Best crate for Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

Replacing a rusted crate is a good opportunity to get the size and spec right first time — and since your Toller already knows what a crate is, you're not starting from scratch, which makes this straightforward. Crate training works best when the crate feels like a genuinely positive space, and the right size and type matters more than most people expect, as does how you handle the switch to something new. To point you toward the right model: how big is your Toller — roughly what weight and build? And is this crate mainly for home use, or do you need it to travel too?

That's a really good situation to be in — a dog who chooses the crate on his own is telling you it works for him. At 22kg and solidly built, your Toller sits at the upper end of medium-sized dogs. What size was the old crate? And do you know if he has comfortable room to stand and turn, or was it a fairly snug fit?

A 36-inch crate is the right call for a Toller of his build — enough room without being so large it loses the den feeling dogs actually prefer. I'd go with the MidWest Homes for Pets iCrate in the 36-inch size. It's a double-door fold-flat wire crate, well made, with a removable divider panel you won't need but which gives you flexibility. The base tray is robust, the latches are solid, and the fold-flat design means it stores easily if you ever want it out of the kitchen. Crucially, wire crates like this stay popular with dogs who already have a positive crate association — the open sightlines mean they don't feel shut away. Because he's already comfortable with crating, you shouldn't need any reintroduction period; just set it up in the same spot, put his usual bedding in, and he'll likely just move straight in.

Very little, honestly. Transfer his existing bedding into the new crate rather than washing it first — familiar scent does most of the work. Put the new crate in the same spot as the old one and leave the door open initially. Most dogs who already crate voluntarily will investigate and settle in within a day or two without any intervention needed. If he seems hesitant for the first evening, a few pieces of his regular kibble scattered inside will help, but I'd expect him to barely notice the difference.

Good choice — it'll last him well. The MidWest iCrate is one of those products that just does exactly what it needs to without fuss, and for a dog who already has a healthy relationship with his crate, the transition should be seamless. Enjoy the rust-free upgrade.