Does your new puppy chew everything in sight? Do you worry about leaving your dog alone, even for a short time? Many dog owners face these challenges. Choosing the right dog crate for training can feel overwhelming. You see wire crates, plastic carriers, and soft-sided options. Which one truly helps your dog learn good habits?
The wrong crate can cause stress for both you and your furry friend. It might not be safe, or it might not encourage house-training success. We understand this frustration. That is why we created this complete guide. You will learn the key features that make a crate perfect for training.
Keep reading to discover how to pick a durable, comfortable, and effective crate. We will break down the best materials, sizes, and tips for introducing your dog to their new den. Get ready to turn crate time into a positive experience!
Top Dog Crate For Training Recommendations
- IDEAL FOR 21-40 LB DOGS: Measures 30.5 x 19.25 x 21.5 inches - perfect for French Bulldogs, Welsh Terriers, Dachshunds & similar breeds. For dogs near 40 lbs, consider sizing up to our 36-inch model so they have plenty of room to get comfortable.
- WE DON'T CUT CORNERS, WE PERFECT THEM: Precision welding, rounded corner clips & slide-bolt latch with Paw Block mitigate snags, cuts & escapes. With rigorous safety testing, iCrate provides peace of mind knowing your dog is safe while you're away.
- DURABLE CONSTRUCTION: Sturdy metal wire design with a protective black e-coat finish, the iCrate resists rust and everyday wear. Complete with leak-proof tray, rubber feet, carry handle, and tool-free assembly, it's ready for years of use.
- SUPPORTS CRATE TRAINING: A divider panel lets the crate grow with your dog, from puppy kennel to full-size crate. Large openings and low thresholds ease the crate training process and help your dog feel more at home.
- LIFE GOES BETTER WITH PETS: A family-owned business based in Indiana, MidWest Homes for Pets brings over 100 years of pet product expertise and a commitment to quality, rigorous safety testing, and excellent US-based customer service.
- Durable Metal Construction: Crafted with high-quality iron, the dog crate ensures strength and durability, providing a secure space for your pet. The robust frame resists wear and tear, making it perfect for daily use or travel
- Secure Single-Door Design: The left door features a heavy-duty latch to keep your pet safely contained. The reliable locking mechanism offers peace of mind, making it ideal for puppies or small to medium-sized dogs
- Easy to Clean with Removable Tray: The included removable plastic tray catches spills, accidents, and debris, simplifying cleanup and maintaining a hygienic environment for your furry friend
- Foldable & Portable for Convenience: Designed for easy storage and portability, the crate folds flat in seconds. Whether you're traveling or rearranging your space, this crate adapts to your lifestyle effortlessly
- Comfortable & Safe for Pets: The smooth edges and open grid design ensure your pet's comfort and safety while allowing for proper ventilation and visibility. Your pet will feel secure yet connected to their surroundings
- IDEAL FOR 12-20 LB DOGS: Measures 24.5 x 17.5 x 19.5 inches - perfect for Fox Terriers, Pugs, Chihuahuas & similar breeds. For dogs near 20 lbs, consider sizing up to our 30-inch model so they have plenty of room to get comfortable.
- WE DON'T CUT CORNERS, WE PERFECT THEM: Precision welding, rounded corner clips & slide-bolt latch with Paw Block mitigate snags, cuts & escapes. With rigorous safety testing, iCrate provides peace of mind knowing your dog is safe while you're away.
- DURABLE CONSTRUCTION: Sturdy metal wire design with a protective black e-coat finish, the iCrate resists rust and everyday wear. Complete with leak-proof tray, rubber feet, carry handle, and tool-free assembly, it's ready for years of use.
- SUPPORTS CRATE TRAINING: A divider panel lets the crate grow with your dog, from puppy kennel to full-size crate. Large openings and low thresholds ease the crate training process and help your dog feel more at home.
- LIFE GOES BETTER WITH PETS: A family-owned business based in Indiana, MidWest Homes for Pets brings over 100 years of pet product expertise and a commitment to quality, rigorous safety testing, and excellent US-based customer service.
