Crate training is one of the most valuable things you can do for a new puppy. Done right, it creates a safe, calming sanctuary your dog will voluntarily use throughout their life. Done with the wrong crate — too big, too small, poorly ventilated, or unsafe — and it becomes a source of stress and failed house training.
We’ve reviewed the best dog crates for puppies to help you set your new family member up for lifelong success from day one.
Quick Picks: Best Puppy Crates
| Product | Type | Divider | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| MidWest iCrate Double Door | Wire | ✅ Included | $$ |
| Amazon Basics Wire Crate | Wire | ❌ | $ |
| Petmate Sky Kennel | Plastic | ❌ | $$ |
| LUCKUP Heavy Duty Crate | Steel | ✅ Available | $$$ |
| Frisco Soft Crate | Soft | ❌ | $$ |
What to Look for in a Puppy Crate
The Right Size — Critical for House Training
Puppies will use extra space in a crate as a bathroom — eliminating the house-training benefit entirely. The crate should be just large enough for your puppy to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably, with no extra space. The solution: buy a crate sized for the adult dog and use a divider panel to section off puppy-appropriate space, expanding it as your puppy grows.
Must Have: A Divider Panel
If a puppy crate doesn’t include a divider, it’s not really designed for puppies. MidWest includes one; most other quality crates do too. This single feature makes the difference between effective crate training and a puppy that uses their crate as both bedroom and bathroom.
Door Configuration
Double-door crates (front + side) offer flexible placement options — some room layouts make a side-entry door much more practical than front-entry only. Single-door crates are simpler and often sturdier.
Security
Puppies are curious about latches. The slide-bolt design on MidWest crates is secure but simple. For puppies that are clearly attempting to escape, look for secondary locking mechanisms. Avoid crates with plastic latches — they fail under determined puppy pressure.
Easy Cleaning
Accidents are inevitable. A removable, slide-out plastic tray is non-negotiable for practical daily care. It should slide out without lifting or tilting the crate and be easy to rinse in a sink or bathtub.
Top 5 Puppy Crates: Full Reviews
1. MidWest iCrate Double Door — Best Overall
The MidWest iCrate is the gold standard of puppy crates and the overwhelming choice of professional dog trainers. It includes a divider panel (adjust as puppy grows), has double-door access for flexible placement, folds completely flat in seconds for storage or travel, and includes a removable plastic tray. Available in six sizes from 18″ to 48″.
The slide-bolt latches are secure without being complicated. Rounded interior edges prevent injury. Build quality is excellent for the price. MidWest backs it with a limited warranty. If you only read one product on this list, the iCrate is worth buying confidently.
- ✅ Divider panel included
- ✅ Double doors
- ✅ Folds flat in seconds
- ✅ Trainer-recommended
- ❌ Not escape-proof for determined dogs
- ❌ Wire style less cozy
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2. Amazon Basics Wire Crate — Best Budget
When budget is the primary constraint, Amazon Basics delivers the essentials reliably. Single door, folds flat, removable tray, multiple sizes available. Build quality is lighter than MidWest but adequate for most puppies. The main limitation is no included divider — you’ll need to purchase one separately or create a makeshift barrier.
For short-term use while you assess whether your puppy takes to crate training, or for families that need multiple crates in different rooms, the price point makes duplicating easy. A practical, no-frills starting point.
- ✅ Very affordable
- ✅ Folds flat
- ✅ Multiple sizes
- ✅ Removable tray
- ❌ No divider included
- ❌ Lighter build quality
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3. Petmate Sky Kennel — Best for Travel
Airline-approved and IATA-compliant, the Petmate Sky Kennel is the standard for flying with dogs. The hard plastic shell creates an enclosed, den-like environment many puppies find more calming than open wire crates. Four steel door latches provide excellent security. Assembles without tools.
Available XS to XXL. The enclosed design blocks visual stimulation that can keep puppies awake or anxious. For families who fly regularly or take long car trips, the Sky Kennel’s airline approval and secure construction justify the choice. Not foldable — takes up more storage space than wire alternatives.
- ✅ IATA airline approved
- ✅ Calming enclosed design
- ✅ Four secure steel latches
- ✅ Tool-free assembly
- ❌ Less ventilation than wire
- ❌ Doesn’t fold flat
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4. LUCKUP Heavy Duty Crate — Best for Escape Artists
Some puppies are Houdinis. If your puppy has already bent wires, figured out standard latches, or is injuring themselves trying to escape, a heavy-duty crate is a safety necessity, not a luxury. The LUCKUP uses reinforced steel panels with a heavy-gauge frame and multiple locking points that determined dogs cannot defeat.
The elevated feet keep the crate off cold floors and make cleaning underneath easier. Removable tray. Two access doors. Heavier and more expensive than standard wire crates, but essential for anxiety-driven escape attempts that risk injury to the puppy.
- ✅ Escape-proof construction
- ✅ Multiple locks
- ✅ Elevated feet
- ✅ Heavy-gauge reinforced steel
- ❌ Heavy — not portable
- ❌ Higher price
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5. Frisco Soft Crate — Best for Trained Puppies
Soft-sided crates are lightweight, fast to set up, and easy to carry for travel, vet visits, and hotel stays. The Frisco features mesh panels for airflow and visibility, multiple door options, and folds flat in seconds. Perfect for trained puppies and adult dogs who are completely reliable in a crate.
Critical caveat: soft crates are ONLY appropriate for puppies that are fully crate trained and reliably calm when confined. An untrained, anxious puppy will chew through mesh walls within minutes. Use soft crates as a graduation reward after successful crate training is established.
- ✅ Ultra-lightweight and portable
- ✅ Sets up and folds in seconds
- ✅ Mesh ventilation and visibility
- ✅ Great for trained dogs
- ❌ Not for untrained puppies
- ❌ Mesh can be chewed through
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long can a puppy be in a crate?
Follow the age-in-months guideline: one hour per month of age, maximum. A 3-month-old can be crated 3 hours during the day. Never crate a puppy under 12 weeks for more than 2 hours. Overnight crating can be longer once the puppy is reliably house-trained (usually 3–4 months).
Should I put food and water in the crate?
Not during crating periods for house training — water increases urination frequency. Feed meals just before or after crate time. A small water amount in a clip-on bowl is fine for longer crating periods (over 2 hours).
My puppy cries constantly in the crate. Is this normal?
Normal initially. Crying is a natural response to confinement. Do NOT let the puppy out while crying — this teaches that crying works. Wait for a brief quiet moment, then release with calm praise. Duration of crying decreases rapidly with consistent training. Most puppies adjust within 5–10 days.
Should the crate be in the bedroom?
Yes, especially for young puppies. Being near their new family reduces anxiety and makes nighttime crating much easier. As puppies mature and become confident, you can gradually move the crate to its permanent location.
Conclusion
Start with the MidWest iCrate — it’s the unanimous choice of professional trainers, includes the essential divider, and will serve your dog from puppy through adult life. For escape-prone puppies with separation anxiety, the LUCKUP heavy-duty crate ensures safety. And once training is established, the Frisco soft crate provides lightweight convenience for travel.
A crate done right becomes your dog’s favorite sanctuary. Start early, stay positive, and watch crate training transform your puppy into a confident, calm dog.
