Best Dog Crates

Buying guide for Best dog crates

Used properly, a dog crate can provide a safe, secure, and comfortable space for your four-legged friend. However, we don't recommend getting any old dog crate and hoping for the best.

You need to pick a crate that's an appropriate size for your dog, made of the right material, and that fits your lifestyle.

Crates can be useful in many scenarios, but they shouldn't be used as a place to house your dog all day while you're at work. But when used correctly they're far from cruel.

Why do you need a dog crate?

There can be some controversy over dog crates, but once you understand what they're used for and why, the argument for dog crates is quite positive.

• Dog crates can help when toilet training a dog, as canines don't like to soil the area they sleep in. If you'll be out for just an hour or two and won't be able to keep an eye on your puppy, crating him is a great way to prevent accidents.
• Dogs often feel safe and secure in small places, so many dogs hang out and sleep in their crates even when the door is open.
• Crates can be used to keep you and your dog safe when traveling in a vehicle.

• If your dog has recently had an injury or operation, and isn't meant to be active, keeping him in a crate when you can't be home to supervise keep him from overexerting himself.

• Dog crates can be useful to manage problem behaviors while you're training, but shouldn't be used as a permanent solution to unwanted behaviors. For instance, if your dog jumps at people when they enter the house, you could crate the dog when guests first arrive. However, you should still work on training your dog not to jump altogether.

• Crates can be used to protect both your dog and your property while he’s learning not to chew. Most dogs grow out of that "chewing everything in sight" phase after six months to a year. If a dog never learns the joy of chewing furniture, socks, and shoes, he should be able to roam freely without doing any damage. Remember, you'll only need to crate your pup while you can't be there to supervise, and ideally it shouldn't be for more than a few hours.

Before recommending a dog crate, we find out how easy it is to clean. Some of the crates we research have removable trays, which simplify the cleaning process.

It’s crucial to provide your canine with enough space to move and get comfortable, so we research crates of all sizes to find the right one for pets large and small.

Our readers have varying needs and preferences, so we evaluate dog crates of various materials, including wire, fabric, and plastic.

Collapsible wire crates are popular for home use and travel and are usually available at a reasonable price. We evaluate dog crates of different styles to assess their portability.

Many small breed dogs require a specialized travel crate for safe and easy transit. We compare travel crates of varying prices to find the best value for your pup.

We give bonus points to dog crates that aren’t overly complicated to assemble or break down for storage.

A wire crate should be strong enough to prevent the occupant from bending or damaging the wires. We research each model’s toughness and safety.

We appreciate plastic carrier crates that come with additional openings to create a more “open” feel while keeping your dog safe.

In our research, we take note of crates that make it easier and safer to travel with mid-size and large dogs.

Most consumers do not wish to replace their dog crate every few years. We evaluate plastic and wire crates to find models engineered with durability and longevity in mind.

Picking the right size crate for your dog

It's important to get the right size crate for your dog. The goal is for your dog to feel snug and secure in an enclosed area, so don't go too big. However, the crate should be large enough for your dog to comfortably stand up, sit up, lie down, and turn around.

Here's how to make sure you get a dog crate of the correct size:

• Measure your dog from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail (not the tip of the tail, as this will make the crate too large) and add two to four inches. This gives you the correct length of dog crate.
• Measure your dog from the floor to the top of his head when sitting, not standing and add two to four inches. This gives you the correct height of dog crate.

If you buy a crate with these length and height measurements, the width will be proportionate, so you don't need to worry about doing a separate measurement.

You might think it's kinder to get the largest crate possible, but this defeats the goal of making your dog feel secure. Don’t choose a crate that's large enough for your dog to use one end as a bedroom and the other as a bathroom.

Dog crate materials

Wire

Wire dog crates are probably the most popular option out there, and are widely available.

Pros:

• Wire crates have great airflow, which is especially important if you live somewhere hot.

• This type of dog crate is generally easy to clean, and many even have removable trays at the bottom to make cleaning even easier.

• You can get dividers for wire crates to adjust the size as your puppy grows.

