Best Crates for Crate Training a Dog: 2026 Buyer's Guide
Expert-reviewed guide to the best crates for crate training a dog. Compare wire, plastic, soft-sided, & heavy-duty options with prices, safety tips, &...
Why the Right Crate Makes or Breaks Crate Training a Dog
Crate training a dog isn't just about buying a metal box and hoping for the best. The crate you choose directly affects whether your dog views it as a safe den or a punishment zone. In my years working with dog owners and certified trainers, I've seen more crate training failures trace back to poor equipment choices than to owner inconsistency.
Dogs are den animals by nature. According to the American Kennel Club, a properly introduced crate taps into this instinct, giving dogs a space they actively seek out for rest and security. But the wrong crate — too large, too flimsy, poorly ventilated, or made with toxic materials — can create anxiety, injury, or outright refusal to enter.
This guide breaks down the best crates for crate training a dog across every category: wire, plastic, soft-sided, heavy-duty, and furniture-style. I've evaluated each based on real-world testing criteria, current 2026 pricing, and input from veterinary behaviorists on what makes a crate safe and effective.
- Size: Your dog should stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably — but not have room to eliminate in one corner and sleep in another. Measure from nose to tail base + 2-4 inches for length; floor to top of head (or ears, if erect) + 2-4 inches for height.
- Material durability: Match to your dog's chewing style. Destructive chewers need 14-gauge steel or reinforced polymer; calm dogs do fine with standard wire or soft-sided.
- Ventilation: Minimum 60% open surface area on at least 3 sides for wire crates. Brachycephalic breeds (French Bulldogs, Pugs) need maximum airflow.
- Door configuration: Single-door works for most setups. Double-door (front + side) gives flexibility for furniture placement and car loading.
- Divider panel: Essential for puppies. Lets you buy one crate at adult size and section off space as they grow.
- Weight and portability: If you travel, fold-down weight matters. A 42-inch wire crate can weigh 25-40 lb depending on gauge.
- Safety certifications: Look for crates tested to ASTM F2631 (wire crate safety standard) or IATA-compliant for air travel.
How Dog Crates Work and Why Dogs Need Them
A crate functions as a controlled environment that supports three core needs:
- House training acceleration: Dogs instinctively avoid soiling their sleeping area. A correctly sized crate teaches bladder and bowel control by leveraging this instinct. Most puppies develop reliable house training 2-4 weeks faster with crate assistance compared to free-roaming.
- Destructive behavior prevention: Unsupervised dogs chew baseboards, swallow foreign objects, and access toxins. The ASPCA lists foreign body ingestion as one of the top reasons for emergency veterinary visits. A crate eliminates this risk during unsupervised hours.
- Anxiety reduction: Counterintuitively, dogs with access to an entire house often experience more stress than dogs with a defined safe space. The crate becomes a predictable retreat from household chaos, children, and other pets.
Crate training a dog works through positive association — pairing the crate with meals, treats, chew toys, and calm praise. Force-free methods are the only approach supported by the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior. Never use a crate as punishment, and never force a frightened dog inside.
Top 7 Crates for Crate Training a Dog in 2026
The following picks span five categories, price points from $45 to $450, and dog sizes from 10 lb to 150+ lb. Each has been evaluated against the buying criteria above.
1. MidWest Homes for Pets Ultima Pro (Wire Crate)
Price: $75-$130 depending on size (24" to 48")
Best for: First-time owners, puppies (includes divider panel), everyday home use
Key Features: 11-gauge steel wire, double-door configuration, slide-bolt latches with patented Paw Block, rust-resistant electro-coat finish, ABS plastic pan, folds flat for storage.
- Heaviest-gauge wire in the MidWest lineup — resists bending from medium chewers
- Divider panel included at no extra cost
- Paw Block prevents dogs from pushing door open with paws
- Widely available replacement pans and parts
- Heavy — the 42" model weighs 38 lb
- Wire spacing (1.5" x 4.5") can trap small paws on toy breeds
- Plastic pan can crack if dog jumps in forcefully
- Not suitable for determined escape artists
2. ProSelect Empire Dog Crate (Heavy-Duty Steel)
Price: $350-$450 (37" and 42" sizes)
Best for: Severe separation anxiety, destructive chewers, dogs that have destroyed standard wire crates
Key Features: 20-gauge steel frame with 0.5" diameter steel tube reinforcement, dual slide-bolt latches per door, welded construction, hammered-tone powder coat, removable steel tray, locking casters.
