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How to Collapse A Dog Crate? Are You Doing It Right?

If you own a dog, chances are you’ve had to crate them at some point – whether it’s for travel, during a move, or just when you’re not home.

And while crates can be lifesavers, there’s one important thing to remember: how to collapse a dog crate correctly.

Because if you don’t, your dog could end up getting hurt – or worse.

So in this blog post, we’ll show you the right way to collapse a dog crate, so that your furry friend is always safe.

Identify Your Type Of Crate

The first step in collapsing a dog crate is to identify the type of crate you have. There are different types of crates, which means that the way you collapse each one will be different.

The most common types of crates are:

Plastic Dog Crates

These crates are made of heavy-duty plastic and are the most common type of crate. They’re also the easiest to collapse – all you need to do is push the release buttons on each side, and the crate will fold down into a small package.

two puppies inside a plastic dog crate

Folding Metal (Wire) Crates

These crates are made of metal, and fold down in a similar way to plastic crates. However, they tend to be a bit more complicated to collapse, as you need to unlock each hinge and fold it down.

puppy resting inside a black metal pet crate

Also, be careful not to pinch your fingers when folding these crates!

Heavy-Duty Dog Crates

These crates are made of metal or plastic and are designed for larger dogs. They’re the most difficult type of crate to collapse, as they often don’t have release buttons, and you need to remove each panel individually.

brown puppy sleeping in bed outside a metal pet crate

They can also be quite heavy, so make sure you have someone to help you if needed.

Soft-Sided Dog Crates

These crates are made of a soft material, such as fabric or mesh. They’re usually the easiest to collapse, as you can simply fold them up into a small package. However, they’re also the least sturdy type of crate, so be careful not to damage them when collapsing them.

Sometimes, these crates also have metal or plastic frames that need to be removed before folding.

How To Collapse A Dog Crate Properly

Now that you know the different types of crates, it’s time to learn how to collapse one correctly. Follow the steps below to collapse your crate safely.

1. Read The Instructions

This may seem like an obvious step, but it’s important to read the instructions that came with your crate. That way, you’ll know exactly how to collapse it correctly and avoid any damage.

In addition, some crates have special instructions for collapsing, such as removing the door first. Likewise, some crates have different ways of collapsing, depending on the model.

So make sure you read the instructions before starting. You will thank me later!

2. Close The Doors (Front And Side)

If your crate has a door, make sure to close it before collapsing the crate. This will prevent the door from getting damaged or bent when collapsing.

For crates with side doors, you may need to remove them before collapsing the crate. Check the instructions to see if this is the case.

In addition, some crates have an escape hatch on the top. If your crate has this, make sure to close it before collapsing the crate.

3. Fold Down The Shorter Side Panels

For crates with side panels (such as wire crates), start by folding down the shorter side panels. This will make it easier to fold down the longer side panels later.

To do this, simply unlock each hinge and fold the panel down.

Be careful not to pinch your fingers when doing this! Also, make sure that the hinge is completely unlocked before folding, or you could damage the crate.

4. Detach The Latches From The Short Side Panels

For crates with latches (such as plastic crates), you need to detach the latches from the short side panels before folding them down.

To do this, simply press the release buttons on each latch and remove it from the crate. Once the latches are removed, you can fold down the panels.

Be careful not to lose the latches when folding down the panels! They can be easily misplaced. Also, make sure that the release buttons are completely pressed before removing the latches, or you could damage the crate.

5. Fold The Right And Left Sides

Now that the shorter side panels are folded down, you can fold down the right and left sides of the crate.

To do this, unlock each hinge and fold the panel down. Be careful not to pinch your fingers when doing this, believe me, it’s very sore! Also, make sure that the hinge is completely unlocked before folding, or you could damage the crate.

When folding down the panels, make sure they are aligned with each other. This will make it easier to fold the crate in half (if required).

6. Secure The Crate By Using The Hook

For crates with hook and loop fasteners (such as fabric crates), you need to secure the crate before folding it in half.

To do this, simply press the two halves of the fastener together. This will keep the crate closed while you’re carrying it.

Also, make sure that the fastener is completely secure before carrying the crate. Otherwise, the crate could open and collapse while you’re carrying it.

People Also Ask

How Do You Unfold A Wire Dog Crate?

You unfold a wire dog crate by unlocking the hinges and folding it out. You may need to remove the door before unfolding the crate. Check the instructions to see if this is the case. In addition, some crates have an escape hatch on the top. If your crate has this, make sure to close it before unfolding the crate.

How Do You Close A Dog Door With A Crate?

You close a dog door with a crate by folding the door down and locking the hinges. Make sure to close the escape hatch on the top of the crate if your crate has one. This will prevent the dog from escaping or getting out of the crate.

How Do You Clean A Dog Crate?

You clean a dog crate by removing all the items from the crate and washing it down with soap and water. You may need to use a mild detergent if the crate is very dirty. In addition, you can line the bottom of the crate with an absorbent mat to make cleaning up accidents easier. Some have removable trays which make the process easier.

Conclusion

Now that you know how to collapse a dog crate, it’s time to put your new skills into practice! Remember to be careful when folding down the panels and securing the crate with the hook.

And most importantly, make sure your dog is safely secured inside before collapsing the crate. Otherwise, they could escape and get hurt.

Now go out there and collapse that crate like a pro!

What kind of dog crate do you have? Write down in the comments below your procedure for collapsing your dog crate.

Photo of author

Lovelia Horn

I’m a certified crazy dog mom, a physical therapist (for hoomans), writer, animal rescuer, and foster home provider. Together with my hubby Ryan, I’ve fostered and helped look for forever homes for over a hundred shelter dogs in the Southern Illinois area. I mostly work with Puppy Rescue 911, Inc., a certified animal rescue organization based out of Chester, IL (home of Popeye!)

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