When we got ChloeLouise we went with a large wire crate that folds flat for travel. We ordered it, not having a CLUE
about what we were doing and when it arrived we realized it was more of the Great Dane variety! Our little, fuzzy puppy looked absolutely LOST in it! Thankfully the crate came with a movable divider - and as she grew we moved it back until she didn't need the secure confinement. Because ChloeLouise is a "fabric consumer" we haven't been able to leave soft blankets or towels in her "nest" for her - even tho she is now 2 years old...consequently her "den" is kind of barren...But I wouldn't even trust her with a stuffed dog bed or padded mat made for the crate!! Every dog is different, of course, so you may have to try different types of bedding to see what works best. We especially like our crate because of its portability for travel and also because we do not have air conditioning either so in the summer I think it is plenty airy...