What size dog crate do I need?

Your dog should stand, turn around, and lie down fully — with just a few inches to spare. For a puppy, buy the adult size and use a divider so the space grows with them.

Is it cruel to crate a dog?

Not when done right. A crate introduced positively becomes a safe den dogs choose on their own. It's only harmful if used for punishment or if the dog is confined for too long.

Best Dog Crates for Training, Travel, and Every Home

4 min readReviewed by Dr. Jane Mitchell, DVM

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The right crate becomes your dog's den, not a cage. Here's how to size and choose one — plus our favorite folding models.

Why a crate helps

Used kindly, a crate taps into a dog's natural instinct to seek a safe, enclosed den. It speeds house-training (dogs avoid soiling their sleeping space), gives an anxious dog a retreat, and keeps a puppy safe when you can't supervise. The goal is never punishment — it's a positive space your dog chooses. Introduced gradually with treats, meals, and comfy bedding, most dogs come to love their crate as their own bedroom.

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Sizing it right

Your dog should be able to stand without ducking, turn around, and lie down fully stretched — but no bigger. Too much room lets a puppy potty in one corner and sleep in another, slowing training. For a growing pup, buy for the adult size and use a divider panel to shrink the usable space, expanding it as they grow. Measure your dog from nose to tail base and floor to the top of the head, then add a few inches.

Top picks

For most homes, the [MidWest Homes Folding Metal Dog Crate](/products/midwest-homes-folding-metal-dog-crate) is a durable, well-ventilated wire crate that folds flat for storage and travel. The [MidWest iCrate Folding Dog Crate](/products/midwest-icrate-folding-dog-crate) offers a similar setup with a divider panel that's ideal for growing puppies. Add a supportive [Orthopedic Dog Bed](/products/orthopedic-dog-bed) sized to fit inside, and keep a stuffed [KONG Classic Dog Toy](/products/kong-classic-dog-toy) in the crate to build a positive association.

Making it work

Never force your dog inside or use the crate as a time-out for bad behavior — that breaks trust. Feed meals in it, toss treats through the door, and start with short sessions while you're home before leaving. Puppies can't hold their bladder long, so match crate time to their age. If your dog panics, drools, or destroys bedding when crated, that can signal separation anxiety, which needs a dedicated plan rather than more crating.

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Frequently asked

What size dog crate do I need?: Your dog should stand, turn around, and lie down fully — with just a few inches to spare. For a puppy, buy the adult size and use a divider so the space grows with them.
Is it cruel to crate a dog?: Not when done right. A crate introduced positively becomes a safe den dogs choose on their own. It's only harmful if used for punishment or if the dog is confined for too long.