You picked up your new puppy on the first day and you made sure to do many things to start creating that special bond. I get it. I’ve been there multiple times with my own puppies. I’ve heard the first-day stories from many many clients.
So, the first day is over, and now what?
It’s time for bed. This is where you have to make the first really hard decision, the one that’s going to either set you up long term or set you back, starting on day one.
That decision is the crate.
A good crate makes this dramatically easier. The wrong one makes it harder, and the wrong size or style can stall crate training before it starts.
Crate training works because dogs don’t like to soil their sleeping spot. Used right, the crate becomes a safe den. Your puppy gets a place to sleep, rest, and learn bladder control. It also keeps them out of trouble when you can’t watch them.
We tested crates on four things: how tough they are, how easy they set up, how well they help with crate training, and how they hold up in the messy first weeks. The picks below work for new puppy families, whether you’re prepping for the first night home or fixing early crate struggles.
Our top picks at a glance
🐶 OUR TOP PICK — MidWest iCrate. The crate most trainers recommend for new puppy owners. Tough, affordable, and includes a divider panel so the crate grows with your puppy. Check price on Amazon
| Crate | Best For | Price | Rating | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MidWest iCrate ⭐ Top Pick | Best Overall | $$ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | View |
| Diggs Revol | Premium Pick | $$$$ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | View |
| Amazon Basics Folding Crate | Budget Pick | $ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | View |
| Petmate Sky Kennel | Travel | $$ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | View |
| Frisco Soft Crate | Small Puppies | $$ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | View |
The picks in detail
MidWest iCrate – Best Overall Puppy Crate
Why we recommend it
Ask trainers for one crate training puppy crate and the MidWest iCrate comes up again and again. It’s tough, cheap, and has the one feature new owners need: a divider panel.
The divider lets the crate grow with your puppy. You don’t have to buy a new one as they get bigger.
Key features
- Divider panel included
- Double front and side doors
- Fold-flat design for storage
- Durable steel wire construction
- Multiple size options
Pros
- Divider grows with your puppy
- Excellent ventilation
- Easy to clean
- Affordable and widely available
Cons
- Not ideal for airline travel
- Basic design compared to premium crates
Best for
New puppy owners who want the best crate for new puppy training without overspending.
Diggs Revol – Best Premium Puppy Crate
Why we recommend it
The Diggs Revol is the luxury pick. It has safety features most crates skip: rounded edges, reinforced doors, and a frame that folds smoothly.
If budget isn’t a concern and you want a crate that lasts your dog’s whole life, get this one.
Key features
- Reinforced aluminum frame
- Collapsible design
- Puppy divider available
- Removable tray
- Rounded edges for safety
Pros
- Extremely sturdy
- Modern design
- Quiet door operation
- Excellent safety engineering
Cons
- Expensive
- Heavier than standard crates
Best for
Owners who want a top-tier crate for their new puppy that lasts for years.
Amazon Basics Folding Metal Crate – Best Budget Option
Why we recommend it
If you want a solid crate without spending much, the Amazon Basics folding crate gets the job done.
It hits the basics (steel wire, double doors, removable tray) at a lower price than most.
Key features
- Folding metal frame
- Removable plastic tray
- Double door access
- Multiple size options
Pros
- Affordable
- Simple setup
- Good ventilation
Cons
- Divider sometimes sold separately
- Lighter construction than premium crates
Best for
Budget-friendly crate training.
Petmate Sky Kennel – Best Travel Crate
Why we recommend it
Most airlines require plastic crates for flying with dogs. The Petmate Sky Kennel is one of the most widely accepted airline-approved crates you can buy.
It also works well for puppies who like enclosed spaces.
Key features
- Durable plastic shell
- Airline compliant
- Metal door
- Ventilation openings
Pros
- Excellent for travel
- Strong and secure
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Less visibility for the puppy
- Bulky for small homes
Best for
Owners planning to travel with their puppy.
Frisco Soft Crate – Best for Small Puppies
Why we recommend it
Soft crates work best for calm puppies or short-term setups. They’re light, easy to move, and great for small breeds.
Skip them for heavy chewers or young puppies still learning the crate rules.
Key features
- Soft fabric sides
- Mesh ventilation panels
- Lightweight frame
- Portable design
Pros
- Extremely portable
- Comfortable interior
- Easy storage
Cons
- Not chew-proof
- Not ideal for early crate training
Best for
Small puppies who already tolerate a crate well.
What Size Crate Does a Puppy Need?
The right crate size matters. Get it wrong and crate training stalls.
