- Best Dog Crate Overall: Diggs Revol Dog Crate
- Best Dog Crate For Puppies: Life Stages Single Door Folding Crate
- Best Dog Crate For Small Dogs: Carlson Single-Door Dog Crate
- Best Dog Crate For Medium Dogs: New World Folding Metal Dog Crate
- Best Dog Crate For Large Dogs: AmazonBasics Folding Metal Dog Crate
- Best Dog Crate For Extra-Large Dogs: MidWest Homes for Pets XXL Giant Dog Crate
- Best Dog Crate With Cover: MidWest iCrate Starter Kit
- Best Heavy-Duty Dog Crate: Impact Stationary Dog Crate
- Best Plastic Dog Crate: Petmate Sky Kennel Pet Carrier
- Best Wooden Dog Crate: The Dog Cave Single Door Crate
- Best Soft-sided Dog Crate: AmazonBasics Portable Folding Soft Dog Travel Crate
- Best Travel Dog Crate: SportPet Designs Rolling Travel Dog Crate
Full Answer
What size of crate should I buy for my Puppy?
- 18″ – 22″ Dog Crate Sizes for Extra Small Dog Breeds
- 24″ Dog Crate Size for Small Dog Breeds
- 30″ Dog Crate Size for Medium Dog Breeds
- 36″ Dog Crate Size for Large Dog Breeds
- 42″ Dog Crates Size for Extra Large Dog Breeds
- 46″ – 72″ Dog Crate Sizes for XXL Giant Dog Breeds
How to get a puppy to like his crate?
Tips for successful crate training:
- Be sure there is fresh water in her crate at all times.
- Keep bedding clean, dry and soft.
- Place his favorite dog-proof toys in the crate with him.
- Try to practice crate training exercises when your puppy is tired.
- Wait for a silent moment before letting your pup out of the crate – even if all you can get is a few seconds between whines.
Which type of crate is best for your dog?
Types of Dog Crates
- Metal or Wire Crates for Dogs. Metal or wire crates are the traditional structures that most pet parents envision when they think of a dog crate and are ideal for ...
- Soft-Sided Dog Crates. ...
- Plastic Dog Crates. ...
- Airline-Approved Dog Crates. ...
- Furniture-Style Dog Crates. ...
- Collapsible Dog Crates. ...
What is the top rated dog crate?
Styles
- Wire Dog Crates. A wire dog crate is perhaps one of the most common and recognizable styles used for dog training. ...
- Plastic Dog Crates. As plastic crates are considerably lighter than wire crates, these are known to be more portable. ...
- Soft-Sided/Tent Crates. ...
- Metal Dog Crates. ...
- Decorative and Wooden Dog Crates. ...
What kind of crate is best for a puppy?
Hard-sided crates do a better job of containing puppies for a longer period of time, and they're easier to clean. Soft-sided crates may work for travel, but they're not always proof against sharp puppy teeth—so if you like the look, considering upgrading to one once your puppy is full grown and has learned the ropes.
Is a metal or plastic crate better for a puppy?
It really depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you need a lightweight kennel that is durable and easy to clean, a plastic kennel is a way to go. However, if good airflow is important to you, or if you live in a humid climate, a wire crate may be a better option.
What is the best size crate for a puppy?
Choosing the Right Crate SizeCrate SizeApproximate Weight of the Dog18″x18″ or 18″x24″Under 24 lbs Under 30 lbs24″x18″ or 24″x24″Under 30 lbs Under 38 lbs24″x30″ or 24″x36″Under 40 lbs Under 40 lbs30″x24″ or 30″x30″ or 30″x36″0-40 lbs 40-50 lbs 50-60 lbs5 more rows
Can you put an 8 week old puppy in a crate?
A new puppy that is weaned, around 8 weeks old, is too young to avoid crate training. A crate is a personal space for the puppy that can provide security and comfort when it no longer has its mother. In addition, it can prevent accidents.
Should I lock my puppy in his crate at night?
Your puppy's crate should never be a place of punishment. It should be associated with good things, like nap time and meals. Feed your puppy his or her meals in the crate, and lock him or her there over night so he/she gets used to sleeping there.
What should I put in my puppy's crate at night?
When it's time to crate your puppy at night, place the toy inside the crate with her so she can snuggle up to the reassuring smells of her canine siblings. A toy with a virtual heartbeat and warmable insert mimics the reassuring sound and feel of your puppy's mother.
How do I choose a dog crate?
A good way to determine the correct size is to measure your dog's height when standing (top of the dog's head to the floor) and length (tip of the dog's nose to the base of its tail). Then, add 4 inches to the dog's measurements to determine the best dog crate size.
