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There are lots of reasons to consider getting a dog crate. Maybe you’re ready to start crate training your pup, or maybe you want to provide your dog with a safe and secure space all his own—somewhere away from the foot traffic in your home. If you’ve started your search, you already know there are a lot of options. Weighing everything from size to crate materials can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve put together this guide: to help you figure out how to choose the crate that’s best for your dog—and you!
How to Choose the Right Dog Crate, Tip #1: Consider Your Needs
The first thing to keep in mind when shopping for a dog crate is to consider the variables, including size, material, portability, and purpose. There’s a dog crate for every kind of dog out there—so you’ll want to get the one that will meet your needs.
Purpose is a great place to start your search. What do you want a dog crate for?
- Is it for a puppy who is beginning crate training? Will it have different needs as he grows?
- Or is it an upgrade for an older dog who chewed through his first crate?
- Something to travel with you in the car or on the plane?
- An item that can seamlessly blend into the decor of your home?
- Something portable or collapsible that can be used indoors or outside?
Determining why you need a crate, how it will be used, and the personality of your dog will help you make an informed decision.
How to Choose the Right Dog Crate, Tip #2: Determine the Best Size
There are as many size crates as there are dogs! So, how do you choose?
Kate LaSala, a New York City-area dog trainer and behavior consultant, and owner of Rescued By Training, advises that “the crate be just large enough for the dog to be able to stand up and turn around.”
A crate that is too small will restrict your dog’s movements, won’t be associated with a relaxing place to rest, and may go unused by your dog. A crate that allows your dog to move comfortably in the crate while also offering the den-like experience that most dogs find comforting is the optimal choice.
Clearly, for large dogs such as Great Danes and mastiffs, that’s a large crate! So, for bigger breeds, you’ll need to have a place for the crate to go that can accommodate its large size without being in the way. Likewise, for smaller dogs, you’ll need to have a place in your home where it won’t be tripped over or bumped into. “You want the dog to know he can use that space as a safe escape from kids, noises, and guests,” LaSala says.
Searsie via iStock
How to Choose the Right Dog Crate, Tip #3: Material Selection
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. However, keep in mind that wood is not the best choice for super chewers—it can not only harm your crate, but it can also harm your dog. Wood can also be more challenging to clean because it’s porous and may absorb messes and odors.
Less attractive but more durable are metal crates that can often take more wear and tear and are easier to clean. Another benefit is that many versions are collapsible, so they can easily be stored or relocated. And, many are built with dividers to accommodate your dog throughout all life stages.
Plastic crates are commonly used for travel and transportation as they can be found in a range of smaller sizes, are easy to clean, and are quite durable.
Lastly, fabric or soft crates have the advantage of being easily stored and transported (though you’d want one with a frame for travel safety) and are often the lightest crates, so they’re easy to pick up and move. They are, however, more difficult to clean if your dog has an accident and can be shredded to bits if your pup is a determined chewer or scratcher.
How to Choose the Right Dog Crate, Tip #4: Puppy Crate Training
Crate training your new puppy immediately after you bring them home can help set them up for success in so many ways. It can aid in housetraining and be useful when transporting your pup to the vet for all those early rounds of vaccinations. It can also help keep your puppy out of trouble while she learns the rules of your home—safeguarding your furniture during the infamous and harrowing teething stage.
When choosing a crate for your puppy, go with a hard-sided crate that’s constructed well with sturdy walls and a strong door to help keep your pup safely inside. It will be easier to clean in case your puppy has an accident and is less likely to be ripped apart by those razor-sharp baby shark teeth. Wood crates, however, are not a great option for puppies as they’re more susceptible to damage from chewing and scratching—behaviors puppies often exhibit while being crate trained.
Size is again another factor when choosing a crate for your growing puppy. As mentioned above, some crates come with dividers that can be used to create a smaller crate for young puppies. You can remove the divider later to create a larger space that can grow with your dog.
In general, when figuring out how to choose a dog crate, the most important thing to remember is that the goal with any crate is to make your dog feel comfortable, safe, and secure.
“With proper crate training, the dog will see the crate as a happy, safe place and voluntarily go into the crate,” LaSala says.
Successful crate training equals a happy dog, which equals a happy owner, so you’ll want to choose the dog crate that’s right for you with care and consideration.
Now that you have a better idea of how to choose the right dog crate, read on for some of our top picks for a range of dogs and needs.
