Crates & Kennel/Dog Runs

Disclaimers:

The inclusion of a service, organization or program on this page is NOT an endorsement or recommendation. We are not able to guarantee the quality of services. We strongly suggest that you check them out yourself before using a specific service.

If your dog is having ANY medical or behavior problems that might be related to health, you should take your dog to your Veterinarian. Behavior problems that might be caused by health issues are things like newly developed aggression, some anxiety issues, a dog wandering as if in a trance & so many more.

Crates are extremely important for your Akita. Even if you don't use a crate every day, you should train your Akita to be ok in a crate. They give your Akita a safe place to get away from it all. An added benefit is that if you ever have to leave your dog at a vet overnight, if they're already used to a crate, you can reduce at least one stressor from the equation. It is also important in case you ever have to deal with a disaster & have to take your Akita to a place where you can't let them loose. Crate covers & smaller openings on the sides will make a crate more "den" like & often more comforting to an Akita.

A crate will be one of the single most expensive purchase for your Akita, so we've tried to find some resources for affordable crates. Don't be afraid to consider a used crate as long as it is in good condition with no cracks. Craigslist (your city & surrounding cities), Facebook "virtual yard sales" or "in search of" groups, ebay is great if you narrow your search to "100 miles" from your zip code (or whatever distance you would be willing to travel). It might be well worth it to drive an hour for a $280 crate that you will only pay $60 for (the webmaster of this site did just that). Most Akitas will need a "Giant", 700 or XXL crate (the dimensions will be approximately to 48" long x 30" wide x 33" tall); some smaller females might be fit comfortably in a 40" x 27" x 30"

Current retail pricing is $280 - $300 (from local big box stores such as Petco, Pet Supermarket, Pet Supplies Plus, Walmart). Keep that in mind when shopping online, you may find a great price, even with S&H charges.

Don't forget to check your local Thrift Shops (especially those run by Humane Society, SPCA & Shelters)
WORD OF MOUTH - Facebook posts to family & friends, an "in search of" ad on a community bulletin board

Crates - different types & where to find them (crate: a secure indoor holding container, fully enclosed with a door, being slightly bigger than your dog (examples pictured below))

48" (size 700) Crates on Amazon.com on Petco.com on 1800PetSupplies.com (Added 2/4/2021)
40" (size 500) Airline Crate Amazon.com (IF you have a smaller female this might work for your Akita) (Added 2/4/2021)
40" & 48" Wire or Airline Crates on IKennel XL & Giant Airline Crates on PetTravelStore.com (Added 1/23/15)

What kind of crate should you get? http://thehousebreakingbible.com/training/crate-choices.htm (Added 1/22/15)
Finding the right sized crate for your Akita: https://apdt.com/resource-center/choosing-right-crate-size/ (Added 2/4/2021)
Picking a crate for your dog: http://www.petco.com/Content/ArticleList/Article/34/1/2148/Choosing-a-Crate-for-Your-Dog.aspx (Added 1/22/15)

United Airlines has good photo examples of the correct sizing of a crate with a dog next to it United Kennel Requirements (Added 1/23/15)

You can download the IATA Pet Travel Requirements that outline size of crate, materials, ventilation & other things required for airline
crates (PDF file) IATA Live Animal Regulations 40th Edition (Added 1/23/15)

Kennel Runs/Dog Runs/Kennel Box (referred to as a kennel: a secure outdoor pen/box fully enclosed with a door & roof, generally at least 36 sq ft floor space)
Kennels are also an option to give your dogs a bit more room than a crate. We believe that Akitas belong with the family & should be house dogs, but we understand there might be times for using kennels instead of crates. The important thing to remember is that it has a bottom (concrete slab, patio stones, decking, kennel floor) & a roof (corrugated steel/aluminum, shade tarp or other solid material) & is secure. Many kennel panels are 6' tall, but that is so people can enter conveniently, just make sure your kennel is a foot or more taller than your dog.

Buying a Kennel
Lowe's, Home Depot & Tractor Supply almost always have kennels or kennel panels (Added 1/23/15)
Local hardware stores such as ACE, True Value or Feed Stores are likely to have what you need for kennels too

Building a Kennel
http://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/how-to-build-a-dog-run-with-attached-doghouse/index.html (Added 1/22/15)
http://www.instructables.com/id/Cheap-Easy-Portable-Dog-Run-to-Build/ (Added 1/22/15)

Identifying different types of crates
Your Akita will need a "Giant", 700 or XXL crate (the dimensions will be approximately to 48" long x 30" wide x 33" tall)

Most people find an Airline crate to be a good choice, but there are other types that are very sturdy. Generally speaking, wire crates will not hold an Akita who
is determined to get out of their crate. These are just a few examples of the many crates you can find online & at specialty pet boutiques.

Airline Approved Crate Wire on sides for ventilation Clips for assembly	Airline Approved Crate Wire on sides for ventilation Screw/nuts for assembly	Airline Approved Crate Molded ventilation holes Screw/nuts for assembly	Airline Approved Crate Molded ventilation holes Screw/nuts for assembly	Wire Steel Crate Collapsible
Furniture/Table Crate Heavy wire/plastic hybrid crate	Furniture/Table Crate Solid wood crate	Aluminum Crate Collapsible	Aluminum Crate Collapsible	Aluminum Crate Very heavy gauge welded aluminum crate
Furniture/Table Crate Solid wood crate	Aluminum Crate Not collapsible or breakdown	Steel/Plastic Hybrid Crate Not collapsible, but breaks down easily	DIY - Build a Wood Crate If you're handy with basic tools, you can build & customize this for any house - Solid latches & hinges are critical	Cloth Crate Fully collapsible, but not very secure