- Virtually indestructible — withstands dogs that bend standard wire
- Floor grate design keeps dog above any accidents
- Locking casters for repositioning without lifting 70+ lb crate
- Proven track record with large, powerful breeds (German Shepherds, Rottweilers, Huskies)
- Expensive — $400+ is a significant investment
- Extremely heavy (42" model: 74 lb)
- Industrial appearance doesn't suit all home decor
- Limited size options — no small-breed version
3. Petmate Ultra Traditional Vari Kennel (Plastic/Travel)
Price: $45-$120 depending on size (19" to 48")
Best for: Air travel, car trips, dogs that prefer enclosed den-like spaces, anxious dogs that feel exposed in wire crates
Key Features: Heavy-duty plastic shell, wire door with squeeze latch, 360-degree ventilation through side and rear ports, moat-style floor channels liquid away from dog, meets most IATA airline cargo requirements (verify with specific carrier).
- More den-like than wire — many dogs settle faster
- Blocks visual stimuli that trigger reactivity (passersby, other pets)
- Easy to clean — hose it down or wipe with enzymatic cleaner
- Lightweight relative to size — 48" model weighs only 18 lb
- Chewers can destroy plastic edges and ventilation ports
- Limited visibility — some dogs feel trapped rather than secure
- Not foldable — requires significant storage space
- Wire door latch can be manipulated by intelligent dogs (add a carabiner backup)
4. EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft Crate
Price: $50-$85 (24" to 48")
Best for: Fully crate-trained adult dogs, travel, camping, temporary use, calm dogs that don't chew fabric
Key Features: Steel tube frame with 600D Oxford fabric, three mesh doors (front, side, top), removable fleece bed and carrying bag, folds flat in seconds, mesh windows on all panels.
- Lightest option — 42" model weighs only 12 lb
- Three-door access makes placement flexible
- Comfortable included fleece pad
- Excellent ventilation through full mesh panels
- Zero chew resistance — any dog can unzip or tear through in minutes
- Not suitable for puppies or dogs still learning crate training
- Fabric absorbs odors over time
- Zippers are the weakest failure point
5. Impact Dog Crates High Anxiety Model (Heavy-Duty Aluminum)
Price: $400-$550 (30" to 48")
Best for: Dogs with severe anxiety that destroy ProSelect-style steel crates, military/working dogs, escape artists
Key Features: Marine-grade aluminum construction, slam-lock latch system, no welded joints (bolt-together for field repair), riveted panels, IATA-compliant for cargo air travel, 10-year warranty.
- Lighter than steel equivalents — 42" model weighs 52 lb vs. 74 lb for ProSelect
- Aluminum won't rust — suitable for outdoor or humid environments
- Slam-lock eliminates the push-bolt failure mode dogs learn to defeat
- 10-year warranty covers structural defects
- Highest price point in this guide
- Limited retail availability — primarily sold direct
- Aluminum can dent under extreme force (cosmetic, not structural)
- Longer lead times on custom sizes
6. Unipet Ruff Land Performance Kennel (Rotomolded Plastic)
Price: $250-$380 (Intermediate to XL)
Best for: Vehicle travel safety, hunting/sporting dogs, owners who want crash-tested protection
Key Features: One-piece rotomolded polyethylene construction, no seams or weak points, integrated tie-down slots, recessed handle, meets Center for Pet Safety crash-test standards, stackable design.
- Crash-tested — protects dogs in vehicle collisions up to 30 mph per CPS standards
- One-piece construction has zero failure points
- Extremely durable — withstands drops, impacts, and chewing
- Easy to sanitize — no crevices for bacteria
- Premium price for a plastic crate
- Limited ventilation compared to wire — not ideal for brachycephalic breeds in heat
- Not foldable — requires permanent storage space
- Heavier than standard plastic kennels
7. Casual Home Wooden Pet Crate Furniture (Furniture-Style)
Price: $130-$230 (Small to Large)
Best for: Living room placement, owners who want crate to blend with home decor, small-to-medium calm dogs
Key Features: Solid wood frame with wire door, doubles as end table or nightstand, stained wood finish, removable cushion, top surface rated for 50 lb (for decorative items).