Our Favorite Collapsible Metal Crates
Collapsible crates are great for crate training and growing pups.
Frisco Fold and Carry Double Door Dog Crate
Fold and carry says it all! This metal crate comes together without tools and collapses down when you’re on the go. (It comes with a convenient handle, too.)
Available in different sizes, this Frisco crate contains a side and front door, a plastic bottom pan for easy cleanup, and an optional divider that allows the crate to grow with your pup.
Shop on ChewyMidWest Life Stages Folding Metal Dog Crate
Available with a single or double door, this metal crate comes in several sizes ranging from 22 to 48 inches.
Collapsible for storage and transport, this crate also comes with a removable plastic pan for easy clean-up. Adjust your crate with your growing pup with the included divider.
Shop on Chewy Find on AmazonOur Favorite Wooden Crates
Wood is a good crate material if you’re considering a crate to double as an end table or furniture, but it’s not the best for crate training or dogs who will chew or scratch.
Internet’s Best Decorative Dog Kennel with Pet Bed
Get ready for compliments! This chic wood-style crate comes in white or espresso, depending on your decor needs.
Made from sturdy medium density fiberboard and wire, this crate is not for chewers and is best for dogs on the smaller side. The double front door and single side door are secured with nickel hardware locks. Included is a removable pad for added comfort.
Shop on Chewy Find on AmazonMerry Products 2-in-1 Configurable Crate & Gate
It’s a wooden-style crate and so much more. Wire and solid wood veneer make for an attractive addition to your living space and can be utilized as an end table or stand.
Available in two sizes, slide the panels fold out and connect the pins to transform this space from a crate to a gate if you need to close off a room.
Shop on ChewyOur Favorite Plastic Crates
Plastic crates are good for travel and dogs on-the-go.
Though primarily meant for transporting your pet (hello, air travel!), this crate from the trusted Petmate brand can also be used for crating at home.
This crate comes in several sizes, and the heavy-duty plastic connects via metal screws and plastic fasteners for easy assemblage. A sturdy latch on the outside provides extra security.
Shop on Chewy Find on Amazon Discover on PetcoFrisco Two Door Top Load Plastic Kennel
Use the front door or load your small breed pup through the top. This Frisco crate is great for travel and comes in two sizes for crate training smaller dogs.
Made from 95% pre-consumer recycled plastic, this crate includes spring-loaded latches for extra security, while an interior indentation helps keep your dog dry in case they have an accident.
Shop on ChewyOur Favorite Heavy-Duty Crates
Keep in mind that while no crate is 100% dog-proof, heavy-duty crates are best for dogs who are large and in charge.
Itori Heavy-Duty Metal Dog Crate
Heavy-duty, indeed. Some dogs require a bit more heft to their crate, and this one is made from nontoxic coated reinforced steel.
Front and top doors are secured with anti-escape locks, while two of the four removable wheels lock into place to keep your pup secure.
Find on AmazonMidWest XX-Large Heavy-Duty Double Door Dog Crate
This heavy-duty crate is made for giant breeds and features a double door for easy access. Heavy-duty metal and generous sizing make it a great fit for your extra-large furry friend!
MidWest’s crate also comes with rubber feet to protect hard floors and a removable plastic pan for easy cleaning. Note: This crate is not collapsible. And it’s on the heavy side, about 80 pounds.
Shop on ChewyOur Favorite Soft Crates
Take ’em indoors or out, in the car, or at home. Be sure they have a frame for safe travel.
Petnation Port-A-Crate Indoor and Outdoor
This versatile soft crate is made from double weave, water-resistant mesh fabric and includes mesh windows for ventilation.
Constructed with a top and front door, this crate also contains a steel frame, so it’s a great option for vehicle travel. Petnation’s soft crate is also collapsible for easy transport and storage.
Find on AmazonEliteField 3-Door Folding Soft-Sided Dog Crate
Made with three options for easy exit and entry, each door is secured with locking zippers. Reinforced with a steel tube frame, the washable nylon cover can come off for cleaning.
Bonus? This soft crate comes with its own fleece pad and carrying case. Available in several sizes and colors.
Shop on ChewyFurther Reading
Now that you know a little more about choosing the right crate, narrow your search with the lists below!
- The Best Dog Crates for Small Dogs
- The Top Large Dog Crates
- The Best Crate Pads
- The Best Dog Crates for Puppies
- The Best Dog Crate Covers