- Durable Metal Construction: Crafted with high-quality iron, the dog crate ensures strength and durability, providing a secure space for your pet. The robust frame resists wear and tear, making it perfect for daily use or travel
- Secure Single-Door Design: The left door features a heavy-duty latch to keep your pet safely contained. The reliable locking mechanism offers peace of mind, making it ideal for puppies or small to medium-sized dogs
- Easy to Clean with Removable Tray: The included removable plastic tray catches spills, accidents, and debris, simplifying cleanup and maintaining a hygienic environment for your furry friend
- Foldable & Portable for Convenience: Designed for easy storage and portability, the crate folds flat in seconds. Whether you're traveling or rearranging your space, this crate adapts to your lifestyle effortlessly
- Comfortable & Safe for Pets: The smooth edges and open grid design ensure your pet's comfort and safety while allowing for proper ventilation and visibility. Your pet will feel secure yet connected to their surroundings
- 30-inch dog crate for pets under 26 x 17 inches (LxH), like a Beagle, Dachshund, Shih Tzu, or Chihuahua
- Durable metal wire construction with manual door locking mechanism for secure containment
- Sets up quickly and folds down flat for easy transport or compact storage; top handle for comfortable carrying
- 1 door and a divider for adjusting the internal space
- Removable plastic base tray for easy cleaning
- SUPER ABSORBENT & LEAKPROOF - The dog pee pads uses thick absorbent material that locks in liquids upon contact and prevents leaks and mess. The design allows for approximately 20 uses and overnight use while still keeping your dog comfortable
- WASHABLE & REUSABLE - The pee pads can be reused infinitely. Machine wash and tumble dry. The pads will stay like-new without wear, tears, or loss of softness. package includes 2 pads for easy replacement after cleaning
- BEAUTIFUL PATTERNS & MULTIPLE SIZES - Our puppy training pads come in different sizes, colors, and patterns for various pets. They are eco-friendly and cost-effective compared to disposable pee pads
- ANTI-SLIP DESIGN - The dog pad has a non-slip silicone base, shaped like a dog paw, to keep it in place on floors or carpets. It ensures pet safety and protects your floors and furniture from scratches and dirt, keeping your home clean
- MULTI USE - These pads are perfect for potty training puppies or helping incontinent senior dogs. They can be used as liners under enclosures, crates, and dog beds, providing great protection for beds, sofas, furniture, wood floors, rugs, and car seats
- Stylish & Functional – Unlike traditional wire crates for dogs, This dog kennel offers additional storage space and blends seamlessly with home decor. It doubles as a nightstand, sofa side table, corner accent table, coffee table, TV stand side unit, and entryway console
- Sturdy, Safe & Durable – Compared with traditional indoor cages for small dogs, this pet crate uses thicker wire to resist damage and noise from energetic dogs, supports an adult man’s weight, and ensures excellent stability. An upgraded safety lock prevents escapes
- Multi-Mode Design – 6 modes (puppy, training, crate, free-range, whelping, potty) adapt as your pet grows. This puppy crate for small dogs features an enlarged door and ideal wire spacing for easy bowl hanging, helping your pet develop good habits of fixed feeding and separate living areas.
- Top Storage & Low-Threshold Design – This dog crate table offers convenient storage for pet supplies. The low-threshold entry helps protect small dogs' knees. The puppy crate provides a private space while keeping you and your pet in sight of each other. Weighing only 15 lbs, it is lightweight and easy to move.
- Ideal Size & Easy Assembly – This 24"L x 16.5"W x 16"H pet cage is great for dogs under 20 lbs. It comes with detailed instructions and accessories, needs no complex tools, and can be assembled in only 5–10 minutes
- Versatile Dog Crate for All Stages: From playful puppies to adult dogs, this dog crate with divider adapts to every stage. Whether teaching your puppy good potty habits or helping them create a cozy, designated sleeping area, this adjustable divider helps tailor the space to ensure comfort and convenience
- Portable & Collapsible Dog Crate: With its convenient buckle setup and a detachable handle, this 107 cm dog crate can be easily folded down to a compact size of 108.5 cm L × 61 cm W × 10 cm H. This dog cage is ideal for easy carrying during trips or camping and can be conveniently stored under your bed, sofa, or in tight spaces when not in use
- Spacious Haven for Medium-Sized to Large Dogs: Tailored flawlessly for medium-sized to large dogs, this 42-inch pet cage is an ideal retreat for breeds like Labradors, Golden Retrievers, and Border Collies. Your furry friend will have plenty of room to lounge, stretch out, or chill comfortably in this cozy space
- Pull-Out Leak-Proof Tray: This pet crate includes a pull-out leak-proof tray at the bottom to catch spills and accidents. The tray can be easily removed for cleaning, making maintaining a snap. The locking buckles keep the tray securely in place
- Grow-with-Me Interior: This dog crate features a clever divider that adjusts the living space as your puppy grows. It’s not just a cozy home but a great assistant for enhancing potty training during those early days
Choosing the Best Dog Crate for Training: A Complete Buying Guide
Getting a dog crate is a big step for training. A good crate helps your puppy or new dog feel safe. It also makes house-training much easier. This guide will help you pick the right one.
1. Key Features to Look For
When you shop, look for crates with these important features. These things make training smoother.
- Size Matters Most: The crate must fit your dog perfectly. Your dog should be able to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Too big, and they might soil one end. Too small, and it causes stress.
