We have several different brands of crates in sizes ranges from 17" to 42" and the Precision crates seem to be the best quality. They are durable, the wires are thicker than the others, and the handles are easiest to grasp and use. Because they are more strongly built, I can stack one on top of the other without worrying about the bottom one sagging.

What I liked most about the 30" version of this crate was that there was only one latch to be undone. It's very easy to walk by and flip the latch open to release the dog. However, it was just as easy for the visiting toddler, and almost just as easy for a male dog to release a female dog (just ask ours).

It was then that I made up my mind to go with the double-latch type that had hooks on them. However, my male also figured out that little trick and so we just have to keep them in separate areas of the house when necessary.

I used the 24" version to transport puppies to the vet and it was soooo easy to lift the top and drop them in one by one without them wiggling past me through a front gate model. I wish they made a flip top gate in a 30" - that would be perfect! But in the 30" version of this model they go to the side and front gates instead of front and top gates.

The plastic mat that comes with the precision also lasted much longer than the ones that come with the Midwest crates. Since replacement mats run $24 or so, it's worth the extra money upfront to get the higher quality product initially.

Pros: Durable, nice quality

Cons: Thinner than other 30" models

This is a great crate. I'd recommend it to anyone who is training a dog or even for a safe place for a dog to relax. They are sturdy crates with no sharp edges. They easily assemble within a minute or two.

Pros: Easily assembled and easily collapsable for travel

Cons: Needs an extra door

We have two of these for our two dogs, we don't use them much anymore but they were great when they were puppies, really help with potty training and house training. And they grow with your puppy because they have the adjustable insert piece that hooks on at any location depending on the size of the puppy at the time so you only have to buy one crate as they grow.

Pros: Tough, two doors, folds up for storage, easy to clean

Cons: Heavy to lift

I have the large version for my dog. He liked it, although my other dog destroyed the tray. With the addition of mattress padding it was one of his favorite spots. Later we converted it to a dog-room gate by using three of the panels linked together--it works great to keep them out of one section of the house when we need to.

Pros: easy to set up/take down; turned into dog gate later

Cons: not comfy