Reviewing: Guardian Gear ProSelect Empire Dog Cage
Available in two sizes , this dog crate is perfect for larger dogs in the home that you may be looking to crate train.
Why buy a crate?
Crate train can be used for a variety of different instances:
- Teaching boundaries – quite often for small puppies, cages are used to signal a time out or offer a place to chill when things get a bit overwhelming
- Creating a safe space – by furnishing the crate with different items such as blankets and toys, the familiar smells will help any anxious dog
- For travel – want to take your dog out for the day, or on holiday? Then a crate can allow you to keep them safe in the trunk of the car while on your journey
- Separation anxiety – some pets like to be kept in the loop with what the family is up to, by placing the crate in the same room that you are in, they can see everyone while being kept at bay.
Guardian Gear ProSelect Empire Dog Cage
The Guardian Gear ProSelect Empire Dog Cage is extremely strong and robust, so there is no need to worry about potential escapees. Each of the metal bars are 0.5-inch diameter and made of 20 gauge steel.
Planning guests? Using the crate can be handy if you have many people around the house. It not only prevents the dog from getting in the way if you are walking around carrying hot items, but can also keep them away from any loud conversations and music.
What about anxious dogs?
If your dog is displaying signs of anxiety, then a cage might be the solution to help ease their spirits. The crates that are suitable for dogs with a nervous disposition all share similar qualities and should be taken into consideration wherever possible.
Light levels – dark spaces have a more secluded feel to them, and therefore increase the feeling of peace and quiet when a dog is looking for solitude. It is, however, important to consider the levels of ventilation in the crate so it is better to look for a naturally dark model, rather than placing a blanket over the top of a more open design.
Amount of space – while a space that is too small is not recommended, providing something that is too spacious as these do not provide the same level of security as a tighter space. Providing more space than that to stand up and turn around in might be considered too much.
Sturdiness – if your dog has a habit for chewing things when anxious then it is worth taking this into consideration when purchasing your crate. Wire is often best as it does not provide any edges that could be gnawed on, thus avoiding any holes or escape routes being inadvertently created.
Security – while we have discussed the different options when it comes to the security and ability to lock a crate, it is important to make sure that a crate for an anxious dog is nice and secure. The bigger the dog is, the higher the risk of escaping when it comes to a nervous moment.
Things to keep in mind
It is important to make an educated decision when it comes to purchasing your crate, so the main things to keep in the forefront of your mind are:
- Size – how much room is required for your dog? This product comes in medium and large options so take note of the measurements and work out what works best.
- Material – many dogs have proven able to chew through plastic crates in moments of anxiety, and thinner metals can be bent easily, this thick design will help to keep everything under control.
- Transporting – this crate has detachable castors underneath in order to make it easier to move around the house, however many have reported that it is not possible for the dog to move the crate on its own. The wheels are also lockable. However, we would not recommend taking this model out of the house as it is very heavy.
- Locks – the multiple latches on this crate are very study and not as simple to access from the inside as some smaller models may be. Some have reported that their dogs can work out the latch, and if this happens to you, we would recommend adding a padlock.
The facts and figures
Here are the different product specifications of the Guardian Gear ProSelect Empire Dog Cage:
Medium cage
- 20-gauge steel cage
- 0.5-inch diameter steel tubes
- 37 ¾-inches long x 23 ½-inches wide x 24 ½-inches high
- Floor grate with tray
- Removable casters
- 76 pound shipping weight
Large cage
- 20-gauge steel cage
- 0.5-inch diameter steel tubes
- 40 ¾-inches long x 28 ⅛-inches wide x 31 ¼-inches high
- Floor grate with tray
- Removable casters
- 99.2 pound shipping weight
The main difference to keep in mind here is the dimensions – the smaller size makes no impact on how sturdy the product is overall. Medium crates are better for the slightly smaller dogs, and the larger crate will be great for dogs that are a little bit bigger.
The floor grate makes clean up really easy as it is simple to slide out and remove, and the detachable casters can be added to the bottom of the crate allowing you to move it around with ease but without compromising effectiveness.
What do you need to watch out for?
From the reviews that we’ve seen, there’s a couple of little factors to keep in mind when it comes to using this crate with your own furry friend.
The removable tray can be accessed by smaller paws, and there is no additional latch at the front to hold it in place. A clever dog will be able to push the tray out of the front using the gaps between the grate if they are so inclined.
The wheels are lockable. While many have reported that the dog will not be able to scooch along the floor by themselves, it always helps to have the wheels locked to stop anyone else from moving the crate to a different location.
Hints and tips
When it comes to making sure that your dog is comfortable, ensure you check over the different positions that you are looking to place the crate.
Temperature – are you putting the crate in a warm room? Will there be a draft? Consider all the different options and make sure that you are providing the most comfortable solution – you might want to add extra blankets if you are going to be keeping the crate in a particularly cool place.
Light levels – ensure that it is situated in a bright room, where possible, to create a space that is welcoming. The open sides of this crate will allow lots of light, and fresh air, to pass through and avoid any feelings that may be associated with tight, cramped spaces.
Decoration – as we have mentioned earlier on in the article, it is important to make sure that there are a few familiar sights and smells in the crate, especially in the early days while you get them used to being kept in there. Consider adding in a couple of small toys, blankets, or cushions.
Height – this crate is higher than others and requires stepping in to, this is something to keep in mind when it comes to making your purchasing decision. If your dog struggles with mobility then they will require lifting into the crate.
The pros…
The instructions for assembly are very easy to follow, so it should be fairly straight-forward to put this together in no time on arrival. It is shipped flat so does need assembling.
All the joins are thoroughly welded, and corners are rounded in order to avoid any potential cuts or nicks for either yourself or your dog. The metal is also rust-resistant.
…and the cons
Some have said that the grated floor of the crate is not particularly comfortable for some dogs – this has been rectified by some owners including a thin matting across the bottom, but keep in mind that this will also need to be regularly cleaned.
It is a heavy crate, so the wheels are required should you wish to move it around. It is worth keeping this in mind because when it comes to assembling, you will want to think about if you need someone to give you a hand in putting it together.
Once assembled, this crate is done and dusted, there is no option to fold it up and tuck it out of the way, if you are limited for space in your home, then think about where you will position it to cause minimal inconvenience to be assembled all the time.
In conclusion…
Overall, this is a fantastic crate when it comes to looking for something that is suitable for a bigger dog.