• Many wire dog crates fold down for better portability.

• You can find wire dog crates in a wide range of sizes.

• Dogs can see out through all sides of a wire crate, and most of them like the visibility.

Cons:

• Some nervous dogs may feel more anxious and exposed in a wire crate.

• Wire dog crates can be quite heavy to move around.

• Some people find that wire dog crates are fairly noisy when the dog moves around inside, especially on uncarpeted floors.

Fabric

Fabric or "soft-sided" dog crates are often marketed as travel crates.

Pros:

• First time crate users might find fabric versions look more "friendly" and less cage-like — though your dog probably won't mind either way.

• Fabric dog crates are lightweight and portable.

• Fabric dog crates fold down small while they're not in use.

• Since they're soft, fabric dog crates may be more comfortable for your dog to lie in.

Cons:

• Destructive dogs can easily scratch and chew their way out of fabric crates.

• Fabric dog crates are difficult to keep clean.

• Some determined dogs learn to unzip the doors of fabric crates.

Plastic

Plastic dog crates generally have hard plastic sides with a wire door. They look a bit like cat carriers.

Pros:

• Although not as light as fabric, plastic dog crates are still fairly lightweight and easy to move around.

• Plastic dog crates are great for use in the car and even on airplanes, though they have to meet certain standards for airplane use.

• If you live in a cold climate, it may be warmer for your dog in a plastic crate as there's more insulation.

• Some dogs feel more secure in a plastic dog crate as they're less "open" than wire versions.

Cons:

• Plastic can hold on to odors, so these dog crate might be harder to keep pristine.

• Plastic dog crates can't be folded down flat when not in use.

• There's less ventilation in plastic dog crates, which can be an issue in hot climates.

Tips

• Unless your dog will chew it, you should always put some soft bedding in his crate to make him more comfortable.

• If your canine companion will be in the dog crate for more than an hour or two, make sure he has some water available. Use a clip-on bowl if he’s likely to tip it over.

• Don't place your dog's crate in direct sunlight or in a draft, as he could get too hot or too cold, and won't be able to move to where the temperature's more comfortable.

• If your dog feels nervous, he might be happier with a blanket or sheet covering the outside of the crate, lending it a cave-like feel.

• Giving your dog a chew toy while in his crate can be a great distraction, but be sure it's something safe for him to use unsupervised.

Dog crate prices

Wire crates

Depending on their size and quality, wire dog crates can cost anywhere between $20 and $150. If you're going to use it most days, we recommend going for at least a mid-range option, as the cheapest will be less durable.

Fabric crates

Fabric dog crates will usually set you back somewhere between $50 and $100, with smaller crates usually significantly cheaper than larger ones.

Plastic crates

If you're looking for a plastic dog crate, expect to pay between about $30 and $120. Again, they're more expensive in larger sizes. Don't opt for the cheapest plastic crate, as basic models can be quite flimsy.

Crate training is a gradual process. It's best to let your dog spend some time in his crate with the door open at first, while he becomes accustomed to it.

FAQ

Q. How long can my dog stay in his crate?

A. In theory, an adult dog can stay in a crate for approximately six to eight hours in a stretch, whereas a puppy can spend two to four hours in a crate in one go. This is because they have smaller bladders and need to relieve themselves more often.

That said, it's not appropriate to crate your dog for eight hours per day, every day, and then again every night, as he’ll lack mental and physical stimulation. Many dogs are shut in their crates just until they're toilet trained and have passed the puppy phase, when they want to chew everything. After this the door is always left open, so the dog can choose to lie in his crate when he wants to.

Q. How do I get my dog used to his crate?

A. Ideally, you should read some literature on how to properly crate train your dog, as there's much more to it than we can advise you about here. However, we will say that it should be a gradual process. Don't just shut your dog in for the first time and leave him there for several hours, as he’ll likely be scared and can develop an irreversible aversion to the crate. Introduce him to his crate over several days or weeks, letting him scope it out at his own pace, and encourage him inside with treats and toys.