- Divider Panels: If you buy a crate for a growing puppy, get one with a divider panel. This lets you adjust the space as your puppy gets bigger. You only give them the space they need right now.
- Easy Cleaning Access: Accidents happen, especially during training. Look for trays that slide out easily from the bottom. This makes cleanup quick and simple.
- Secure Latches: A smart dog can open weak doors. Choose crates with strong, secure latches that your dog cannot easily manipulate.
2. Important Materials for Durability and Safety
The material of the crate affects how long it lasts and how safe your dog feels.
Wire Crates
Wire crates are very popular. They offer great ventilation, meaning good airflow. They also let you see your dog easily. They are usually made of durable metal wires. Look for powder-coated finishes. This coating prevents rust and sharp edges.
Plastic (Resin) Crates
These are often called “travel crates.” They offer more privacy, which some dogs prefer. They are very sturdy against chewing. Ensure the plastic is thick and high-quality. Thin plastic cracks easily.
Soft-Sided Crates
These are great for travel or temporary use. They are lightweight and fold flat. However, they are not good for determined chewers or heavy chewers. They offer less protection.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality directly affects your training success. A poorly made crate can become a safety hazard or a source of anxiety.
Factors That Improve Quality:
- Heavy-Gauge Metal: For wire crates, thicker metal (heavy-gauge) means the crate resists bending or breaking. This lasts longer.
- Smooth Welds and Edges: Run your hand over the crate. There should be no sharp points or rough spots that could hurt your dog. High quality means smooth construction.
- Sturdy Hardware: Hinges and latches should feel solid, not flimsy.
Factors That Reduce Quality:
- Thin Plastic Components: If plastic parts feel weak or bend easily, the crate might break under pressure.
- Flimsy Trays: If the bottom tray bends when you pick it up, it will likely break when your dog paces or paws at it.
- Painted Finishes that Chip: Cheap paint chips off. Dogs might ingest these chips, which is dangerous.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
How you plan to use the crate changes what you should buy. Think about your daily routine.
Daily Home Use
For primary use in your living room or bedroom, a wire crate with a nice cover often works best. The cover adds a den-like feel, which reduces anxiety. Many owners use soft bedding inside for comfort.
Travel and Portability
If you travel often, prioritize crates that fold down flat easily. Soft-sided crates or specific wire crates designed for collapse are excellent choices here. Make sure they fit securely in your vehicle.
Chewers and Puppies
If you have a strong chewer or a very young puppy, you might need extra security. Double-door entry points are useful for flexibility. For extreme chewers, heavy-duty metal crates are necessary. These often have reinforced corners.
10 Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Crates for Training
Q: How do I measure my dog for the right crate size?
A: Measure your dog from nose to tail base while standing. Also, measure their height at the shoulder. The crate length should be the nose-to-tail measurement plus a few inches. The height should be the shoulder height plus a few inches when they stand up straight.
Q: Should the crate be exactly their size?
A: No. It should be big enough to stand, turn, and lie down, but not so big that they can use one corner as a bathroom while sleeping in the other. Use the divider panel if necessary.
Q: Can I use a crate for an adult dog that has never used one?
A: Yes. You can train an adult dog. Introduce the crate slowly with treats and positive experiences. Never use it for punishment.
Q: What is the purpose of a divider panel?
A: The divider panel adjusts the interior space of a large crate. This allows you to buy one crate size for your puppy that will last until they are fully grown. This saves money.
Q: Are plastic crates safe for long car rides?
A: Yes, hard-sided plastic crates are often safer for car travel because they offer more protection in a crash. Make sure they are secured properly in the vehicle.
Q: How often should I let my puppy out when crate training?
A: Very often! A general rule is that puppies can hold their bladder for about one hour per month of age (e.g., a 3-month-old puppy needs a break every 3-4 hours). Always take them out first thing in the morning and last thing before bed.
Q: Is it okay if my dog cries in the crate?
A: A little whining at first is normal. If the crying is intense or lasts a long time, check if they need the bathroom or if they are scared. Never let them out when they are screaming, or they learn that screaming works.
Q: What kind of bedding is best for a training crate?
A: Use something washable. For new trainees, use old towels or washable pads until you are sure they will not soil the bedding. Once reliable, you can add comfortable, washable crate mats.
Q: Should I cover my dog’s crate when training?
A: Covering the crate with a breathable blanket often helps. It mimics a cozy den, which makes many dogs feel more secure and encourages them to settle down faster.
Q: What if my dog starts chewing the wire crate?
A: If chewing is persistent, stop using thin wire crates. Switch to a heavy-duty metal crate or a solid plastic crate designed for chewers. Ensure you are giving them plenty of appropriate chew toys outside the crate.