- Looks like furniture — eliminates the "cage" aesthetic
- Functional end table saves floor space
- Wood absorbs sound — quieter than wire when dog moves
- Available in multiple stain colors to match decor
- Wood is chewable — not suitable for teething puppies or chewers
- Heavier than wire equivalents and difficult to move
- Limited ventilation — only one wire door panel
- Urine can damage wood finish permanently
Side-by-Side Crate Comparison
| Attribute | MidWest Ultima Pro | ProSelect Empire | Petmate Vari Kennel | EliteField Soft | Impact High Anxiety | Ruff Land | Casual Home Furniture |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price Range | $75-$130 | $350-$450 | $45-$120 | $50-$85 | $400-$550 | $250-$380 | $130-$230 |
| Material | 11-gauge steel wire | 20-gauge steel tube | Heavy-duty plastic | 600D Oxford + steel frame | Marine-grade aluminum | Rotomolded polyethylene | Solid wood + wire door |
| Chew Resistance | Moderate | Very High | Low-Moderate | None | Very High | Very High | Low |
| Weight (42" model) | 38 lb | 74 lb | 18 lb | 12 lb | 52 lb | 30 lb | 45 lb |
| Foldable | Yes | No | No | Yes | No | No | No |
| Divider Included | Yes | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Travel Friendly | Moderate | Poor | Excellent | Excellent | Good (IATA) | Excellent (vehicle) | Poor |
| Best Dog Type | Puppies, first-timers | Destructive chewers | Anxious, travelers | Calm, trained adults | Severe anxiety | Vehicle travel | Calm, small-medium |
How to Crate Train a Dog Step by Step
The crate is only as effective as the training process. Rushing crate training a dog is the single most common mistake I see. Here's a force-free, positive reinforcement protocol that works for puppies and adult dogs alike:
Place the crate in a high-traffic family area with the door secured open. Toss high-value treats (small pieces of chicken, cheese, or commercial training treats like Zuke's Mini Naturals) inside without requiring your dog to enter. Let them go in and out freely. Feed meals near the crate, then gradually move the bowl inside the doorway.
Step 2: Voluntary Entry (Days 4-7)Begin using a cue word — "crate," "kennel," or "go to bed" — as your dog enters for treats. Close the door for 5-10 seconds while they eat, then open before they finish. Gradually extend closed-door time to 30 seconds, 1 minute, 5 minutes. Always release before your dog shows distress.
Step 3: Duration Building (Weeks 2-3)Close the door and sit nearby for 10-15 minutes. Then move to another room for 1-2 minutes, returning before your dog becomes anxious. Slowly extend absence time. Give a long-lasting chew (Kong stuffed with frozen peanut butter, bully stick) when crating to build positive association.
Step 4: Departures (Weeks 3-4)Begin leaving the house for short periods — 5 minutes, then 15, then 30. Keep arrivals and departures low-key. Do not make a big emotional event of leaving or returning. This prevents separation anxiety from attaching to the crate.
Step 5: Overnight Crating (Ongoing)Place the crate in your bedroom initially so your puppy can hear and smell you. Expect to take puppies out for bathroom breaks at intervals matching their age in months + 1 (a 3-month-old puppy can hold it approximately 4 hours). Move the crate to a permanent location once house training is reliable.
- Remove collars before crating. Buckle collars, tags, and martingale collars can catch on wire bars and cause strangulation. This is a documented cause of crate-related fatalities.
- Never leave water bowls inside unattended crates unless using a tip-proof, clip-on bowl (e.g., Midwest Snap'y Fit). Spilled water creates a wet, uncomfortable environment and can lead to skin irritation.
- Maximum crate time guidelines: Puppies under 6 months: 3-4 hours maximum. Adult dogs: 6-8 hours maximum. Extended confinement causes physical discomfort, anxiety, and can damage the training relationship.
- Check wire crate integrity monthly. Look for broken welds, bent wires, sharp edges, and loose latches. Replace pans that are cracked or warped.
- Temperature matters. Never place a crate in direct sunlight, near heating vents, or in unventilated areas. Dogs in enclosed plastic crates overheat faster than those in wire crates.
- Supervise rawhide and bone chews in crates. Choking on unsupervised chews is a real risk. Use digestible alternatives like yak cheese chews or rubber Kong toys instead.
When to See a Vet or Behaviorist Instead of Using a Crate
Not every behavioral issue is solvable with a crate, and sometimes crating can make problems worse. Consult your veterinarian or a certified veterinary behaviorist (DACVB) if you observe:
- Self-injury in the crate: Broken teeth, torn nails, bleeding paws, or facial abrasions from attempting to escape. This indicates severe confinement distress, not normal adjustment.
