Best Types of Dog Crates for Puppy & Dog Training

Dog crate training can be an efficient and effective way to house train a puppy. Puppies do not like to soil their resting/sleeping quarters if given adequate opportunity to eliminate elsewhere. Temporarily confining your puppy to a small area strongly inhibits the tendency to urinate and defecate. However, there is still a far more important aspect of crate training. If your puppy does not eliminate while she is confined, then she will need to eliminate when she is released, i.e., she eliminates when you are present to reward and praise her.

Sample of dog crate package for puppies.

When used correctly, dog crates can keep your dog and house safe when you are not able to supervise, help with potty training puppies, and can be used as a safe means of transport. Your dog's crate should be just large enough for him to stand up and turn around in. If your dog is still growing, choose a crate size that will accommodate his adult size. Block off the excess crate space so your dog can't eliminate at one end and retreat to the other. Your local animal shelter may rent out crates.  By renting, you can trade up to the appropriate size for your puppy until he’s reached his adult size, when you can invest in a permanent crate.

TYPES of Crates:
Wire:
   - dog can see out of and feels part of household activities
   - is available in fold-up suitcase styles to help with portability
   - has a removable tray for ease of cleaning
Plastic / Enclosed:
   - more "cave-like" - harder to see out of and feel a part of the household
   - best for shipping/traveling - these are what I have in my vehicles for my dogs
   - contains hair, drool, pees/poos, vomit, dirt, water, mud
   - harder for clever dogs to escape from

Mesh:
   - not usually used for home crating, because it can be easily destroyed
   - dog MUST be comfortable in a crate
   - easily destroyed if dog has a tendency towards destruction
   - very lightweight (popular for dog show people)

Soft Crates:
   - also not usually used for home crating, because it can be easily destroyed
   - good for sick pups or experiencing separation anxiety
   - excellent for traveling pups
   - very lightweight (popular for dog show people)

Soft dog crates in many sizes.

Wooden Dog Crate:
   - more elegant and sturdy crates
   - usually compliments home decoration so you don’t have to hide
   - some are not easy to clean up so it is good for well trained pups and dogs
   - heavier than usual crates but very comforting

A designer end table wooden dog crate.

CHOOSING A SIZE OF CRATE FOR YOUR DOG:
Puppies should have just enough space to turn around and lie down - if the crate is too roomy, the puppy may eliminate at one end and live at the other. Because most budgets can't afford to get a crate every time the pup grows larger, you should get an appropriate size for an adult and make it smaller with a divider (some crate manufactures make one, or you use a piece of plywood, etc cut to size & wired in) - making sure your modifications are completely safe for the pup. Best type of dog crates for growing pups is the Life Stages dog crate that can be easily adjusted to into smaller or bigger space. Adult dogs should at least have enough room to stand up straight and somewhat stretch out when they lay down.