Should I cover dog crate?
You should never completely cover your dog's crate as it can block airflow. Keep blankets away from heat sources, ensure the fabric is breathable, and avoid using knit blankets that may snag or unravel. Monitor the conditions inside the crate in humid summer weather to ensure it doesn't get too hot.
What happens if a dog's crate is too big?
While they can be too small, they can also definitely be too big. When a crate is too big, your dog may start to use part of it as a potty area, which will hinder housebreaking and not teach your dog to hold it. Your dog should be able to stand up, sit, lie down, and stretch out comfortably in his crate.
Where should a puppy sleep the first night?
On the first night, and for about three weeks, have the puppy sleep in a dog crate next to the bed. Line the base with blankets so that it is cosy and drape another blanket over the top to help it feel more secure. Give the puppy the stuffed toy that has its littermates' scent on it to snuggle up to.
Can I leave my 8 week old puppy home alone?
8–10 weeks: One hour or less. Puppies this young simply can't hold their urine for more than an hour, and even that is pushing it, sometimes! You might start crate training at this age, but you can't leave a young puppy in a crate for long periods; they'll wet their bed (a lot!)
Where should I put puppy crate first night?
The best compromise can be setting a crate up in the bedroom or just outside of the open bedroom door. This way, the puppy knows you're near. Very young puppies do not have the bladder capacity to hold it for the entire night, so it's imperative that you can hear your puppy vocalizing when he needs to go out.
What is the best material for dog cage?
Dog crates are primarily made from four main materials: wood, metal, plastic, and fabric. When it comes to the most attractive crates, wood is generally the best bet.
Are plastic dog crates safe?
Plastic dog crates are great for dogs who are always traveling. These crates keep dogs secure while they're on the go — whether in the air, on a train, or in a car. When you're searching for a plastic crate, you should pick a crate that's durable, well ventilated, and airline-approved if you plan to fly.
What is the difference between a dog crate and a kennel?
A crate is used indoors and should only be a little bigger than the dog's size, providing a sense of safety and security. A kennel, much bigger than a crate, is a semi-permanent outdoor structure with an attached outdoor run and is often used to house dogs in backyards anywhere from a few hours to all year.
Do dogs prefer smaller crates?
Smaller crates help puppies relax and feel safe. They can feel scared and lonely with too much room and it may take them a long time to settle down.
What brand of dog crate is best?
In our testing, the best overall dog crate is the MidWest Ultima Pro Double Door Collapsible Wire Dog Crate. It has a tight grid of thick wire that...
Are wire or plastic dog crates better?
The two materials excel at different uses. Metal crates are tougher and more paw-resistant than plastic crates, and their doors tend to stand up to...
What should I look for in a dog crate?
A crate should be durable and resistant to bending. Look for a size that’s large enough for your pet to move around in (the manufacturer will have...
What is the best dog crate for a car?
An important note: We did not test for car safety. For one thing, you should never put your dog in a wire crate in the car. Every book we read and...
What is the best dog crate for dogs?
For a dependable dog crate that accommodates dogs of all shapes and sizes, we recommend the Frisco Heavy Duty Wire Dog C rate & Mat Kit (view at Chewy ). It's lightweight yet durable, and folds down for easy transport and storage. If you're looking to splurge on a crate with more features, check out the Diggs Revol Dog Crate (view at Diggs ). Designed with safety in mind, it has an open, inviting feel that your pup will love.
How big is a dog crate?
This crate comes in two sizes: the small can accommodate dogs up to 20 inches long and 14 inches tall, while the large is designed for dogs up to 38 inches long and 29 inches tall. Its slatted design provides ventilation and visibility, and its latching door will keep your pet safe and secure. It doesn’t come with a removable tray for spills or accidents, so you may want to consider adding a removable, water-proof lining for easier clean-up.
Why Trust The Spruce Pets?
When researching products to add to this article, we read dozens of customer and third-party site reviews, keeping safety, style, and comfort in mind.
What is a diamond shaped dog cage?
Those with puppies might be especially drawn to this crate, as it comes with a puppy divider for training and a ceiling hatch for easy access. The diamond-shaped mesh adds a more open feel to the cage while also helping prevent injuries, and the single-piece frame is solid and secure. You can easily let your pup in and out using the ergonomic plastic handles, and a top handle and built-in wheels allow for easy transport.
What to look for when buying a dog crate?
As you shop for a dog crate, you'll want to keep safety and size in mind. You'll also want to consider if you want a crate with extra features like removable trays and casters.
