Puppies bring a lot of excitement to a family, but they also come with their own set of challenges (potty training, chewing, barking/crying at night, learning what is acceptable behavior). One of the tools that can greatly assist in making the transition from an untrained puppy to a trained puppy smoother is a good-quality puppy crate. Puppies will instinctively search out enclosures (den-like areas) where they can relax safely. For many puppy owners, using the right type of crate can help their puppies feel safer and more relaxed.
When shopping for a puppy crate, you should look for high-quality items made from sturdy materials that are well ventilated, have a secure latch and offer adjustable space as your puppy grows. Some experts even suggest purchasing a puppy crate with removable dividers, which allows the owner to gradually increase the area available to the puppy rather than having to replace the crate every couple of months.
Below is a list of some of the best puppy crates for training, traveling, and everyday use in the home.
Best Overall Puppy Crate
MidWest Life Stages Double Door Folding Crate
Many consider the Midwest Life Stages Double Door Folding Crate one of the best puppy training crates due to its perfect balance of affordability, durability, versatility and convenience. The crate features removable divider panels that allow owners to customize the crate’s length/width to accommodate their puppy(s) growth. This ability to control the size of the crate helps prevent accidents within the crate caused by too much space and assists with potty training. Additionally, the double doors provide owners with greater placement options and ease of moving the crate when necessary. Its foldable design provides owners with additional benefits such as easy storage when not being used and transportation to other locations.
Features
- Adjustable divider for growing puppies
- Strong steel wire construction
- Easy-to-clean removable tray
- Foldable design for storage
- Excellent airflow and visibility
Pros
- Durable and long-lasting
- Great for house training
- Easy assembly
- Available in multiple sizes
Cons
- Can be noisy if puppies move around frequently
- Wire construction may feel too open for anxious dogs
Check Price on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=MidWest+Life+Stages+Double+Door+Folding+Crate
Best Travel Puppy Crate
Petmate Two Door Top Load Kennel
The Petmate Two Door Top Load Kennel is designed specifically for those who would like a more closed-off environment for their puppies. Because plastic kennels are typically more private/den-like than metal kennels, puppies that are extremely nervous or require extra security will generally feel more comfortable and settle down faster.
One of the reasons this product excels for travel purposes is due to its top-loading feature. This aspect is particularly beneficial for young puppies or dogs that are resistant to entering a kennel through the front door.
Features
- Hard plastic shell construction
- Front and top-loading access
- Airline-friendly design
- Secure metal door
- Lightweight and portable
Pros
- Excellent for travel
- Provides privacy for anxious puppies
- Easy to clean
- Durable shell design
Cons
- Less ventilation than wire crates
- Not ideal for very large breeds
Check Price on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Petmate+Two+Door+Top+Load+Kennel
Best Premium Puppy Crate
Diggs Revol Collapsible Dog Crate
The Diggs Revol is quickly becoming a favourite among pet owners seeking premium modern crate designs. It boasts smooth collapsible construction, multi-directional doors, and safety-driven engineering. Due to its sleek design aesthetic, it fits seamlessly into today’s modern living environments versus traditional wire kennels.
Features
- Premium collapsible design
- Built-in puppy divider
- Multiple access doors
- Rounded edges for safety
- High-quality materials
Pros
- Attractive modern appearance
- Very easy folding mechanism
- Excellent build quality
- Spacious and comfortable
Cons
- Expensive
- Heavier than standard crates
Check Price on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Diggs+Revol+Collapsible+Dog+Crate
Best Budget Puppy Crate
Frisco Fold & Carry Double Door Crate
The Frisco Fold & Carry Double Door Crate is an affordable alternative for puppy owners. While it does have all of the essentials required for crate training (a removable tray, folding frame and two doors), it has some cost-cutting elements, such as thinner metal frames compared to other brands.
Although the Frisco’s thin metal frame means that it will likely last longer when used for housebreaking and light obedience, there are still many benefits to this crate. For example, you get easy portability, quick set-up, good air circulation, and a very low price point.
Features
- Foldable wire frame
- Double-door access
- Removable plastic tray
- Lightweight design
- Multiple size options
Pros
- Affordable pricing
- Easy to transport
- Quick setup
- Good ventilation
Cons
- Thinner metal construction
- Less durable for heavy chewers
Check Price on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Frisco+Fold+Carry+Double+Door+Crate
Best Heavy-Duty Puppy Crate
MidWest Ultima Pro Heavy Duty Dog Crate
Here are some pups who take advantage of their escape skills during crate training. Some breeds, such as bulldogs, pugs, etc., tend to be stronger and more active than others and eventually bend lighter gauge wire crates. The Midwest Ultima Pro heavy-duty dog crate is made with heavier gauge steel wire and a secure latch system designed to keep even the strongest and most active dogs safely contained.
It is ideal for larger breed puppies as well as those that go through severe teething phases due to the added strength of the heavy-duty steel frame
Features
- Heavy-duty steel construction
- Reinforced locking system
- Divider panel included
- Foldable frame
- Leak-proof tray
Pros
- Extremely durable
- Strong escape-resistant design
- Great for large breeds
- Long lifespan
Cons
- Heavier than standard crates
- Higher price than basic models
Check Price on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=MidWest+Ultima+Pro+Heavy+Duty+Dog+Crate
How to Choose the Right Puppy Crate
Choose The Best Crate Size
Your crate should be big enough for your puppy to stand up, turn around and lie down easily. It shouldn’t be too big either. This will help your puppy use all parts of the crate and speed up potty-training. If there is a lot of extra space, your puppy might decide to go to the bathroom in one corner.
Divider Panels Are Extremely Useful
Dividers (also called adjustable dividers) enable you to increase the size of the crate as your puppy grows.
Puppy Temperament
Some puppies love being able to see everything, so they do well in an open wire crate. Some puppies have anxiety, so they need a solid-sided plastic crate where they can retreat when feeling overwhelmed.
Travel
If you know you will be travelling by air with your dog or flying frequently with your dog, then a hard-sided airline-approved crate would probably be the way to go.
Safety
When choosing a crate, make sure to consider:
- Safe locking system
- No sharp edges
- Non-toxic materials
- Sufficient ventilation
- The crate is durable
Bad quality crates tend to bend, rust or even fall apart after some time. And if you have a very active puppy, this could happen sooner rather than later.
Crate Training Tips for Puppies
The goal of crate training is to create good associations with the crate. It is easy to train successfully by making sure you don’t force your puppy into the crate. There are many things you can do to ensure successful crate training, including:
- Give them their food inside the crate
- Using treats and toys
- Starting with short sessions
- Avoiding punishment-based crate use
- Creating calm bedtime routines
Conclusion
Your best puppy crate is based on the size of your puppy, its personality, how active your puppy is and what type of training your puppy requires. The majority of pet owners will find that the MidWest Life Stages Double Door crate has the right amount of versatility, durability and price to provide them with everything they need. If you have a travelling puppy, then an enclosed kennel like the PetMate Two Door will be a good option.
If you have a puppy that chews through anything, then a crate made of heavy-duty materials like the MidWest Ultima Pro would be a good choice. A crate should never be seen as a form of discipline; when introduced properly, it can be used as a safe place for your puppy to rest at night. It also allows your puppy to establish a routine and become confident in their surroundings.