Crates are tools, not cages. The American Kennel Club describes crates as a cozy den-like space for rest, potty training, unsupervised safety, and a retreat when the house is chaotic. When introduced gradually with positive associations, a crate can give your dog a predictable place to rest. The "best" crate depends on your dog's size, chewing habits, and how you plan to use it.

What to look for

AKC says a crate should keep your dog comfortable, be the proper size, and be sturdy enough for age and breed. Prioritize secure latches and good ventilation. The crate should fit your dog's current size with room to sit, stand, and lie down — use a divider for growing puppies.

Match the style to your use case: home training, travel, car safety, or a dog who chews through standard crates.

  • Correct size with standing, turning, and lying room
  • Secure doors and latches your dog cannot easily open
  • Adequate airflow for your climate and coat type
  • Easy to clean floor pan or washable surfaces

Types to consider

  • Wire crate

    Home training

    AKC groups metal or wire crates as sturdy, well-ventilated options with good visibility. They often fold for storage.

    Best for

    • House training at home
    • Dogs who tolerate visibility

    Watch for

    • Strong chewers may bend lighter wires; escape artists may need heavy-duty options

  • Plastic airline-style crate

    Travel

    AKC notes plastic crates work at home and as travel carriers. Look for durability, ventilation, and airline approval if you plan to fly.

    Best for

    • Car travel
    • Dogs who prefer more enclosed spaces

    Watch for

    • Less airflow than wire; check airline specs before flying

  • Heavy-duty metal crate

    Strong chewers

    Reinforced construction for dogs who stress or chew standard crates.

    Best for

    • Escape artists
    • Anxiety-related chewing when supervised

    Watch for

    • Heavier and more expensive; still requires training, not just hardware

  • Soft-sided crate

    Lightweight option

    AKC describes fabric crates as lightweight and often useful for small dogs who do not chew. They are not the right unsupervised tool for chewers or puppies.

    Best for

    • Short trips with trained dogs
    • Indoor quiet rest

    Watch for

    • Not suitable for chewers, puppies, or unsupervised escape attempts

Safety considerations

AKC crate-training guidance says dogs should not wear collars or tags in the crate, because hardware can catch and cause injury. Avoid soft bedding that can be shredded and swallowed until you know your dog's chewing habits.

Crates should not replace exercise, interaction, or veterinary care. AKC's nine-step crate-training article emphasizes starting with short, calm sessions and increasing time gradually. Prolonged distress, drooling, or escape attempts signal a training or welfare issue — not a crate size fix alone.

Buying guide

AKC's sizing method: with your dog standing, measure from the top of the head to the floor for height, and from the tip of the nose to the tip of the tail for length, then add 3 to 4 inches to each measurement. For puppies, choose a crate sized for expected adult size with a divider panel.

Place the crate in a quiet but social area. AKC recommends introducing the crate with calm associations and rewards before expecting closed-door confinement.

  • Compare foldability if you need storage or travel
  • Check door placement for your room layout
  • Budget for a mat or approved chew-safe bedding separately

Mistakes to avoid

Using the crate as punishment, leaving a puppy crated too long, or buying an oversized crate for house training can undermine success and create anxiety. AKC notes an oversized crate can encourage a puppy to eliminate in one corner.

Assuming a crate alone fixes separation issues or destructive behavior without training and enrichment.