How many sizes are there in a dog crate?
Available in single and double door options, as well as six different sizes, you can customize this crate to suit your dog’s needs. Two slide-bolt latches on each door make this crate safe and secure, while its wire composition provides strength, ventilation, and visibility for your dog. It comes with a removable, composite plastic pan, so clean-up is super simple.
Is it safe to put a dog in a crate?
Safety is arguably the most important factor to consider when purchasing a dog crate, but the level of safety depends on the life stage and temperament of your pup. For example, a wooden crate might be safe for more mellow dogs who don't chew, but those with puppies or chewers will want to avoid this type.
What is the best crate for dogs?
After sorting through hundreds of models, interviewing dog experts, assembling the top models and lugging them to a veteran trainer for examination, and then trying to break each crate at its weakest points with measured force, we found that the MidWest Ultima Pro is the crate most people should get for their dog. It’s the most sturdy, secure, and adaptable wire crate we found, and it’s designed to last over the lifetime of many dogs. It’s also available in multiple sizes.
Who needs a dog crate?
Not everybody buys or uses a dog crate, but they probably should. Some people go their entire pets’ lives without an accident or destructive incident, but they’re the exception, not the norm.
What is a tie down hole in a kennel?
Tie-down holes on the Ultra Vari Kennel allow for extra security with zip ties at home, or for securing the crate on planes. Photo: KC Kratt
How much does a double door dog crate weigh?
Other best-selling double-door crates of the same size weigh 18 to 20 pounds. Unless you would be moving your crate often and would have trouble with that weight, we think the durability of the Ultima Pro is worth it, even if you come to learn that your dog is a total marshmallow. Video: Kevin Purdy.
Why do dogs need crates?
At the least, crates prevent accidents while dogs are housebroken, and they keep dogs from getting to dangerous or unhealthy foods or objects when the owners are absent. Keeping your dog in a crate can halt the pet’s tough-to-break habit of destroying household items and furniture while an owner is away, Muto told us. 1 Beyond avoiding trouble, crates can provide a space where your dog feels safe and at home, and it can allow you to separate your dog from guests, contractors, or temptations when necessary.
What size is a Richell end table crate?
The Richell Wooden End-Table Crate comes in one color, dark brown, and two broad sizes, “up to 44 pounds” and 88 pounds. We could list many things to critique with this crate, but the dealbreaker is that it has no bottom. The manufacturer doesn’t make this clear, but the crate has only three sides, a top, and a door; you slide in a plastic tray for the bottom. The design leaves definite gaps between the tray and the walls, and the tray is flimsy enough that a dog could bend it upward.
What is a Grreat Choice dog carrier?
Grreat Choice Dog Carriers are a PetSmart exclusive. These plastic carriers, which are designed with a sturdy metal door, fastened together with bolts, and equipped with tie-down holes, will keep most dogs inside. We saw nothing particularly wrong with them, but they don’t have the reputation of the Ultra Vari Kennel models. And their color combination of accident-ready brown and medical-waiting-room beige doesn’t do much for whatever room you have to store your crate in.
Revol Dog Crate
Collapsible for travel? Check. Easy to clean? Check. Comfortable and safe for your favorite four-legged friend? Check. This stylish crate comes in small and medium sizes (and color options that include ash, gray and charcoal).
Life Stages Single-Door Folding Crate
If you’ve recently welcomed a new pup into the family, trainers advise you not to put a puppy in a full-size crate, as this may hinder your house training efforts—essentially, the puppy has enough room to do its business in a corner far away from where it can choose to rest.
Frisco Plastic Dog Kennel
Ideally, you want a kennel that’s large enough for your dog to comfortably stand up, lie down and stretch out. We’re partial to the Frisco Plastic Dog Kennel because it works well for both home use and travel.
New World Folding Metal Dog Crate
Medium-sized dog breeds like Border Collies will do well in a product like the New World Folding Metal Dog Crate, which comes in medium dog sizes like 30- and 36-inch sizes (as well as a handful of other sizes ranging from 24 to 48 inches).
Luckup Heavy Duty Dog Kennel
Not everyone needs a crate like this one. But beefier boys and girls—larger and stronger breeds—really need a durable crate that can stand up to more abuse. Some dogs with a lot of jaw strength, for example, might try to take advantage of a lightweight crate to pull the door off its hinges if left alone for too long, which can lead to injury.
