We compared 10+ dog crates on durability, security, and portability. Find the right crate for your dog and your home.
Dogs are den animals. In the wild, canines seek enclosed spaces for safety and rest. A properly sized crate mimics this den instinct, giving your dog a place that feels secure. Crate training is recommended by the ASPCA, AKC, and virtually every professional dog trainer.
Benefits of crate training:
Faster housebreaking (dogs avoid soiling their sleeping area)
Safe confinement during unsupervised periods
Reduced destructive behavior
Easier travel and vet visits
Best Overall: MidWest iCrate
The MidWest iCrate is the best-selling wire crate in America, and for good reason. The double-door design (front and side) provides flexible placement options, and the divider panel lets you adjust the interior size as your puppy grows.
Why it wins:
Divider panel included (buy once for puppy to adult)
Double-door for flexible placement
Folds flat for storage/transport
Best for Air Travel: Petmate Sky Kennel
The Petmate Sky Kennel meets IATA requirements for airline travel. The reinforced shell, secure locking system, and ventilation holes on all sides make it the standard for air cargo.
Best for Car Travel: Gunner G1 Kennel
If you're serious about car safety, the Gunner G1 is the only crate crash-tested for dogs. The double-wall roto-molded construction can withstand extreme impacts. It is by far the most expensive crate on the market, but it's genuinely the safest option for car travel.
Plastic crate pros: Airline-approved, cozy den-like feel, weather-resistant, lightweight, less visual stimulation (calming for anxious dogs)
Plastic crate cons: Less ventilation, can't fold flat, limited visibility, harder to clean
Best Soft Crate: EliteField 3-Door Soft Crate
For well-trained, calm dogs who need a portable crate for events, travel, or temporary use, soft crates are unbeatable for convenience. The EliteField sets up in seconds, weighs under 10 lbs, and has three zippered doors.
Soft crate pros: Ultra-lightweight, folds into carrying case, quiet, comfortable, multiple entry points
Soft crate cons: NOT for chewers or escape artists (they'll destroy it in minutes), not secure, not airline-approved, harder to clean
The crate should be just big enough for your dog to:
1. Stand up without their head touching the top
2. Turn around comfortably
3. Lie down fully stretched out
Too big = housebreaking problems. If a puppy can sleep on one side and pee on the other, the crate is too large. Use a divider panel.
Size guide:
Day 1-3: Door open. Toss treats inside. Let dog explore voluntarily. Feed meals inside crate. Never force.
Day 4-7: Close door briefly while dog eats. Open before they finish. Gradually extend closed-door time to 5 minutes.
Week 2: Close door for 10-15 minutes while you're in the room. Ignore whining. Open when quiet.
Week 3: Leave the room briefly with dog in crate. Start with 1 minute, build to 30 minutes.
Week 4+: Begin leaving the house with dog crated. Start with 30 minutes, build to 2-4 hours.
Critical rules:
1. Crate pad or bed — The MidWest QuietTime pad fits iCrate perfectly
2. Crate cover — Creates a den-like atmosphere. The MidWest crate cover is custom-fitted.
3. Water bowl — Clip-on bowls prevent spilling. MidWest Snap'y Fit is great.
4. Kong Classic — Stuff with peanut butter and freeze. Provides 30+ minutes of enrichment.
1. Using the crate as punishment — This creates negative associations
2. Crating too long — 4-6 hours max for adults, 2-3 for puppies
3. Letting the dog out when crying — Teaches them that crying = freedom
4. Starting with long durations — Build up gradually from minutes
5. Wrong crate size — Too big undermines housetraining, too small is uncomfortable
6. No enrichment — An empty crate is boring. Add Kongs, chews, and a comfy bed.
The MidWest iCrate is the best choice for most dog owners — affordable, versatile, and available in every size. Use a plastic crate for airline travel, and soft crates only for calm, well-trained dogs in low-stress situations. Proper crate training takes patience but pays dividends for your dog's entire life.