Crate training your new puppy or adopted dog is helpful for a variety of reasons, from making potty training easier to ensuring your new furry family member doesn’t chew up your couch while you’re away. Crates are also one of the safest ways to travel with your dog in the car and are often required when staying at hotels or rentals while on vacation. And odds are pretty good your dog will need to spend some time in a crate or kennel for medical reasons at some point in their life. 

When choosing a dog crate, you’ll want to make sure that you get the right size and pick a type that will work best for you and your dog’s needs. 

How Big Should a Dog Crate Be?

A dog crate should be large enough for your dog to comfortably stand, sit, lie down, and turn in a complete circle. Dog crates are available in many sizes, and you can easily measure your dog to make choosing the correct size easier.

When your dog is standing, measure from the tip of their nose to the base of their tail (no need to include their tail length). Add two to four inches to this number. This is the minimum length of crate you’ll need.

When your dog is sitting, measure from the top of their head to the floor. Add two to four inches to that number. This is the minimum height of crate you’ll need.

Check that your dog is within the manufacturer’s weight limit for the crate you choose.

You don’t want a crate to be too large (as this can affect housetraining). Dogs don’t like to go to the bathroom where they sleep, so you don’t want a crate to be big enough that they can soil in one corner and then curl up to sleep in the other corner.

If a crate is too small, it’s uncomfortable and cramped for a dog. This often means they have trouble sleeping, and it can create negative associations with spending time in their crate.

If your puppy is still growing, choose a dog crate that includes an adjustable divider. This way, you can purchase a larger crate that will accommodate their adult size, but you can block off excess space while they grow.

Types of Dog Crates

Wire Dog Crates

Wire crates are a popular choice for many dog owners because of their simplicity and relatively easy setup. The open design allows for more airflow and is a good option for dogs that like to be able to see outside of the crate while they rest. Wire crates often come with adjustable dividers, making them a great choice for a growing puppy.

Wire crates can rust over time, so keeping them clean and dry is important. Some dogs like to chew on the metal bars, which can damage their teeth. Some dogs can force their way out of a wire crate, so they may not be the right choice for dogs suffering from separation anxiety.

Plastic Dog Crates

These crates are made from two parts that fit together like a clamshell. They are often called “airline” crates because they are the type used to transport dogs on flights. Made from plastic, they are sturdy but have less airflow than wire crates. Dogs who prefer more den-like spaces to rest in do well in this type of crate.

Plastic crates do not typically have an adjustable divider option and don’t blend into home décor quite as well as a wire crate does. Plastic also harbors bacteria, so it’s essential that you clean and disinfect these crates often (especially if your dog has sensitive skin). If disinfectants are used in the crate, wiping down the surfaces with clean water to remove disinfectant residue after cleaning is recommended.

Soft-Sided Fabric Dog Crates

A fabric crate is a nice portable crate option if you plan on taking your dog to lots of places and they are well-behaved in a crate. These types of dog crates are lightweight and very easy to assemble, either zipping together or “pop up” style. They are also easy to collapse down for storage. However, because they are made from thin nylon or a thicker canvas, a determined dog can easily chew their way out and escape.

Heavy-Duty Dog Crates

Made from more sturdy materials, heavy-duty dog crates are used for destructive chewers, escape artists, or as the safest crate option for car travel. These crates tend to be heavy, making them hard to move, so they’re not super portable. They tend to be more costly than other crates, but the higher price is well worth it for many heavy-duty dog crate models because they’ve been crash-tested for safety. This is especially important if you plan on frequent road trips and other vehicle travel with your pup. Be sure to properly anchor the crate in your car or truck before hitting the road.

Decorative Dog Crates

These crates prioritize style and fashion and are meant to fit in with home décor. Generally, they’re used as stationary crates since they can be heavy and impractical to frequently move. They can be difficult to clean and deodorize, since they are often made of wood, so they may not be the best option for non-housebroken dogs. They can also be damaged structurally and aesthetically by a dog that tends to chew furniture so may not be the best option for such dogs.

“Crates” For A Dog That Hates Crates

If your dog is new to crate training or has a bad history with being crated, consider using an exercise pen for confinement. The slightly larger space can often help dogs feel less frantic about being confined. If you’re worried about your dog jumping out of a pen, there are pen covers you can use to block this escape route.

You can put your dog’s crate inside their pen area as a cozy resting place and continue working toward full crate training or rely on the pen until they are fully housetrained and mature enough for a bit more freedom in your home.