How Do the Life Stages Single Door Crate and iCrate Compare?

We wrote two previous entries about the differences between the iCrate and Life Stages crates and the iCrate and Life Stages Double Door crates. You may want to check out those articles also. This article completes the series goes into more detail about the differences between the single door versions of the iCrate and Life Stages crates.

In short, model for model, although they are designed for similar situations, the Life Stages crates are heavier than the comparable iCrate and they feel more substantial when compared side-by-side.

Life Stages Single Door Dog Crate Compared to the iCrate

And now for the numbers. The table below lists each of the double door models available and provides some significant statistics. The crates are listed side-by-side for models starting at 22".

The iCrate Double Door and the Life Stages Double Door Seem Similar - What's the Difference?

We wrote a previous entry about the differences between the iCrate and Life Stages crates and you may want to check out that article first. This article goes into more detail about the differences between the double door versions of the iCrate and Life Stages crates.

Our opinion is that the Life Stages crate is a tougher and more durable product, and that the differences are significant beyond how they appear on paper. For example, the wire pieces that hold the crate together (they clip over the top and sides at the front and back) are much longer on the Life Stages crate.

Our experience is that this makes it much harder for a dog to exploit the folding mechanism and escape from the crate. If you think your dog may be a bit of a Houdini, we recommend the Life Stages model.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table, Double Door iCrate and Life Stages

And now for the numbers. The table below lists each of the double door models available and provides some significant statistics. The crates are listed side-by-side for models starting at 22".

I Need a Replacement Pan for my Midwest Crate, but How Do I Identify It?

Most likely this question is being asked because you are not sure which model crate you have. This is OK, since we should be able to identify the correct pan from finding out a few things about your crate.

The following information is required:

Crate Style: There are two basic types of crate style.

Folding Crates: These crates fold down without tools and without any disassembly. The panels are all joined together and the crate can be folded, but the panels can not be separated.

Drop Pin Crates: These crates do not fold down, but can be disassembled. They have long pins in the corner (called drop pins) that secure the panels together. In order to disassemble the crates, you must remove the pins and all the panels separate and come apart.

Outside Crate Dimensions: Obtain these measurements with your crate assembled and we need the outside measurements - imagine a box that fits over your crate.

Crate Length: This is the longest horizontal dimension.

Crate Width: This is the shorter of the horizontal measurements.

Crate Height: In a few cases, this is the only way to tell two different crates apart.

I Have the Information, What's Next?

Folding Crates: Select Pan by Folding Crate Size.
Note that there are special types of folding crates called “SUV Crates”.

Drop Pin Crates: Select Pan by Drop Pin Crate Size.
Note that there is a special category of drop pin crates called “Giant Crates”.

Can I Get a Replacement Pan for my Midwest Championship Collection 500, 600, or 700 Series?

The Midwest Championship Collection were folding dog crates available in a range of finishes and sizes. There are three basic series that were available: 500 Series Gold Finish, the 600 Series Bright Zinc Finish, and the 700 Series Black Electro-Coat Finish. The crates were available in sizes for dogs 11 - 110 lbs.

Championship Collection 500 Series	Championship Collection 600 Series	Championship Collection 700 Series
Model 506 36"L x 24"W x 28"H	Model 606DD 36"L x 24"W x 28"H	Model 710BK 48"L x 30"W x 35"H

The table below lists the Midwest Championship Collection Models, Dimensions and the Compatible Replacement Tray. Clicking on the pan link will take you to the correct product.

Click on the following link to see the range of pans available for the Midwest Championship Collection:

Replacement Pans for the Championship Collection

Can I Join Together More Than One Exercise Pen?

Midwest Exercise Pens are a great solution for containing your pet. They each have eight panels, each panel is 24" wide, making the panel sixteen (16) linear feet.

The panels are attached together using clips that function as hinges, allowing the panels to be folded back and forth into almost any shape you desire.

Eight Panels - Open Ended

The pen is open ended, which means that you can stretch it out for the full sixteen (16) feet. This makes the pen very flexible because you can deploy it into a number of shapes, and it allows you to clip two pens together.

How Do the Pens Attach Together?

Each of the Exercise Pens comes with four (4) slide clips that allow you to close the pen. Using these clips, you simply clip together as many pens as you need.

Three Styles, Five Sizes

Midwest Pens are available in three styles: Gold Zinc with Door, Black Electro Coat With Door, and Black Electro Coat Without Door. Each pen has eight 24"W panels and the pens vary in height by model from 24"H to 48"H.