Midwest Double-Door Dog Crate for XXL Dog Breeds
For extra-large dog breeds—think dogs like Great Danes, for example—you’re going to need a sizable enclosure like the MidWest Homes XXL Giant Dog Crate. This oversized dog crate is a whopping 54 inches in length and 45 inches tall, and it’s made from durable metal with drop-pin construction for increased security.
iCrate Dog Crate Starter Kit
Many dogs like their crates to be covered, as it helps to create a cozy, den-like atmosphere where they can sleep peacefully. The MidWest iCrate Starter Kit includes everything you need to help your dog feel at home in their new space, including a fitted cover, fleece dog bed, divider panel and two bowls that attach to the interior wall.
Wire Crates
Wire crates are your traditional crates. They provide a clear view of your puppy, and they usually come with a divider so that you can adjust the size of the interior space as your puppy grows.
Steel Crates
Steel crates are heavy-duty spaces for dogs that tend to be heavy chewers and escape artists. They have wider bars than wire crates, so it’s more difficult for puppies to chew and destroy.
Travel Crates
These types of crates work well with people who often travel because they double as a home for your puppy and can also safely transport your pet when you’re traveling. Most travel crates will pass IATA requirements, so you can easily board your dogs onto planes.
Soft-Sided Crates
These crates work well with puppies with more docile personalities or are in the advanced stages of crate training. Since they’re typically made with mesh or nylon, they won’t withstand heavy scratching or chewing.
Dual-Purpose Crates
To be completely honest, most crates can stick out or be eyesores in a room. The wire and plastic can make a room feel unwelcoming and messy.
How many sizes are there in a dog crate?
This crate works for most dogs as it comes in six sizes and offers a durable dog tray.
Why is it important to have a dog crate?
Dog crates are essential for any owner. Finding the perfect dog crate may seem difficult, especially for dogs with special needs, lifestyles, or sizes. That's why the AKC does the work for you by researching and analyzing the comfort, durability, and style of dog crate options. Regardless of if you're looking for a chew-proof crate or one perfect for on-the-go, the AKC has you covered.
What is wire dog crate?
Wire dog crates work for most dogs and are especially helpful for dogs who are being trained. These crates are often designed with a divider panel so the sizing can change as dogs grow. Our favorite wire dog crate is the MidWest Double Door Metal Dog Crate for its durability and longevity.
Why do dogs need crates?
A crate is an important tool for any dog owner. Many dogs will stay in their crates at night or while their owners are at work. Crates give dogs a sense of safety and give owners peace of mind. They are also helpful tools during training and emergencies. To find the ideal dog crate for your four-legged friend, you must consider size, breed, age, and habits. These elements will determine what material, type, and structure work best for your canine companion.
What is a plastic dog crates?
Plastic dog crates are designed to keep dogs secure and comfortable. Plastic dog crates often work better for dogs dealing with separation anxiety as they are more enclosed than wire crates. They typically have openings for ventilation, are durable, and made of waterproof material.
What do dogs love about wire crate?
Dogs love the comfortable size and being able to use multiple doors. What Humans Love: For a wire dog crate that will last a long time, a five-point lock system and adjustable panel make this crate the surefire pick. What You'll Love: Adjustable panel.
What is portable crates?
Portable crates are lightweight, foldable, and well ventilated, making them perfect for travel.
How to increase the size of a puppy crate?
Get a large crate with a divider so you can increase the size of the crate as your puppy grows. We like our Carlson Double Door Crate w/ Divider.
What dog crate did Charlie use?
Charlie practicing his crate training in his Carlson wire dog crate.
Can you store a crate in a plastic crates?
Easily Stored: If you have multiple crates like me or if you decide you don’t want to use the crate anymore you might need to store your crate. Wire crates are collapsible and easier to store. The plastic crates I’ve owned can be made into two half shells and stored, but they still take up more space then the wire crates.
Can a dog see out of a crate?
We like the wire crate because you can either have it open so your pup can see everything going on around him or we throw a blanket over the top so he can’t see out which can be good for quiet time. Unfortunately, you don’t have this options with a plastic molded crate since it’s mostly all closed up with limited visibility for your puppy.
Can you slide a plastic tray in and out of a puppy?
Easy clean up – It’s easy to slide the plastic tray in and out if your puppy makes a mess.
Can puppies destroy plastic crates?
However, we have heard of some puppies that are capable of destroy ing the plastic molded and/or wire dog crates.
Do wire crates have dividers?
Divider: Most ( but not all) wire crates we’ve come across also have a metal divider allowing you to adjust the size of the crate to fit your puppy as he grows. We’ve yet to see a plastic molded-crate with a divider. Plastic Tray: Our wire crates came with a plastic tray that is easy to slide in and out.
