Is your adorable puppy leaving little “surprises” around the house? Potty training can feel like a marathon, and choosing the right dog crate is a HUGE part of making it a success. It’s tough because you want the best for your furry friend, but there are so many different kinds of crates out there! Do you need a wire one, a plastic one, or something else entirely? Making the wrong choice can lead to frustration for both you and your pup.
But don’t worry! We’re here to help. By the end of this post, you’ll know exactly what to look for in a dog crate for potty training. We’ll break down the most important features, discuss what makes a crate the perfect size, and even offer some tips on how to use it effectively. Get ready to say goodbye to accidents and hello to a well-behaved, potty-trained dog!
Our Top 5 Dog Crate For Potty Training Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Dog Crate For Potty Training Detailed Reviews
1. MidWest Homes for Pets Newly Enhanced Single & Double Door iCrate Dog Crate
Rating: 8.6/10
The MidWest Homes for Pets iCrate is a fantastic option for dog owners looking for a safe and comfortable space for their furry friends. This newly enhanced crate offers improved security features to keep your dog protected. It’s designed to help your dog feel secure and fulfill their natural denning instincts.
What We Like:
- Enhanced Security: The slide-bolt door latch now includes patented Paw Block and locking tips, making it much safer and more secure for your pet.
- Easy Setup and Portability: The crate sets up in seconds with no tools needed. It also folds flat for easy travel and storage.
- Durable and Safe Construction: It’s built with strong, quality materials. Proper ventilation and rounded corner clips ensure a safer experience for your dog.
- Complete Package: The crate comes with a divider panel, a leak-proof plastic pan, protective rubber feet, and a carrying handle.
- Helpful Support: A customer support team based in Indiana is available to assist you.
What Could Be Improved:
- Size Recommendation: It’s important to choose the right size. If your dog is on the larger side for this crate’s measurements, it’s best to get the next size up.
- Divider and Bedding Note: You cannot use a crate mat or bed when the divider panel is in place.
Overall, the MidWest Homes for Pets iCrate provides a secure and convenient solution for your dog. It’s a great investment for their comfort and safety.
2. Sweetcrispy 24-Inch Single-Door Dog Crate–Durable Metal Pet Kennel with Secure Lock
Rating: 9.2/10
Introducing the Sweetcrispy 24-Inch Single-Door Dog Crate – a sturdy and practical home for your canine companion. This metal pet kennel is built tough, offering a secure and comfortable space for training, travel, or just everyday relaxation. Its smart design makes it easy to manage, whether you’re at home or on the go.
What We Like:
- Made from strong iron, this crate is built to last and handle daily use.
- The single-door design has a strong latch to keep your dog safe inside.
- Cleaning is a breeze thanks to the removable plastic tray that catches messes.
- It folds flat quickly, making it super easy to store or take with you.
- Smooth edges and an open design keep your dog comfy and allow good airflow.
- The crate provides good visibility, so your dog feels connected to you.
What Could Be Improved:
- The single-door setup might not be ideal for all training or access needs.
- While durable, the metal construction can be a bit heavy for some users to carry long distances.
This Sweetcrispy crate is a solid option for small to medium dogs, offering a great balance of security and convenience. It’s a reliable choice for creating a safe haven for your furry friend.
3. Homey Pet 37 inch Stackable Heavy Duty Dog Crate
Rating: 8.5/10
Looking for a strong and smart home for your anxious or escape-artist dog? The Homey Pet 37 inch Stackable Heavy Duty Dog Crate is built to keep your furry friend safe and sound. It’s made from tough steel and has a special lock to stop even clever pups from getting out. Plus, it’s designed to make your life easier, with wheels for moving and easy cleaning.
What We Like:
- Space-Saving Stackability: You can stack these crates to save floor space, which is great if you have more than one dog or not much room.
- Built Tough: The heavy-duty steel frame and thick panels make this crate very strong and hard to escape from.
- Secure Locking: The special crescent-shaped lock stops your dog from getting out, giving you peace of mind.
- Easy Access and Cleaning: With an open top and a side door, it’s simple to interact with your dog, feed them, and clean the crate.
- Mobile Design: The lockable wheels let you move the crate easily from room to room or even outside.
