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(Last Updated On: )Using a crate for puppy training will help with toilet training during the night and separation anxiety when left alone. Puppy crates need to become their “happy place” with all their toys and blankets covering the crate to make it cozy.
The best crate for a puppy is the MidWest iCrate, which is a low-cost solution to crate training and comes with a divider that you can use to increase the size of the crate.
Using dog crates for large dogs but for a puppy can often be too large and reduce the effectiveness of crate training as it will be harder to make it cozy. Using a smaller dedicated crate for a puppy will reduce the chances of them finding a place to urinate.
Table of Contents
Best Dog Crates For Puppies
| Puppy Crate | Type | Length |
|---|---|---|
| MidWest iCrate | Metal Wire | 18 to 48 Inches |
| Petnation Port-A-Crate | Weaved Fabric | 16 to 36 Inches |
| Petmate Ultra Vari | Plastic | 21 to 48 inches |
| AmazonBasics Top-Load | Plastic | 19 to 23 Inches |
| PetSafe Solvit | Wicker | 24 to 42 Inches |
Crates for puppies come in a range of different forms with some being constructed of lightweight plastic to those heavy-duty wired alternatives. However, the way you make the puppy crate cozy is the more important than the construction.
There is a common misconception that crate training a puppy is cruel but its actually quite the opposite. By using a puppy crate, you are providing them with a place that they can call their very own and is full of blankets and their favorite toys.
Decorating the dog crate with everything your puppy loves is the best way to introduce them to the crate. Below is a list of the best crates for puppies that are ideal for training and providing them with a place they can call their own.
MidWest Homes for Pets Puppy Crate
The most popular dog crate by far is the MidWest crate that comes in a range of sizes. This is the exact crate that I personally use for my dachshund (as shown in the guide below) but there is a wide variety of different sizes to suit certain breeds.
In terms of the size of the crate, it ranges from 18 inches to 48 inches long but keeps in mind you do not want it to be too big for crate training. Once your puppy has become their full size, upgrading to a large crate would be needed then but not from their early puppy months.
There is also the option for a double or single door with the choice of the standard black, blue or pink crate color. The MidWest crate also comes with a divider that you can use to gradually increase the size of the crate as they grow, which is very intuitive and useful for decorating a cozy crate for a puppy.
Portability is another big factor and this crate will fold flat within seconds and without the need for any special tools. The dog tray located inside the crate removes easily too and can be cleaned in case your puppy has toilet troubles.
Overall, it is the best dog crate for a puppy with the divider allowing you to gradually increase the size of the crate as your puppy grows. It also offers excellent value for money and comes with a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty.
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Petnation Port-A-Crate
Avoiding hard plastic or metal completely can make the crate even more comfortable for your new puppy. The Petnation Port-A-Crate uses tightly weaved fabric panels that are supported by a strong steel frame.
Due to the nature of the construction, it is the lightest and easiest to carry around. The sizes range from 16 inches to 37 inches in length and you can place your puppy into the crate via the top of the front door.
Ventilation is great with this puppy crate as there are mesh windows located on each side in the shape of a bone, which looks great. Overall, it is the best soft dog crate for puppies but if your puppy likes to chew, you may want to go for a plastic or metal alternative as shown above. The fabric is durable but there is a limit to the strength and your dog will be able to chew through it over time.
Check it OutPetmate Ultra Vari Kennel
Some dog owners fear that using a hard-sided plastic dog crate can cause ventilation issues but not with this crate. There is a 360-degree ventilation through the openings on each panel and the door.
Overall, it is a durable puppy crate that is easy to assemble and even meets the majority of airline cargo specifications. There are several sizes to choose that are suitable for dogs that are 25LBS to 90 LBS in weight and the length varies from 21 to 48 inches. Although it’s a plastic construction, it is made from a heavy-duty plastic that uses a metal screw and covered posts for maximum durability.
Check it OutAmazonBasics Two-Door
For those looking for a cheap dog crate for a puppy, the Amazon Basics is the cheapest you will find that won’t fall apart in a few days. It is a two-door crate that is available in lengths from 19 inches to 23 inches. At this size, it is only suitable for small to medium-sized puppies as larger breeds will outgrow this puppy crate very quickly.
It is a durable plastic construction with a steel-wire front door with ventilation on either side of the crate. The intuitive 2 door design makes getting your puppy in and out of the crate fairly straight forward too and on the top door, there is a handle for easy transportation too.
Overall, it is a cheap dog crate for a puppy that is ideal for those wanting something affordable before upgrading to a larger dog crate.
Check it OutSolvit Mr. Herzher’s Puppy Crate
The PetSafe Solvit puppy crate is one of the most expensive you can buy but this is primarily due to the wicker design, which will complement the majority of home decors. it is available for weight sizes from 25 LBS to 100LBS with lengths ranging from 24 to 42 inches with plenty of ventilation cutouts.
It is easy to assemble and easy to clean with the wicker not absorbing any fluid or odors. It also sits of non-slip feet to elevate the base from the floor surface to prevent any damage to your floor.
Overall, it is a premium dog crate for a puppy and there is larger version of the crate for those wishing to upgrade when their dog becomes their full size. The unique wicker design will look great placed anywhere around your home but you will have to pay a premium because it’s not cheap.
