Best Dog Crate: How to Choose the Right One
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The right crate becomes your dog's safe den and a training ally. Here is how to choose the size, material, and style that fits your home.
Why a Crate Helps More Than It Confines
Used correctly, a crate taps into a dog's natural instinct to seek out a small, secure space to rest. It speeds up house-training, gives an overstimulated dog a place to decompress, and keeps a puppy safe when you cannot supervise. A crate is a tool for comfort, never punishment, so the goal is a den your dog chooses to enter. Introduced with treats and patience, most dogs come to love their crate.
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Wire, Plastic, or Soft-Sided
Wire crates fold flat, offer great airflow, and often include a divider that grows with a puppy, making them the most popular all-around choice. Plastic travel crates feel more enclosed and are required by most airlines, so they suit nervous dogs and car trips. Soft-sided crates are light and portable but only work for calm, trained dogs that will not chew or dig out. Match the material to your dog's temperament and how you will use it.
Sizing It Correctly
Your dog should be able to stand up, turn around, and lie down fully stretched, but no larger. Too much space lets a puppy potty in one corner and sleep in another, which undermines house-training. If you are buying for a growing puppy, choose a crate sized for the adult dog and use a divider to shrink the usable area. Measure your dog from nose to tail base and floor to the top of the head, then add a few inches.
Setting Up a Comfortable Den
Add a washable, chew-resistant pad or mat so the floor is comfortable but easy to clean after accidents. A familiar-smelling toy or a durable chew like a stuffable rubber toy such as the [KONG Classic Dog Toy](/products/kong-classic-dog-toy) keeps your dog occupied and builds a positive association. Place the crate in a quiet corner where the family is nearby but not in constant foot traffic. Cover part of a wire crate with a light blanket to create a cozier, den-like feel.
Safety and Long-Term Use
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Frequently asked
- What size crate does my dog need?
- Pick a crate where your dog can stand, turn, and lie down comfortably with a few inches to spare. For puppies, buy for the adult size and use a divider.
- How long can a dog stay in a crate?
- Adult dogs should not be crated more than three to four hours at a time during the day, and puppies far less. A crate is for rest, not all-day confinement.