Midwest Exercise Pens

Heavy Duty Dog Crates

This is a subject that comes up a lot. In many cases, a requirement for a heavy duty crate is due to behavioral, or owner issues rather than a problem with the crate. Dogs that are well socialized, exercised, and not kept in the crate for too long will, in general, be better behaved.

You may want to consider these issues prior to purchasing a heavy duty crate. The crates we sell are fit for purpose, but they are not indestructible and are intended to supplement a good crate and dog training regimen rather than fix a particular behavior problem.

Reasons for Wanting a Heavy Duty Model

There are still many reasons for you consider a heavy duty crate. Some dogs can become alarmed by a knock at the door, a thunderclap, or from another unexpected stimulation. Rescue dogs can carry trauma and require special handling.

The heaviest duty crate we currently carry is the Midwest Ultima Pro Heavy Duty Triple Door Folding Dog Crate.

The Ultima Pro is manufactured from heavier gauge wire equivalent to some of the older Midwest drop pin crate models. In addition, the spacing on the wire is closer together than on most of the other crates. It also features three doors, removable without tools, a divider panel, black ABS plastic pan, a crate training DVD, and fold and carry convenience.

Heavier and Stronger

To compare the Ultima Pro against the most commonly sold product - the iCrate Folding Dog Crates - the Ultima Pro is (in general) 50% heavier and the wire spacing is approximately 30% closer together. Both of these measurements contribute to the overall strength of the crate along with the heavier wire gauge.

For Dogs 11 - 110lbs

As usual, the Ultima Pro is available in a number of different models from the 724UP for dogs 11 -25lbs to the 748UP for dogs 91 - 110lbs. To view the Midwest Ultima Pro product, and to purchase one, just click on the link below.

Ultima Dog Crate

Can I Put Two Dogs in One Crate?

This question gets asked a lot, and the specific question and answer is below. The short answer is that you can put two dogs in one crate, but with extreme caution, and we do not recommend it in most cases.

The question and answer is specific to that person's circumstance, but you can adapt it for your situation. If you have any questions, contact us.

Question:

I have two Shichon puppies, 14 and 18lbs, will a 36inch crate be big enough for them, they like to be together, or should I get a 42?

Answer:

If you were buying a separate crate for dogs this size, we would recommend a 24 inch model which would be around 24"L x 18"W. A 36" Life Stages Double Door LS-1636DD crate is exactly twice this size at 36"L x 24"W, so there should be enough room for both dogs.

Whether you want to step up to a 42" crate really depends on your preference. For ease of use, the two door versions are normally better. The side door allows the dogs to enter the crate and turn to the left and right.

One note of caution when housing two dogs in the same crate: problems can sometimes occur - conflicts over resources such as food, water, or toys, or possibly over dominance. If you have any concerns about this (and we do advise caution) it may be worth getting a three door Select 1336TD,or Ultima Pro 736UP.

The advantage of the three door crate is this: if it becomes necessary to separate the dogs when crating them, the two end doors, combined with the divider panel allows you to split the crate into two. Otherwise, if you run into difficulties crating them together you would need to purchase two more crates.

Almost all of the crates feature Free Shipping (for some Western States, a small per-order surcharge will apply). Here are your options:

• All 36" Crate Models
• All 42" Crate Models
• Select 1300TD Series Triple Door (select appropriate size)
• Ultima Pro 700 Series Triple Door (select appropriate size)

We are now selling the professional-strength, Midwest Ultima Pro Dog Crates

MidwestPetProducts.com is now selling Dog Crate Covers in five sizes (24 - 48") and four colors - Blue Denim, Burgundy, Hunter Green and Khaki.

How the Divider Panel Saves You Money

We hear some "experts" out there advising you to buy a succession of crates for your dog as it grows from puppy to adult. The idea is that you get a crate just for the size of the dog as it grows.

They claim that this is necessary to prevent your dog from having enough room to sleep at one end of the crate and eliminate at the other end. So they want you to buy a whole bunch of dog crates.

We say: "What a waste of money!". Do you think the people giving you this advise are also selling dog crates? Our solution to this is the crate divider panel:

Midwest Life Stages Dog Crate Including Divider Panel		Divider Panel Shown Separately

The divider panel as shown with the "puppy" (above left) reduces the size of the crate when he/she is small. The divider panel can adjusted until your dog reaches its full-grown adult size in about 12 - 18 months.

So - one crate works for the puppy and the dog, which is why the divider panel saves you money.

