Decisions, decisions. You’ve made the wise choice to crate train your dog, but now you have to figure out what kind of crate to buy and how big it should be. Buying the wrong crate can mess up your training program, so here are some guidelines to keep in mind when you’re at the pet store or online purchasing your dog’s crate.
The biggest mistake dog owners make when choosing a crate is getting one that’s way too big. For housebreaking purposes, your dog’s crate should be just big enough for him to stand up, turn around and lie down in. This will help your housebreaking program, since your puppy has a natural tendency to want to avoid soiling his sleeping area. If you get a crate that’s too big, he’ll use one half as a bedroom and the other half as a bathroom. Not good.
There are 5 basic crate types to choose from: wire crates, plastic crates, soft-sided crates, heavy-duty crates and cute crates. There are advantages and disadvantages to each, which we’ll discuss here to help you choose what’s best for you and your dog.
See the “Related Supplies” box at the end of this article for photos of each type of crate and links to buy them online.
WIRE CRATES
PROS:
- Good for dogs that get hot easily, due to either living in a hot climate or having a heavy coat
- With some models, you can buy a divider to section off the crate, so your dog’s area in the crate starts out small and gets bigger as he grows
- Many wire crates fold flat for carrying or storage
- Removable floor tray is easy to clean
CONS:
- Tend to be noisier than plastic crates when your dog moves around, but this can usually be resolved by placing a thick piece of cardboard between the floor tray and the wire bottom of the crate
- Some escape-artist dogs find that it’s easier to break out of wire crates
- Large sizes can be heavy and difficult to move
- Some dogs will pee and poo through the wire onto the floor outside so they’re still in a comfy, clean crate (seriously!)
- Not too attractive to have around the house
PLASTIC CRATES
PROS:
- Good for dogs who like cozy spaces and tend to sleep in corners or under tables
- Can be used for airline travel – if your dog is acclimated to this type of crate, flying with him will be easier
- More difficult for escape artists to get out of; if your dog is good at breaking out of crates, you may need to get him a plastic crate that’s one size too big for him to prevent him from escaping
- Available in different colors
- Top half of crate comes off and can be stacked inside bottom half for storage
CONS:
- Your puppy might get hot in there, since there isn’t as much air circulation
- Some dogs like to be able to see what’s going on around them and may get frustrated that they can’t see out the sides
- You may have to break out the hose or climb inside the thing to clean it out if your dog has a tragic diarrhea incident in it
- Not too attractive to have around the house
SOFT-SIDED CRATES
PROS:
- Very lightweight and portable
- Good for light use with small, non-destructive dogs
- Good for car travel, camping, picnics, etc.
- Very easy to store when folded
CONS:
- May be difficult to clean in the event of a major potty accident
- Destructive dogs can eat their way out
- Clever dogs may figure out how to unzip and open the door panel
HEAVY-DUTY CRATES
PROS:
- Can contain most destructive or escape-artist dogs
- Some are approved for airline travel – if your puppy is acclimated to this type of crate, flying with him will be easier
CONS:
- Expensive (but worth it if you compare it to the cost of replacing less sturdy crates after your escape artist gets out of them or your destructive dog destroys them!)
- Not super attractive… but your dog will sure look tough hangin’ out in one of these things!
CUTE CRATES
PROS:
- Finished wood or rattan and wire crates look great around the house
- Some can be used as furniture to replace an end or side table, so you won’t need extra space in the house for your crate
CONS:
- Can’t be used for destructive dogs, as they can chew the wood or rattan
- If crate has a finished wood floor, it can be damaged if your dog has an accident in his crate
In Conclusion
If you’re still unsure as to which kind of crate to buy, don’t let it stop you from getting one. Remember, just about any crate is better than no crate at all!
Another little crate-buying tip for you budget-minded types: Most people use their crates only during the early training period with their dogs. That means you can always find used crates on eBay or in the classifieds – and they’re usually dirt cheap! If you choose to get a secondhand crate, just be sure to clean and disinfect it thoroughly before using it.
Once you’ve got a crate for your dog, you’re ready for the first step of crate training, Acclimating Your Dog to His Crate.
Purchase Supplies Related to This Article |
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| Midwest Life Stages Crate
This solid all-purpose crate is an especially smart choice for young puppies, since it comes with a divider that allows you to expand the crate as your puppy grows so it’s always just the right size. |
Petmate Ultra Vari Kennel Crate
These sturdy Vari-Kennel plastic crates are ideal for dogs that like a cozy place to hang out. You can use them for travel, too, so they’re perfect for pups who want to join you when you go on vacation! |
Noz2Noz Soft Crate
Soft crates are a convenient, portable option for keeping your pup cozy when you’re away – but you may want to go with a sturdier option for destructive dogs or Houdini hounds! |
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| TownHaus Wood Crate
These beautiful finished wood crates will keep your house from looking like a kennel; they look more like a nice piece of furniture than a dog crate! Available in multiple finishes and sizes. |
ZenHaus Crate
If you’re worried about the impact a dog crate will have on your decor or if your space is limited, this gorgeous modern crate doubles as an end table! Available in multiple colors and sizes. |
Wire Crate with Wood Frame
This crate is a great option if you want an attractive crate but have a pup that may have accidents or nibble on an all-wood crate. It’s easy to clean and there are wire panels between your pup and the finished wood frame. |
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| ProSelect Heavy Duty Crate
Is your dog an escape artist or a crate destroyer? This heavy-duty crate (described by the manufacturer as “virtually indestructible”!) is a good option for containing powerful or destructive dogs. |
Impact Case Collapsible Heavy Duty Crate
If you need a portable crate for your strong, destructive or escape-artist dog, this collapsible heavy-duty aluminum crate is a rock-solid choice. It’s approved for airline travel, too! |
Snoozers Crate Cover
Many pups are calmer in the crate when it’s covered – and a cover will make your crate look a whole lot better! Snoozer crate covers come in multiple colors and sizes to fit your crate and match your decor. |