Does the thought of bringing a new puppy home fill you with excitement, but also a little bit of worry? That tiny ball of fluff needs a safe space, and many new owners instantly wonder: what kind of crate is best?
Choosing the right dog crate for your puppy feels like a huge decision. You want a space that feels cozy, not confining. You worry about picking one that’s too big, too small, or made of the wrong material. Many people get stuck comparing plastic versus wire, or trying to guess the right size for a dog that will eventually grow much larger. These choices can be overwhelming, leading to frustration before your furry friend even arrives.
But don’t stress! This guide cuts through the confusion. We will show you exactly what features matter most when selecting a crate for your growing puppy. You will learn how to choose a crate that supports potty training, keeps your puppy secure, and becomes their happy den.
Ready to find the perfect safe haven for your new companion? Let’s dive into the best dog crates for puppies.
Top Dog Crates For Puppies Recommendations
- Newly enhanced with added security features to keep your pet safe | Slide-bolt door latch now feature patented Paw Block and locking tips to create a safer, more secure home for your pet
- iCrate single door dog crate measures 30L x 19 x 21 inches and is suitable for medium dog breeds with an adult weight of 25 to 40 pounds. If your dog’s weight or measurements are on the higher side for this crate, we recommend buying the next crate size up
- Dog crate includes a divider panel, durable & leak-proof plastic pan, protective rubber feet, carrying handle, and customer support team based in Indiana
- Easy to assemble & portable | Dog crate sets up in seconds with no tools required and conveniently folds flat for travel
- Durable & strong, quality construction creates a secure place for your dog to fulfill their natural instinct to den. Proper ventilation, large door openings with low thresholds, and rounded corner clips make iCrate a safer crate experience for your dog
- Newly enhanced with added security features to keep your pet safe | Slide-bolt door latch now feature patented Paw Block and locking tips to create a safer, more secure home for your pet
- iCrate single door dog crate measures 18L x 12W x 14H,inches and is suitable for XS dog breeds with an adult weight up to 12 pounds. If your dog’s weight or measurements are on the higher side for this crate, we recommend buying the next crate size up
- Dog crate includes a divider panel, durable & leak-proof plastic pan, protective rubber feet, carrying handle, and customer support team based in Indiana
- Easy to assemble & portable | Dog crate sets up in seconds with no tools required and conveniently folds flat for travel
- Durable & strong, quality construction creates a secure place for your dog to fulfill their natural instinct to den. Proper ventilation, large door openings with low thresholds, and rounded corner clips make iCrate a safer crate experience for your dog
- Newly enhanced with added security features to keep your pet safe | Slide-bolt door latch now feature patented Paw Block and locking tips to create a safer, more secure home for your pet
- iCrate single door dog crate measures 24L x 17 x 19 inches and is suitable for small dog breeds with an adult weight of 12 to 25 pounds. If your dog’s weight or measurements are on the higher side for this crate, we recommend buying the next crate size up. It is not recommended to use a crate mat or bed while the divider panel is in use.
- Dog crate includes a divider panel, durable & leak-proof plastic pan, protective rubber feet, carrying handle, and customer support team based in Indiana
- Easy to assemble & portable | Dog crate sets up in seconds with no tools required and conveniently folds flat for travel
- Durable & strong, quality construction creates a secure place for your dog to fulfill their natural instinct to den. Proper ventilation, large door openings with low thresholds, and rounded corner clips make iCrate a safer crate experience for your dog
- 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 and 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 and 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.
- 24-inch dog crate for pets under 20 x 15.25 inches (LxH), like a Havanese or Pug
- 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
- 24-inch dog crate for pets under 20 x 15.25 inches (LxH), like a Havanese or Pug
- 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
- 2 doors (front and side) and a divider for adjusting the internal space
- Removable plastic base tray for easy cleaning
- MADE IN USA: The IRIS USA playpen with door for dogs is excellent for dog play yards, play gates, and more. Built with multiple panels and featuring the option to add even more panels, you can create a playpen that perfectly fits your needs.
- IDEAL FOR SMALL DOGS: Perfect for extra small to medium breeds such as chihuahuas, pugs, dachshunds, and puppies. The 24" height and 61" x 61" area give your pet enough room to move comfortably while staying secure.
- DURABLE: This playpen is made with durable, heavy-duty plastic and ready for playtime both indoors and out. The material is easy to clean and additional panels can be ordered so the playpen can expand to grow with your pet and give them more room.
- EASY ASSEMBLY: Built with convenience in mind, the pet playpen can be put together by snapping the panels into place. It comes with 5 panels and 1 panel with a door, each panel featuring rubber feet to protect flooring and keep the pet pen in place.