- Keeps Things Clean: The removable metal grids and leak-proof tray make cleaning up messes a breeze.
- Paw-Friendly Grids: The grids have small spacing to protect your dog’s paws while letting waste fall through.
What Could Be Improved:
- Size Suitability: While it fits many small to medium dogs, make sure to measure your dog carefully to ensure a comfortable fit.
- Potential for Noise: Some very active dogs might still make noise inside, though the heavy-duty construction helps.
This crate offers a secure and practical solution for dog owners. It provides peace of mind with its durable design and makes daily care much simpler.
4. Amazon Basics Dog and Puppy Pee Pads
Rating: 9.4/10
Potty training your new puppy or managing your senior dog’s needs just got easier with Amazon Basics Dog and Puppy Pee Pads. These pads are designed to handle accidents effectively, keeping your home cleaner and your furry friend comfortable. They are a reliable option for any pet owner.
What We Like:
- Super Absorbent: The 5-layer design locks in moisture, turning liquid into gel quickly. This means less mess and quicker drying.
- Leak-Proof: A plastic lining and a border around the edges stop leaks. Your floors stay dry and protected.
- Built-in Attractant: These pads help guide your dog to the right spot for potty breaks. This can speed up the training process.
- Eco-Friendly: The pads are FSC-certified. They use materials from well-managed forests and recycled sources.
- Generous Size: Each pad is 22×22 inches, offering plenty of space. The center pad is 19×19 inches.
- Great Value: You get 100 pads in a pack, making them a cost-effective choice for regular use.
What Could Be Improved:
- Absorbency Level: While good for regular use, they might not be enough for very heavy or frequent accidents.
- Border Width: The 1.65-inch border is helpful, but some very enthusiastic dogs might still manage to go over the edge.
Overall, these Amazon Basics pee pads are a solid choice for potty training and everyday pet messes. They offer good protection and helpful features for pet owners.
5. New World Newly Enhanced SingleDoor New World Dog Crate
Rating: 8.9/10
The New World Newly Enhanced Single Door Dog Crate is a great option for pet parents. It’s designed for medium-sized dogs, measuring 30 inches long, 19 inches wide, and 21 inches high. This crate is perfect for dogs weighing between 21 and 40 pounds. If your dog is on the larger side, you might want to get a bigger size for extra comfort.
What We Like:
- It has special security features like a Paw Block latch to keep your dog safely inside.
- The crate comes with everything you need: a divider, a leak-proof pan, feet to protect your floor, and a handle for easy carrying.
- Setting it up is super easy and takes no time at all. It also folds flat for travel or storage.
- Rounded corners, good airflow, and low entry points make it a safe and cozy spot for your dog.
- This is a family-owned business with over 100 years of experience, and their customer support is in Indiana. They really care about making good products.
- Assembly instructions are included to help you set it up correctly and safely.
What Could Be Improved:
- While designed for medium dogs, some users might find the 30-inch size a bit snug for dogs at the upper end of the weight range, suggesting a larger size might be better for more active pets.
Overall, this crate offers excellent safety and convenience. It provides a secure and comfortable space for your furry friend.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: A Happy Home Starts with a Crate
Potty training your new puppy can be a big adventure! A dog crate is a fantastic tool to help your furry friend learn the ropes. It gives them a safe den and helps prevent accidents in the house. Let’s find the perfect crate for your pup!
1. Key Features to Look For
- Size Matters: Your dog should be able to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Too big, and they might use a corner as a potty spot. Too small, and it’s just mean!
- Durability: Puppies can be chewers. You need a crate that can withstand a little nibbling.
- Ease of Cleaning: Accidents happen. Look for crates with removable trays or easy-to-wipe surfaces.
- Ventilation: Good airflow keeps your dog comfortable and prevents the crate from getting stuffy.
- Portability (Optional): If you plan to travel with your dog, a lighter, foldable crate might be a good choice.
- Door Type: Most crates have a single door, but some offer two for easier access.
2. Important Materials
Wire Crates
These are popular and usually made of strong steel wire. They offer great visibility and airflow. They are also easy to clean and often come with dividers to adjust the size as your puppy grows.
Plastic Crates
Plastic crates are lightweight and can feel more like a den for some dogs. They are also very durable and easy to sanitize. Some have a more enclosed feel, which can be comforting for anxious dogs.
