Best Puppy Crates: Size, Type and How to Choose

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20264 min read

A crate can be a safe, comfortable den for a puppy, and it is a helpful tool for toilet training, travel and preventing mischief when you cannot supervise. Choosing the right one makes crate training much easier. Here is how to pick.

Why use a crate?

• Toilet training. Puppies avoid soiling where they sleep, so a crate helps teach bladder control.
• Safety. A crate keeps your puppy out of trouble when you cannot watch it.
• Travel. A familiar crate makes car journeys and vet visits easier.
• A place to rest. Many dogs like having a quiet retreat.

A crate must never be used as punishment or for long periods. Our guide to how to crate train a puppy explains the process, and how long a puppy can stay in a crate explains limits.

Getting the size right

The classic advice is that a crate should be just big enough for your puppy to stand, turn around and lie down comfortably. If it is too large, the puppy may use one end as a toilet. If it is too small, it will be uncomfortable.

Because puppies grow, many owners buy a crate for adult size and use a divider to reduce the space. To estimate size, measure your puppy from nose to base of tail, and from the floor to the top of the head or ears when standing. Add a few inches. Check the manufacturer's size guides and breed estimates, and adjust if your puppy turns out larger or smaller than expected.

Types of crates

Wire crates

• Good ventilation and visibility
• Often come with dividers and a removable tray
• Can fold flat for storage
• Can be covered with a blanket for a den-like feel
• Can be noisy and not as cozy without a cover

Plastic crates

• Enclosed sides that feel more den-like
• Good for travel and often airline-approved
• Less ventilation than wire
• Not usually adjustable, so you may need more than one size

Soft-sided crates

• Lightweight and portable
• Suitable for calm dogs or travel
• Not suitable for chewers or escape artists
• Harder to clean

Furniture-style crates

• Look like pieces of furniture
• Can be expensive and are not always chew-proof
• Best for dogs that are already crate trained and not destructive

Heavy-duty crates

For strong or escape-prone dogs, metal crates built for durability are available, although they are expensive. Consult a trainer if your puppy panics in a crate, since escape attempts can lead to injury.

Features to look for

• Secure latches that a clever puppy cannot open
• A divider for growing puppies
• A removable tray for easy cleaning
• Smooth edges with no sharp points
• Two doors, for flexible placement
• Stability, so the crate does not tip or slide

Making it comfortable

• Add a washable bed or blanket if your puppy does not chew them.
• Provide safe chew toys.
• Cover part of the crate with a light blanket for a den feel, ensuring ventilation.
• Never leave collars with tags or other hazards in the crate.

Where to put it

• During the day, in a living area where the puppy can see and hear you.
• At night, in or near your bedroom for the first weeks, which comforts the puppy and lets you hear toilet signals. See our guide to crate training at night.
• Away from drafts, direct sun and heaters.

Alternatives and extras

A playpen offers more space, which can be useful if you must leave your puppy for longer. See playpens and gates for details.

Mistakes to avoid

• Buying a crate that is far too big
• Using the crate as punishment
• Leaving the puppy for too long
• Forcing the puppy in and shutting the door before it is comfortable
• Skipping toilet breaks

Introducing the crate step by step

Even the perfect crate fails if the puppy hates it. Leave the door open and toss treats inside so your puppy walks in by choice. Feed meals in the crate, gradually moving the bowl toward the back. Close the door for a few seconds while your puppy eats, then open it before any fuss starts. Build up the time in small steps, staying nearby at first. Give a special chew that only appears in the crate. If your puppy cries, check whether it needs a toilet break, but avoid opening the door in the middle of loud protests, since that teaches crying works. Keep sessions positive and short, and you will end up with a puppy who goes into its crate happily.

The takeaway

The best crate is one that fits your puppy, is safe and sturdy, and is introduced with patience and rewards. Think of it as your puppy's bedroom, not its jail.