The 12 Best Dog Crates in Every Type: A Comprehensive Guide
Paws Are GoodThe 12 Best Dog Crates
Choosing the right crate for your furry friend can be a confusing task. With so many options available, it's easy to get overwhelmed.
But do not worry, being a likeminded dog lover myself, I have come up with the list of top 12 best dog crates considering different factors.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the 12 best dog crates in every type, ensuring you find the perfect crate for your beloved companion.
Why You Should Crate Train Your Dog?
Before we dive into the crate options, let's briefly discuss the benefits of crate training. A crate provides:
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Security & Comfort: A crate becomes a safe haven, a personal space where your dog can retreat when feeling overwhelmed or anxious.
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Potty Training Aid: It helps prevent accidents by limiting your dog's space, encouraging them to hold their bladder.
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Destructive Behavior Management: Crates can protect damages caused by chewing and other destructive behaviors when you're not around or leave a dog alone at home.
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Travel Safety: A crate ensures your dog's safety and security during car rides or air travel.
What Types of Dog Crates are Best?
Dog crates come in various materials and styles, each with its own pros and cons. Let's explore the most common types:
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Wire Dog Crates:
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Pros: Excellent ventilation, visibility, and easy to clean.
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Cons: Can be bulky, not suitable for strong chewers, and may not offer enough privacy.
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Best for: Dogs who prefer open spaces and don't tend to chew. So if your dog doesn’t like privacy and prefer open view then you should consider this kind of crate.
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Plastic Dog Crates:
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Pros: Durable, lightweight, good for travel, and provides more privacy.
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Cons: Less ventilation compared to wire crates, can be difficult to clean if accidents occur.
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Best for: Anxious dogs who prefer enclosed spaces, frequent travelers, and dogs who like to chew. For example, if your dog has barking problem around strangers during travel then this kinds of crates can help them calm down and lessen barking.
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Soft-Sided Dog Crates:
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Pros: Lightweight, portable, comfortable, and great for travel.
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Cons: Not as durable as wire or plastic crates, not suitable for heavy chewers.
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Best for: Small dogs, frequent travelers, and dogs who are already crate trained.
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Wooden Dog Crates:
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Pros: Aesthetically pleasing, blends well with home decor, can double as an end table.
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Cons: Can be expensive, heavy, and not ideal for strong chewers.
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Best for: Dog owners who prioritize aesthetics and have well-behaved dogs.
Top Picks for Each Type
Now, let's delve into the top picks for each crate type:
Wire Dog Crates:
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MidWest Homes for Pets iCrate:
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What We Like: Durable construction, easy assembly, divider panel for growing puppies, multiple door options, and a leak-proof plastic pan. This crate is enhanced with added security features to keep your pet safe. Slide-bolt door latches now feature patented Paw Block and locking tips to create a safer, more secure home for your pet
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Best for: All dog breeds and sizes.
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Sweetcrisy Divider & Double Door Dog Crate:
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What We Like: Made with thick metal mash with two durable doors. It features two heavy duty bolt locks to prevent your dog from escaping the crate. Overall very good protection for your dog..
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Best for: Dog owners who need a portable and affordable crate.
Plastic Dog Crates:
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Petmate Sky Kennel:
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What We Like: Heavy-duty construction, meets airline requirements, secure door latches, and excellent ventilation. The Sky Kennel crate meets IATA standards and most airline cargo specifications for safe travel..
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Best for: Air travel and dogs who prefer a den-like environment.
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Aspen Pet Porter:
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What We Like: Durable plastic shell, wire door for ventilation, and easy-to-carry handle.
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Best for: Small to medium-sized dogs and car travel.
Soft-Sided Dog Crates:
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EliteField 3-Door Soft Dog Crate:
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What We Like: Durable fabric with steel frame, three doors for easy access, mesh windows for ventilation, and carrying bag for portability.
$24.99 -
Best for: Indoor and outdoor use, travel, and camping.
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Amazon Basics Soft-Sided Mesh Pet Travel Carrier:
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What We Like: Lightweight and foldable design, mesh windows for ventilation, and comfortable padding. Over 28000 5 star reviews on Amazon.
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Best for: Small dogs and cats, travel, and vet visits.
Wooden Dog Crates:
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Casual Home Wooden Pet Crate:
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What We Like: Stylish design, doubles as an end table, and provides a cozy den-like atmosphere.
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Best for: Small to medium-sized dogs and dog owners who value aesthetics.
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Merry Products Wooden Dog Crate:
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What We Like: Sturdy construction, multiple finishes to match home decor, and a removable tray for easy cleaning. We love the feature of wooden crate that can be converted into gate.
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Best for: Dog owners who want a durable and stylish crate.
Specialty Crates:
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Impact Dog Crates:
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What We Like: Heavy-duty aluminum construction, escape-proof design, and ideal for strong chewers or anxious dogs.
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Best for: Dogs who tend to escape from traditional crates or require extra security.
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Diggs Revol Dog Crate:
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What We Like: Collapsible design, diamond-shaped mesh for added security, and a puppy training tray.
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Best for: Puppies and dog owners who want a stylish and functional crate.
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Gunner Kennel G1:
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What We Like: Double-wall rotomolded construction, crash-tested for safety, and escape-proof design.
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Best for: Ultimate safety and security, especially during car travel.
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Lembri - Outdoor Dog Kennel for Large Dogs:
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What We Like: This large outdoor wire kennel is perfect to secure your dog playtime outdoors. It features swing-open door for easy in and out. It is made with very good quality durable high-tensile strength wire material for safety and stability. Easy to assemble. It comes with weather guard cover for waterproof protection. Overall good protection from rain, wind and snow.
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Best for: Ultimate safety and security for outdoors secure playtime for your dogs or cats.
Choosing the Right Size
Choosing the correct crate size is crucial for your dog's comfort and well-being. The crate should be large enough for your dog to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
However, it shouldn't be too large, as excess space can encourage accidents during potty training.
Tips for Crate Training Success
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Introduce the crate gradually: Make it a positive experience by associating it with treats, toys, and praise. For example, praise your dog with high-pitched voice and give treat when your dog gets into crate and sit.
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Never use the crate as punishment: Very important, you shouldn’t use crate as part of punishment to improve your dog’s behavior. Make sure that your dog thinks of crate as comforting place rather than punishment place. In short, It should be a safe and comfortable space for your dog.
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Start with short crating periods: Do not try to keep your dog for long in the crate when you are crate training. It is always advisable to gradually increase the time your dog spends in the crate to get used to with it.
You may also like my post on how long can dogs be left alone! -
Ensure proper ventilation and comfort: Make sure to provide your dog’s favorite bedding, water, and of course, a favorite toy.
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Be patient and consistent: Crate training takes time and effort, but the rewards are worth it. Do not get frustrated if your dog is rejecting crate. It will take some time for your dog to get crate trained.
Conclusion
Choosing the right crate is a significant step in ensuring your dog's happiness and well-being.
By considering your dog's breed, size, temperament, and your lifestyle, you can find the perfect crate to provide a secure and comfortable haven for your furry companion.
Remember, a crate is not punishment place. It is a valuable tool for dog training, safety, and creating a positive environment for your beloved dog.