The following folding dog crate models include a free divider panel:

Midwest iCrates
iCrate Single Door
iCrate Double Door

Midwest Life Stages Training and Travel Crates
Life Stages Single Door
Life Stages Double Door
Life Stages Ultima Triple Door

Ultima Pro Heavy Duty Crates
Ultima Pro Triple Door, Heavy Duty Dog Crate

The following models are available with a divider panel which is sold separately:

Midwest Giant Dog Crates
1154U Giant Dog Crate
Solutions Series SL54DD Giant Two Door Dog Crate

Conclusion: The divider panel allows you to buy the crate for the adult size of your dog, yet still allow it to be suitable for a puppy. This saves you time and money; a great investment!

Due to the continued level 3 snow emergency, please allow extra time to receive your package.

Midwest iCrate or Life Stages? What's The Difference? 

These crates are both folding wire dog crates in size for dogs 11 - 110 lbs that include both a divider panel and the ABS plastic pan. This leads many people to ask: "What's the difference between a Midwest iCrate and Life Stages dog crate?"

Midwest iCrate Dog Crate

Midwest Life Stages Dog Crate

iCrate vs. Life Stages Similarities

iCrate and Life Stages Folding Sequence

Midwest iCrate Double Door Dog Crate

Midwest Life Stages Double Door Dog Crate

• Fold and Carry Design
• Black E-Coat Finish
• Specified (by the manufacturer) as "Medium Strength"
• Include Free Divider Panel
• ABS Plastic Pan Included
• Same Wire Gauge
• Folds Without Tools
• Both Have Single and Two Door Forms

iCrate vs. Life Stages Differences

• Some iCrate Models (1518 - 1536) Are Narower and Lower Than the Life Stages
• The Wire Grid is Closer Together on the Life Stages
• The Bars Are Closer Together on the Life Stages
• The Life Stages Models are a Little Stonger and a Little Heavier

So, Which to Buy?

It really depends on your budget and preference. If you are price sensistive, or want a lighter product, then the iCrate is for you. If you prefer a stronger product and don't mind the extra weight, or spending a little more money, the Life Stages is for you.

Now you just have to decide which model is right for you:

• iCrate Single Door Dog Crate
• iCrate Double Door Dog Crate
• Life Stages Single Door Dog Crate
• Life Stages Double Door Dog Crate

We are experiencing an increased number of incidents of pans breaking in transit due to the cold weather. If your pan is damaged in transit, please contact us.

Extra Large - 48 Inch - Folding Dog Crates

We offer a range of folding extra large dog crates that can be confusing to some people. Although they all fold, the differences are in the strength, finish, number of doors and the country of manufacture.

iCrate 1548 Single Door Light duty, black electro-coat, single door (on the end)	iCrate 1548DD Double Door Light duty, black electro-coat, two door (end and side)
Life Stages 1648 Single Door Medium duty, black electro-coat, single door (on the end)	Life Stages 1648DD Double Door Medium duty, black electro-coat, two door (end and side)
Life Stages Ultima Triple Door Made in USA, heavy duty, galvanized, three door (each end and one side)	Select Triple Door Heavy duty, powder coated, three door (each end and one side)

They are made in China with the exception of the Life Stages Ultima LS-1648UL.

You can find all of our extra large dog crates on this page: Extra Large Folding Crates.

Coming in February

We will begin selling a full range of dog crate covers and adding to our vehicle pet barriers. Currently scheduled for February 16th, 2009.

Announcing MuttFence.com!

At MidwestPetProducts.com we take pride in providing indoor containment products for your pet. So, what to do to keep Fido in the yard? Announcing our latest site: MuttFence.com. Same great service: FREE shipping with 90% of our products shipping same or next day!
(Clicking the links will take you to MuttFence.com)

MuttFence.com

Get a dog fence from MuttFence.com. FREE shipping on wireless, electric and underground pet fences from Innotek and PetSafe. Receiver collars ship FREE 2nd day air! Same great service - in stock and ships same or next day.

Select: The Crate With Removable Doors

The Select 1300TD Series Dog Crates are heavy duty three door folding dog crates similar to the Life Stages Ultima crates. The difference is in the finish - the Select has a Pewter Flex Powder-coat finish - and that the select features removable doors

The doors are removable without tools, but only when fully open. This feature stops the doors from being removed while the dog is in the crate. Removable doors offer a great advantage for a dog that is full crate trained. Most dogs that are correctly crate trained willingly go to their crate since it offers a safe and secure place for the dog like their den in the wild. For the dog owner, it allows the best of both worlds: you can securely keep your pet in their crate when needed and at other times the dog can come and go as he/she pleases.

We think you will find the Midwest Select Dog Crate offers a unique and versatile solution for your pet containment needs.

Why Crate Train Your Dog?

