Ease of Assembly and Disassembly: The crate can be easily put together and taken apart, which is convenient for storage or transport.
- Functional Door: The double-door design allows for flexible placement and easy access, with the door swinging open smoothly.
- Dog’s Acceptance: The dog has readily accepted the crate as her personal space, sleeping in it every night and often choosing to rest inside even when the door is open. This acceptance is a testament to the crate’s comfortable and secure design.
Areas for Improvement:
- Sharp Door Edges: As noted by other users, the cut bars on the top of the door can be sharp and may cause minor scratches. This is a potential safety concern that owners should be aware of.
- Noise Level: The bottom of the crate and the plastic tray can be noisy when the dog moves around. Placing a rug underneath or a fleece blanket on the tray can help mitigate this.
- Latch Mechanism: Occasionally, the lower latch may require a slight push to fully engage. This is a minor inconvenience that can be easily managed.
- Handle Comfort: The plastic handles can be hard on the hands, especially during transport. Adding rubber covers or using handles from an older crate can significantly improve comfort.
Practical Considerations and Customization
The crate’s design facilitates easy assembly and disassembly, which is a significant advantage for pet owners who may need to move or store it. While it can be slightly heavy to carry, it remains manageable for transport, fitting comfortably in the trunk of a standard sedan like an older Buick LeSabre. To enhance comfort, the owner has created a padded bed for the dog, further softening the interior and making it more inviting. For owners with dogs prone to destructive chewing or severe separation anxiety, a more heavy-duty crate might be a better option. However, for well-adjusted dogs like Daisy, this crate provides a perfectly suitable and secure environment.
Conclusion
The MidWest Homes for Pets Double-Door Crate is a commendable choice for dog owners seeking a durable, spacious, and easy-to-use enclosure. Despite minor drawbacks such as sharp door edges and potential noise, its overall performance, ease of use, and the positive acceptance by the dog make it a worthwhile investment. The crate offers a dedicated and comfortable space for a dog, promoting a sense of security and belonging. Based on the positive experience and the dog’s continued contentment, this crate is recommended and would be purchased again.
