Need new crate. What, where, etc?

I am going to look at a pup in jail on Monday, and if all goes well hope to adopt her. She is in jail in a prison here in Ohio, part of a "cell dog" program. I have been looking around for the right dog at the right time for a year or so. If we decide to take her, she will stay in jail until about Memorial Day for some extra training I am requesting. I am excited! I have a nerve disease and am going to try to train this dog to be an assistance dog.

The crate I have now is a folding one and it is probably 30 years old. It is really corroded. I want to get a new one. I have no idea what options are available in crates these days and how people like them. I know I could just look at online sales places, but I would love to hear from people who actually use them.

The pup will be 5 months old when we get her, and is a Border Collie and chocolate Lab cross. (should make great service dog!!!). The trainer at the prison says she is built like a BC, should mature about 55-60 pounds - lighter in frame than a lab. Both parents are known- they are not just guessing breed.

A friend had a crate that opened on the side, and I think that might work well for me with my shoulder problems. I would find it very hard to get down and crawl into a crate to get to the back of a regular one like I could have 30 years ago. The tray in mine slides out, but now and then, I found myself crawling in there to straighten out bedding or some reason.

Anyone have advice on things I should look for or avoid crate? Type of finish? Wire verses plastic airline kennel? Figuring on wire... What about sizing to the dog? She is already housebroken.

Should I try to order from local pet store or order online? Any recommendations for places? Years ago, when I was doing a lot of showing in obedience, I ordered a lot from RC Steele but I have not had a catalog in years.

Is there any reason I should NOT get a side opening crate??

How about crate mats. I used to use a piece of thick simulated sheepskin in the bottom. What is available now that you like for your dog?

I still have my nice stainless clip-on buckets for water.

(pardon any typos- typing on iPhone and it doesn't let me scroll on Dave's to proofread and the preview doesn't work well-- so I hope everything is legible!)

Thanks so much!

Edited (now that I am home and on a real keyboard)

I don't think I will need one that folds down.

Also, I don't want to use it forever. I have an older dog, an Australian Shepherd who is almost 12, and a disabled cat. He only has 3 legs and part of his tail - some of you may remember "Lucky" - and I don't want to let any new puppy or dog loose at any time, unsupervised, in my house, until I KNOW they can be trusted not to injure Lucky and that they will get along with Pebbles the Aussie.

Since this dog grew up in a shelter until going to prison, I think there may still be some housetraining issues.

I'm not a person who crates a dog forever. Once they earn their freedom - we don't use one.

This message was edited Apr 11, 2009 8:23 AM