Fabric Crates
These are usually made of sturdy canvas or nylon. They are great for travel and can be very comfortable. However, they might not be the best choice for heavy chewers, as fabric can be torn or chewed through.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What Makes a Crate Great:
- Sturdy Construction: Good welds on wire crates or strong hinges on plastic ones mean the crate won’t break easily.
- Secure Latches: The door latch should be strong enough that your dog can’t easily open it.
- Smooth Edges: No sharp bits that could hurt your dog.
- Easy Assembly: A crate that’s a pain to put together is frustrating for you.
What Makes a Crate Less Than Ideal:
- Flimsy Materials: Thin wire that bends or plastic that cracks easily.
- Poorly Made Doors: Doors that don’t close securely or are hard to operate.
- Difficult to Clean: Crates with nooks and crannies where dirt can hide.
- Sharp Points: Any rough edges or exposed wires are a safety hazard.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
A well-chosen crate becomes your dog’s safe space. They will learn to see it as their den, a place to relax and feel secure. This is incredibly helpful during potty training because dogs naturally avoid soiling their sleeping area. When you can’t supervise your puppy directly, the crate keeps them out of trouble and helps them hold it longer. It’s also useful for car rides or when guests visit, giving your dog a familiar retreat.
Some people add soft bedding, like a blanket or a small dog bed, to make the crate even cozier. Just make sure the bedding isn’t something your puppy is likely to chew and swallow.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the most important thing to consider when buying a crate for potty training?
A: The most important thing is the size. It needs to be just big enough for your dog to stand, turn, and lie down, but no bigger. This encourages them to keep their potty area separate from their sleeping space.
Q: How do I know what size crate to get?
A: Measure your dog from nose to tail, and from the top of their head to the floor. Add a few inches to these measurements to get the correct crate length and height. Many crates come with dividers so you can adjust the space as your puppy grows.
Q: Can I use a fabric crate for potty training?
A: Fabric crates are usually best for older, fully house-trained dogs or for travel. Puppies, especially during potty training, can chew through fabric. Plastic or wire crates are generally more durable and easier to clean for this purpose.
Q: How long should I leave my puppy in the crate?
A: Puppies have small bladders. A general rule is they can hold it for about one hour for every month of age, plus one hour. So, a 3-month-old puppy might be able to hold it for about 4 hours. Never leave a puppy in a crate for too long.
Q: What if my dog cries or barks in the crate?
A: This is normal at first. Make sure they have no immediate needs (like needing to go potty). Don’t let them out when they are crying, as they will learn that crying gets them out. Wait for them to be quiet for a moment before letting them out. Positive reinforcement, like treats and praise when they are calm in the crate, is key.
Q: Should I put food or water in the crate?
A: For potty training, it’s generally best to remove food and water a couple of hours before bedtime or when you leave them crated for a longer period. This helps prevent accidents inside the crate.
Q: How do I introduce my dog to the crate?
A: Make it a positive experience! Toss treats or toys into the crate. Feed your dog meals inside the crate with the door open. Slowly start closing the door for short periods while you are still home. Never force your dog into the crate.
Q: What is a crate divider and why is it useful?
A: A crate divider is a panel that attaches inside a larger wire crate. It allows you to section off part of the crate, making it the perfect size for your puppy. As your puppy grows, you can move the divider to give them more space. This is very helpful for potty training.
Q: How do I clean a dog crate?
A: For wire crates, a removable tray can usually be washed with soap and water. For plastic crates, they can be wiped down with a damp cloth or washed with mild soap and water. Always rinse thoroughly and let them dry completely.
Q: Can I use a crate for a dog that isn’t a puppy?
A: Absolutely! Crates are beneficial for dogs of all ages. They can help with anxiety, provide a safe space, and are useful for travel or during recovery from illness or surgery.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Mallory Crusta, the heart and mind behind LovelyPetSpot.com.. As a passionate pet enthusiast, I created this space to share my experiences, expertise, and love for all things pets. Whether it’s helpful tips, heartfelt stories, or advice for pet parents, my mission is to make the journey of caring for your furry, feathery, or scaly friends as joyful and fulfilling as possible. Join me in celebrating the incredible bond we share with our animal companions!