- Escalating anxiety despite 2+ weeks of gradual training: Persistent panting, drooling, vocalizing, or elimination in the crate beyond the initial adjustment period may signal an underlying anxiety disorder requiring medication.
- Aggression when approached in or near the crate: Resource guarding of the crate space requires professional behavior modification — not continued crating.
- Medical conditions: Dogs with IVDD (intervertebral disc disease), severe arthritis, or post-surgical mobility limitations may need orthopedic bedding and crate size adjustments determined by your vet.
- Incontinence: Senior dogs or those with urinary tract issues should not be crated for extended periods. Your vet can diagnose underlying causes and recommend management alternatives.
For dogs with diagnosed separation anxiety, the Merck Veterinary Manual recommends combining environmental management with behavioral therapy and, in many cases, anti-anxiety medication. A crate alone will not resolve clinical separation anxiety and may intensify panic in affected dogs.
Alternatives to Traditional Crates
If a standard crate doesn't suit your dog or situation, these alternatives can provide similar containment benefits:
| Alternative | Best For | Price Range | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exercise pen (x-pen) | Puppies needing more space, multiple-dog households | $35-$90 | No top — athletic dogs can climb out; larger footprint |
| Baby gate room confinement | Dogs that panic in enclosed spaces, large breeds | $30-$80 | Requires dog-proofed room; less portable |
| Portable playpen (fabric) | Travel, camping, temporary containment | $40-$100 | Not chew-proof; can tip over with active dogs |
| Daycare or pet sitter | Dogs with severe confinement distress, long work days | $25-$60/day | Ongoing cost; requires scheduling |
| GPS fence collar (e.g., Halo, SpotOn) | Outdoor containment for intact yards | $400-$1,500 + subscription | Requires training; not for indoor use; GPS drift issues |
Crate Training FAQ
What is the best crate for crate training a dog?
For most dogs and first-time owners, the MidWest Ultima Pro offers the best balance of durability, features (included divider panel, double doors), and price ($75-$130). For destructive chewers, the ProSelect Empire or Impact High Anxiety crate is worth the investment. The "best" crate depends entirely on your dog's temperament, size, and chewing behavior.
How do I choose the right crate size?
Measure your dog's length (nose to base of tail + 2-4 inches) and height (floor to top of head or ear tips + 2-4 inches). Your dog must be able to stand, turn in a full circle, and lie down stretched out. For puppies, buy the adult-size crate and use a divider panel to reduce usable space as they grow.
How much does a good dog crate cost?
Standard wire crates run $50-$130. Plastic travel kennels cost $45-$120. Heavy-duty steel or aluminum crates for destructive dogs range from $350-$550. Furniture-style crates fall in the $130-$230 range. Budget for accessories too: a quality bed ($20-$50), clip-on water bowl ($8-$15), and washable cover ($25-$45).
How long can I safely leave my dog in a crate?
Adult dogs can be crated for 6-8 hours during the day and overnight (8-10 hours) if they have adequate exercise before and after. Puppies under 6 months should not exceed 3-4 hours at a time. All dogs need a bathroom break, exercise, and mental stimulation between crating sessions.
Are there natural alternatives to crate training?
Yes. Exercise pens, baby-gated rooms, and supervised freedom in dog-proofed spaces are all valid alternatives. Some dogs do better with spatial confinement (a puppy-proofed room) than enclosed confinement (a crate). For anxiety-related issues, calming aids like Adaptil pheromone diffusers ($20-$30), L-theanine supplements (e.g., Solliquin, $25-$40), and structured exercise routines can support the training process.
Should I cover the crate at night?
Many dogs sleep better with a covered crate — it reduces visual stimulation and creates a more den-like environment. Use a breathable crate cover ($20-$35) or a lightweight blanket draped over three sides, leaving one side open for ventilation. Never fully enclose the crate, and monitor your dog for signs of overheating.
When should I skip OTC products and see a vet?
If your dog injures themselves in the crate (broken teeth, bleeding), shows escalating panic after 2+ weeks of proper training, or develops aggression around the crate, stop crating and consult your veterinarian. Dogs with clinical separation anxiety often need prescription medication (fluoxetine, clomipramine) combined with behavior modification — a crate alone won't solve this.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes. Always consult your veterinarian before making changes to your dog's routine, especially if your dog has existing health conditions or behavioral issues. If your dog ingests a foreign object or toxic substance, contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 (24/7, consultation fee applies).
Marcus Aldridge
All our authors care for dogs every day — read more of their work on the authors page.