Many people think that crate training is cruel, and is like incarceration. The truth is that crate training can help your dog be happy and content, or it can be a source of great distress and that depends on you, the dog owner and how you approach the task. Now, before we continue we have to tell you that we are not trained behaviorists and that you should seek advice from a trained professional.

So, Is Crate training Cruel?

In the wild, dogs will seek shelter in a secluded and safe place. Their life may depend on this. A safe and sheltered location will have a restricted entrance that is easily defended by the dog. In the wild we call this a den and in your home it is the dog crate. It is natural for your dog to seek shelter in this way.

If you do not provide a safe place for your dog, he will likely try to adopt a spot in the home that most closely matches the conditions he would find in the wild. She'll curl up in the corner, under a chair or table, desparate to find a safe place to snuggle up. Chances are that this won't be where you want your dog to stay.

A Midwest Dog Crate will be like home and properly used will be that den that your dog is looking for. Instinctively dogs will not eliminate in their den, so this aids housebreaking. As another bonus, your crate will keep your pet from using your furniture as a chew toy!

Do's and Don'ts

Do make your crate a nice comfortable place for your dog
Do take off all collars or tags to reduce the risk of entanglement
Do secure all latches
Do exercise your pet for at least 45 minutes per day
Do leave her fresh water every day
Don't keep him locked up for more than four hours at a time - come home and let him out
Don't leave your pet with toys or treats that could be a chocking hazard
Don't tolerate aggressive defensive behavior from your dog - some dogs can be "cage guarders"
Don't ever use the crate to discipline your dog

So that's it. A Midwest Dog Crate could be the best thing you do for your dog and your home.

Product Changes

It's all go here at MidwestPetProducts.com with some great new products arriving in February. The Canine Camper products are being revamped, along with the Vehicle Barriers.

Two Door Canine Campers

First the bad news: we no longer sell the Canine Camper. Now the good news - it has been replaced with the Two Door Canine Camper and the price is exactly the same. Now you get two door versatility for the same great price as the single door Canine Camper.

Canine Camper Day Tripper

We couldn't leave you without a single door Canine Camper, so we are proud to announce the Canine Camper Day Tripper. This pop-up tent crate has all the features you love in the Canine Camper and comes with an attractive tan finish. Even better news is that they are little less expensive than the old Canine Camper model.

13N Vehicle Barrier

We know how much fun it is driving around with your dog. We have a couple of dogs that like nothing more than to go for a truck ride. Up the street, around the corner or on a road trip - they don't care as long they're on board. We know that safety for you and your pets is your top priority, so we offer Vehicle Barriers to keep your pets in place in your vehicle while you travel.

We used to offer two type of Vehicle Barriers - the Midwest Vehicle Barrier 14N or 15N. With these models, you needed to select the correct barrier for your vehicle. Now we have one model that replaces the both the 14N and 15N

Annnouncing the Midwest Vehicle Barrier 13N. The 13N has all the fetures of the 14N and 15N, but can be as small as the 14N or as big as the 15N meaning it truly is a one size fits all barrier. So, whether you have a Chevrolet Tahoe, or a Subaru Forrester, you'll find the Midwest 13N a great solution for you.

Midwest Dog Crate Pans

There is no doubt that both owners and dogs love their Midwest Dog Crates. These crates are well made, well designed and last a for very long time. Among all the positive feedback we get, we do get one complaint; the pans. Midwest Replacement Pans are made from ABS plastic. They are tough, durable, and under most circumstances they will last a lifetime. However, some owners report persistent problems with the pans breaking while others state that they last forever. We decided to do some research and find out what is happening.

The Midwest Dog Crate Pan sits on top of the wire bottom of the crate. If your dog is active in the crate, is heavy, or just stands up a lot it, causes flexing between the ABS plastic and the wire bars of the crate bottom. Over time (and with some dogs that is not long) the constant flexing can cause the pan to break. We recommend putting some cushioning between the pan and the crate to reduce this flexing. Suitable materials may include plywood or cardboard, but in our experience the best material for this purpose is carpet.

If you have some left over carpet, you can use this, but even if you do not, you can purchase remnant material from a home improvement store very inexpensively. Home improvement stores cut sections of carpet to length for customers, and often what is left of the roll is not big enough for regular resale. These pieces become remnants and are sold at a discount. We recommend a thicker piece of carpet for this purpose. Simply measure the size of the pan and ask for your local store to cut you a piece the same size. To install, simply remove your Midwest Dog Crate Pan and place the cut piece of carpet on the base of the crate. Next, replace your pan and use your crate as normal.

We hope you have found these tips useful and they lead to extended pan life for your Midwest Dog Crate. If you are in need of a replacement pan, please visit the Midwest Replacement Pans page.