Bringing home a new puppy is an exciting milestone, but it also comes with important decisions—one of the most crucial being choosing the right crate. A properly selected crate provides your pup with a safe, cozy space to call their own while also aiding in house training and establishing a routine.
Why Crate Training Matters
Crate training is essential for puppies because it:
✅ Encourages House Training – Puppies instinctively avoid soiling their sleeping area, helping them learn bladder control. ✅ Provides a Safe Haven – A crate offers comfort and security, reducing anxiety when you’re away. ✅ Prevents Destructive Behavior – Keeps your pup from chewing on furniture or getting into trouble when unsupervised. ✅ Supports Travel & Vet Visits – A crate-trained dog feels more comfortable in travel situations and at the vet.
But not all crates are created equal! Choosing the wrong one can make training difficult or uncomfortable for your puppy.
How to Choose the Right Crate
1. Pick the Right Size
Size matters when it comes to crate training. Your puppy’s crate should be large enough for them to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably, but not so spacious that they can use one side as a bathroom.
🐶 Pro Tip: If you have a growing breed, consider a crate with a divider, so you can adjust the space as they grow. This prevents your pup from feeling overwhelmed in a too-large crate while ensuring they won’t outgrow it too quickly.
2. Choose the Best Material There are several types of crates available, each with unique benefits and potential downsides. Choosing the right one depends on your puppy’s temperament, your lifestyle, and how you plan to use the crate.
🐶 Plastic Crates ✅ Pros: ✔ Cozy and enclosed, providing a den-like feel that helps reduce anxiety. ✔ Ideal for travel—lightweight, durable, and often airline-approved. ✔ Contains messes better than wire or soft-sided crates. ✔ Provides privacy, which is great for puppies that get overstimulated.
❌ Cons: ✖ Can feel more enclosed, which may not suit dogs that prefer visibility. ✖ Limited airflow compared to wire crates. ✖ Can be bulky and harder to store when not in use. ✖ Absorbs odors over time and can be difficult to clean thoroughly.
Best for: Travel, anxious puppies, and pet parents who want a more enclosed, cozy crate.
🐶 Wire Crates ✅ Pros: ✔ Excellent airflow, making them ideal for warmer climates. ✔ Allows your puppy to see their surroundings, reducing separation anxiety. ✔ Many come with dividers, so they can grow with your pup. ✔ Folds flat for easy storage and portability. ✔ Easy to clean with a removable tray.
❌ Cons: ✖ Less cozy—some puppies may feel exposed or overwhelmed. ✖ Can be noisy if your pup moves around a lot. ✖ Not as aesthetically pleasing for home decor. ✖ Some clever dogs may learn to escape by manipulating the latch.
Best for: Puppies who like to see their surroundings, long-term home use, and households with good climate control.
🐶 Soft-Sided Crates ✅ Pros: ✔ Extremely lightweight and portable, great for travel or vet visits. ✔ Soft, flexible material makes it comfortable for puppies. ✔ Collapsible for easy storage when not in use. ✔ Less intimidating for nervous pups compared to wire crates.
❌ Cons: ✖ Not suitable for puppies that chew or scratch—a determined pup can easily rip through it. ✖ Harder to clean if accidents happen inside. ✖ Offers less structure and security, so escape-prone dogs may not stay put. ✖ Not ideal for extended unsupervised use.
Best for: Calm, well-behaved puppies, travel, and short-term use.
🐶 Furniture-Style Crates ✅ Pros: ✔ Doubles as stylish home decor, blending seamlessly with furniture. ✔ Provides a cozy, enclosed space for your pup. ✔ Typically made of wood or sturdy materials that last long. ✔ Can serve multiple functions—some designs work as end tables or console tables.
❌ Cons: ✖ More expensive than traditional crates. ✖ Not as portable—these are designed to stay in one place. ✖ Wood and decorative materials can be harder to clean. ✖ May not be the best choice for teething puppies that love to chew.
Best for: Pet parents who want a stylish, permanent crate option for a well-trained dog.
3. Look for Safety Features
Your puppy’s safety is a top priority! Choose a crate with: ✔ Secure latches – To prevent escapes. ✔ Rounded edges – To avoid injuries. ✔ Proper ventilation – To keep your pup comfortable.
A sturdy and well-ventilated crate ensures your puppy stays safe whether they’re resting at home or traveling.
4. Make It Comfortable
The crate should feel like a cozy retreat, not a cage. Here’s how to make it inviting:
Add a soft bed or crate pad for extra comfort.
Place a few safe chew toys inside to keep them entertained.
Use a cover (like a light blanket) if your pup prefers a darker, den-like space.
Our Travel Dog Bed is the perfect crate companion—ultra-soft, lightweight, and easy to clean, making crate time more enjoyable for your pup.
Crate Training Tips for Success
Now that you have the perfect crate, it’s time to train your puppy to love it!
🐾 Start Slow: Let your puppy explore the crate at their own pace. Leave the door open and toss in treats to encourage curiosity.
🐾 Use Positive Reinforcement: Reward your pup with treats and praise when they enter the crate voluntarily. Never use it as punishment.
🐾 Keep Sessions Short: In the beginning, keep crate time short and gradually increase duration. This helps prevent anxiety.
🐾 Stick to a Routine: Puppies thrive on consistency. Use the crate for naps and bedtime to create a predictable routine.
🐾 Make It Fun: Feeding your pup inside the crate or giving them a special toy inside makes it a happy place.
Ready to Welcome Your Puppy?
If you’re still searching for your perfect pup, check out Happy Tail Puppies for adorable, well-bred puppies ready to join your family.
And for the perfect crate setup, explore KindTail’s PAWD® modern collapsible crate, designed to be stylish, functional, and easy to use.
✅ Easy to clean ✅ Folds flat for storage ✅ Lightweight & portable ✅ Aesthetically designed to match your home
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right crate sets the foundation for a happy and well-trained puppy. With the right size, material, and comfort, your pup will feel secure and at home. Crate training isn’t just about convenience—it’s about giving your furry friend the best start in life!
🐶 Check out KindTail’s PAWD® crate for a stylish and practical solution for your puppy’s needs.