The basic rule:
Your puppy should be able to stand up, turn around, and lie down. No extra room to use one corner as a bathroom.
If a crate is too big, puppies will potty inside it. That’s why divider panels help so much.
A puppy crate divider lets you grow the space as your puppy grows.
Puppy Crate Size Guide
| Puppy Weight | Crate Size |
|---|---|
| Under 15 lbs | 24 inch |
| 15–30 lbs | 30 inch |
| 30–60 lbs | 36 inch |
| 60–90 lbs | 42 inch |
| 90+ lbs | 48 inch |
Not sure what size crate for a puppy to pick? Buy the crate sized for your dog’s adult weight. Use a divider panel while they’re small.
Best Crate for the First Night With a Puppy
The best puppy crate for the first night is usually a simple wire crate with a divider panel.
Why?
Because the first night is about comfort and watching them, not perfection.
Put the crate close to where you sleep so your puppy doesn’t feel alone. Most puppies cry the first few nights because everything is new.
Keeping the crate nearby lets you comfort them and take them out for potty breaks.
For a full walkthrough of what to expect, see the First Night With Puppy Guide.
You can also read First 48 Hours With Puppy for a step-by-step plan for those first chaotic days.
What type of crate fits your puppy?
Most crates for puppies fall into four types. Each one fits a different situation.
Wire. Best for most new puppies. Good airflow, see-through, divider panels available. Pick this for crate training in a normal household.
Plastic (kennel-style). Best for travel and shy dogs who like enclosed spaces. Required by most airlines. Bulkier and harder to see through.
Soft-sided. Best for small, already-crate-trained puppies and short trips. Light and packable. Skip for chewers and young puppies still learning the rules.
Furniture-style. Best for adult dogs and apartments where the crate doubles as a side table. Often wood or rattan. Skip for puppies still chewing or in potty training.
Most new owners start with a wire crate plus a divider panel. Once your dog is crate-trained and past chewing, a furniture-style crate is a nice upgrade for the living room.
Wire Crate vs Plastic Crate for Puppies
Owners often ask about wire crate vs plastic crate puppy setups. Both work. They’re just built for different jobs.
| Feature | Wire Crate | Plastic Crate |
|---|---|---|
| Ventilation | High | Medium |
| Travel | Poor | Excellent |
| Durability | High | High |
| Visibility | High | Low |
Recommendation: For most homes, a wire crate is the best pick for crate training. Puppies can see what’s going on and feel like part of the family.
Plastic crates are better for travel and shy dogs who like enclosed spaces.
How to Set Up a Puppy Crate
A good puppy crate setup makes a big difference in how fast your puppy takes to it.
Follow these steps:
1. Choose the Correct Size
Use the sizing guide above and install a divider if needed.
2. Add the Divider
The divider prevents accidents and helps reinforce house training.
3. Place the Crate Near Your Sleeping Area
Especially during the first week.
4. Add a Washable Crate Pad
Accidents happen. Pick something easy to clean.
5. Introduce the Crate Gradually
Toss treats inside. Feed meals in the crate. Let your puppy check it out on their own.
For a full walkthrough, see the Puppy Crate Training Guide.
For more on training routines, see the Puppy Training Basics Guide.
Puppy Crate Setup Checklist
Before bringing your puppy home, make sure you have:
- Puppy crate
- Divider panel
- Washable crate pad
- Safe chew toy
- Optional crate water bowl
You can find the complete preparation list in the Puppy Supplies List.
Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Puppy Crate
Buying a Crate That’s Too Large
A too-big crate can slow house training.
Using Soft Crates Too Early
Young puppies often chew through fabric crates.
Putting the Crate Off by Itself
Dogs are social. Crates work best near family activity.
Skipping Divider Panels
A divider is a must for growing puppies.
How Long Should a Puppy Stay in a Crate?
A rule many trainers use:
Puppy age in months + 1 = max hours in crate
For example:
- 2-month puppy → about 3 hours
- 3-month puppy → about 4 hours
- 4-month puppy → about 5 hours
This rule of thumb helps prevent accidents and keeps crate training upbeat.
Final Thoughts
The best puppy crate isn’t the most expensive one. It’s the one that helps with house training, gives your puppy a safe place to rest, and fits them as they grow.
For most new owners, a wire crate with a divider panel is still the best pick.
Set it up right and ease your puppy into it. Soon they’ll see the crate as their own quiet spot, not a cage. 🐶
New Puppy Owner? Start Here
If you’re preparing for a new puppy, these guides will make the first few weeks dramatically easier.