Check it OutPuppy Crates Buying Guide
When you first get your puppy, one of the things you’ll be working on with them is housebreaking them. When you leave the house, you’ll need to put them in a crate, both for their own comfort and so that they don’t destroy your house. However, you’ll want to make sure you have the best possible crate for your dog so that they are comfortable and happy.
Their crate should feel like their own personal den, not like a jail cell. Dogs actually prefer sleeping in enclosed spaces, so when you find the right crate, they’ll feel happy and at ease there. There are so many different types of crates on the market that it can be very difficult to choose one. Here’s what to consider when crate shopping for your new puppy.
Crate Size
The first thing you’ll want to consider is the crate’s size. It should be appropriately sized to your dog so that they have enough room to move around and switch positions comfortably. It also should be big enough to fit a blanket and a few toys for comfort. However, it also needs to be small enough that you can pick it up and move it around fairly easily. Having a crate that’s too big can also have negative impacts on the puppy’s potty training progress.
Your crate should account for the fact that your puppy will be growing very quickly, so if you have a large dog, you may need to purchase a crate for their expected size in a few weeks, not the size they are now. You can buy a divider to put in it so it will be comfortable for their current size. If you aren’t sure how big your dog is going to get, it will be helpful to do some research on their breed to learn more about what to expect with them.
Single vs Double Door
Crates come in both single and double door options, and while both are useful, it’s helpful to know which type you’re looking for before you make a decision. Which type you choose will likely depend on where you’re planning on putting the crate within your home. If you plan on having the crate against a wall on one side, then you may only need a single door option. Double door options give you more freedom to configure the crate how you’d like and move it around as necessary.
Wire vs Plastic
Another big decision to make when buying a puppy crate is whether you want a wire crate or a plastic crate. Wire crates are nice for the dog because they allow them a little more breathing room, and they can see out from many angles. Wire crates are also very helpful for growing dogs because they can often be configured in multiple ways to suit your dog’s needs.
They can also be easily moved around and folded up for portability. Plastic crates are often a good option for smaller dogs. They are very portable, so they’re good for taking your dog in the car while they’re still leash training. However, they don’t provide as much space or visibility for your dog, so they’re typically better for travel. It’s best to avoid soft crates altogether for most dogs because they can chew through them and generally do a lot of damage to the fabric.
Base Tray
If you’re purchasing a wire crate, you should make sure it comes with a comfortable base tray. This acts as the floor of the crate, and it’s where you’ll put your dog’s blanket and other items. Ideally, the base tray should be made of a durable material that’s easy to clean but isn’t too slippery for your dog. It should also connect with the sides of the crate easily to prevent your dog from trying to slip their paws out!
Ease of Installation
Since you’ll likely have to move your dog’s crate somewhat frequently, it should be something that you can put together and take apart without too much extra work. Many wire cages are collapsible to make for easy assembling, but several others have lots of confusing sliding pieces, so it’s important to check this before making a purchase. If you’re buying a plastic crate, you’ll also want to make sure that the pieces are easy to put together and don’t require any tools.
Latch Strength
Puppies are curious little animals, and if you’re not careful, you might find them trying to get out of their cage on their own. It’s important to check the strength of the latch on your crate before you make your final decision. The latch should be completely solid, without any mechanisms that a puppy could claw or chew through. The material should be durable and stay in place. On the other hand, it shouldn’t be so secure that you can’t open it or that it will get stuck!
Crate training your puppy can be challenging at first, but it will make life with your new pet easier for both of you. Many people don’t realize that puppies are actually quite comfortable in crates. In the right crate, they’ll feel cozy and relaxed, not trapped. Some dogs end up using crates their whole life, while others eventually won’t need them, but having a crate-trained dog means you can leave your house without fear that you’ll come back to find everything in shambles.
It’s important to note that the way you use your crate will be very important for the puppy’s potty training, and there are a few things to be aware of. The first is to cover the inside of the crate with a blanket, and maybe even cover the outside too, to make it feel like a little den. If there’s too much space, they’ll use one side as a toilet.
The next is to leave the door open when they’re really young because they aren’t yet able to control their bladders. It’s more effective for them to be able to leave the crate and go to the bathroom on a puppy pad or try to alert you that they need to go outside.
Conclusion
Crate training your puppy straight away is the best way to get them to be well trained in the house and reduce dog separation anxiety. However, going straight to a large crate with the attitude of “they will grow into it” is the wrong approach and will ruin your crate training efforts in the long run.
Investing in an affordable puppy crate that is small will make things much easier. Once you have found your crate, you will then need to decorate it by covering it in blankets and including all their favorite toys. We recommend including a few chew toys for teething puppies as this will prevent them from trying to chew their crate whilst going through the teething phase.
All the recommendations in this article include a wide variety of crate designs and materials to suit your home and your puppy will be able to treat as their very own space where they can relax happily.
Ian is an avid outdoorsman and dog lover. He lives in Central Florida with his wife Heather, and their 2 dogs – Panda (Purebread Rough Collie X English Golden Retriever) & Kuma (Blue Merl Purebread Rough Collie)