- Dimensions: 35"L x 35"W x 24"H – A great size for extra small to medium-sized dogs, providing enough room to play and relax while staying safe and contained.
- 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
Choosing the Right Dog Crate for Your New Puppy
Welcoming a new puppy home is exciting! A crate is a vital tool for training, safety, and giving your puppy a secure den. Picking the right one can feel tricky. This guide will help you choose the best dog crate for your growing friend.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for a puppy crate, look closely at these important features. They make a big difference in how well the crate works for you and your dog.
- **Size Adjustability:** Puppies grow fast! The best crates come with a divider panel. You can slide this panel to make the crate smaller now, and then move it as your puppy gets bigger. This saves you money since you won’t buy a new crate every few months.
- **Door Security:** The latch must be strong. Puppies are clever chewers and escape artists. Look for double-locking mechanisms or latches that require a firm push and lift.
- **Portability and Setup:** Do you plan to travel? Consider crates that fold flat easily. Some modern crates snap together quickly without tools.
- **Ventilation and Visibility:** Ensure the crate has enough wire spacing or panels so your puppy can see out and breathe easily. Good airflow prevents overheating.
Important Materials Matter
The material of the crate affects its safety, durability, and weight.
Wire Crates: These are very popular. They offer excellent ventilation and visibility. High-quality wire crates use durable metal that resists rust. Thicker gauge wire means better quality.
Plastic Crates (Airline Style): These crates offer more security and block more drafts, making them cozy. They are great for travel because they often lock together tightly. Make sure the plastic is sturdy and won’t crack if bumped.
Fabric Crates: These are light and soft. They are best for older puppies or for short trips. Be careful: sharp puppy teeth can easily tear through fabric.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality isn’t just about the price tag. Think about how the crate is built.
What Makes a Crate Better?
- **Smooth Edges:** Run your hand over the edges, especially on wire crates. Sharp spots can hurt your puppy. Good manufacturing means smooth, rounded corners.
- **Sturdy Latches:** Heavy-duty latches last longer. Cheap, flimsy latches break easily, leading to escapes or injuries.
- **Easy Cleaning:** Look for a crate with a removable plastic tray at the bottom. Accidents happen often with puppies. You must be able to slide out the tray and wash it quickly.
What Lowers the Quality?
Thin, lightweight metal bends easily. Plastic that feels brittle is more likely to crack. If the instructions are confusing, it often means the design is complicated, which lowers the user experience.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you plan to use the crate shapes your purchase. Think about your daily routine.
House Training: A crate that is the right size (just big enough for the puppy to stand up, turn around, and lie down) encourages house training. If the crate is too big, the puppy might soil one end and sleep in the other. The divider panel is essential here.
Travel and Transport: If you drive often, a durable plastic crate offers better protection in a car accident than a wire kennel. Wire crates are lighter if you need to carry them frequently.
Safety and Den Time: The crate should feel like a safe cave. If you cover a wire crate with a blanket, it becomes darker and more den-like, which many puppies prefer for sleeping.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Puppy Crates
Q: How big should the crate be for my puppy?
A: The crate should be just large enough for your puppy to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Use the divider panel to adjust the size now, so they don’t soil the space.
Q: Should I buy a crate for my puppy’s adult size?
A: Yes, but use the divider panel! Buying for adult size ensures you only buy one crate, but the divider prevents house-training accidents by limiting the space initially.
Q: What is the best material for chewers?
A: Heavy-gauge metal wire or solid plastic (airline style) crates are best for strong chewers. Avoid fabric crates until your puppy is past the teething phase.
Q: How long should my puppy stay in the crate?
A: A general rule is one hour for every month of age, plus one hour, up to a maximum of four to five hours during the day. Never leave them too long, especially overnight.
Q: Can I use a crate for house training?
A: Absolutely! Crates are the most effective tool for house training because dogs naturally avoid soiling their sleeping area.
Q: What if my puppy cries in the crate?
A: Ensure the crate is in a safe, quiet area. Do not rush to let them out the moment they cry, or they learn crying works. Wait for a brief pause in the crying before opening the door.
Q: Do I need a special tray for the bottom?
A: Most quality crates come with a removable plastic tray. This tray catches messes and protects your floor. Always make sure it fits snugly.
Q: Are soft-sided crates safe for puppies?
A: They are generally not safe for young puppies that chew. Soft crates are better suited for very calm, older dogs or for short-term travel use where supervision is constant.
Q: How do I make the crate comfortable?
A: Place a comfy, washable mat or old blanket inside. Keep a safe chew toy in there. Never put anything in the crate that could become a choking hazard.
Q: Should the crate have one door or two?
A: Crates with two doors (one on the side, one on the front) offer more placement flexibility in your home. This is a great feature for fitting the crate into tight spaces.