Bringing home a puppy is exciting—but the first few weeks can also be exhausting. Between nighttime whining, potty accidents, and the challenge of teaching a brand-new dog how the world works, most new puppy owners are operating on very little sleep.

A good crate can make this transition dramatically easier.

Crate training works because it taps into a dog’s natural instinct to keep their sleeping area clean. When used properly, a crate becomes a safe den where your puppy can relax, sleep, and learn bladder control. It also prevents destructive behavior when you can’t supervise.

But not all crates are created equal—and choosing the wrong size or style can make crate training much harder than it needs to be.

For this guide, we evaluated the best crate for new puppy owners based on durability, ease of setup, crate-training friendliness, and real-world usability during the chaotic first weeks with a puppy. If you’re preparing for the first night home—or trying to solve early crate struggles—these options consistently work well for new puppy families.

Our Top Puppy Crates

MidWest iCrate – Best Overall Puppy Crate

Why we recommend it

If you ask trainers for a single recommendation for a crate training puppy crate, the MidWest iCrate comes up again and again. It’s durable, affordable, and includes the one feature new puppy owners absolutely need: a divider panel.

That divider lets the crate grow with your puppy—so you don’t have to buy multiple crates 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.

👉 Check price on Amazon

‍

Diggs Revol – Best Premium Puppy Crate

Why we recommend it

The Diggs Revol is the luxury option in the puppy crate world. It’s engineered with safety features most crates lack, including rounded edges, reinforced doors, and a collapsible frame that folds smoothly.

If budget isn’t a concern and you want a crate designed to last through your dog’s entire life, this is an excellent choice.

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 looking for a premium crate for their new puppy that will last for years.

👉 Check price on Amazon

‍

Amazon Basics Folding Metal Crate – Best Budget Option

Why we recommend it

If you want a reliable crate without spending much, the Amazon Basics folding crate works well for basic crate training.

It includes most of the essentials—steel wire construction, double doors, and a removable tray—at a lower price point than many competitors.

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.

👉 Check price on Amazon

‍

Petmate Sky Kennel – Best Travel Crate

Why we recommend it

Plastic airline crates are often required for flying with dogs. The Petmate Sky Kennel is one of the most widely accepted airline-approved crates available.

It also works well for puppies that feel more secure in 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.

👉 Check price on Amazon

‍

Petprsco Soft Crate – Best for Small Puppies

Why we recommend it

Soft crates work best for calm puppies or temporary setups. They’re lightweight, portable, and ideal for small breeds.

However, they should not be used for heavy chewers or young puppies still learning 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.

👉 Check price on Amazon

‍

What Size Crate Does a Puppy Need?

Choosing the right crate size is critical for successful crate training.

The basic rule:

Your puppy should be able to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably—but not have extra room to use the bathroom in one corner.

If a crate is too large, puppies often potty inside it. That’s why divider panels are so helpful.

A puppy crate divider allows you to expand the space gradually as your puppy grows.

‍

Puppy Crate Size Guide

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 supervision, not perfection.

Place the crate close to where you sleep so your puppy doesn’t feel isolated. Most puppies cry the first few nights simply because everything is new.

Keeping the crate nearby allows you to reassure them and take them outside 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.

‍

Wire Crate vs Plastic Crate for Puppies

‍

How to Set Up a Puppy Crate

A good puppy crate setup makes a huge difference in how quickly your puppy accepts 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—choose something easy to clean.

‍

5. Introduce the Crate Gradually

Toss treats inside, feed meals in the crate, and allow your puppy to explore it voluntarily.

‍

For a full walkthrough, see the Puppy Crate Training Guide.

‍

For additional guidance on training routines, visit 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

Oversized crates can slow house training.

‍

Using Soft Crates Too Early

Young puppies often chew through fabric crates.

‍

Putting the Crate in Isolation

Dogs are social animals. Crates work best near family activity.

‍

Skipping Divider Panels

A divider is essential for growing puppies.

‍

How Long Should a Puppy Stay in a Crate?

A general rule used by many trainers:

Puppy age in months + 1 = maximum hours in crate

Example:

• 2-month puppy → about 3 hours
• 3-month puppy → about 4 hours
• 4-month puppy → about 5 hours

This guideline helps prevent accidents and keeps crate training positive.

‍

Frequently Asked Questions

‍

What size crate should I get for a puppy?

Choose a crate that fits your puppy’s adult size, then use a divider panel while they grow.

‍

Is it okay to crate a puppy at night?

Yes. Nighttime crating helps prevent accidents and gives puppies a safe sleeping space.

‍

Should puppies sleep in a crate?

Many trainers recommend it, especially during house training.

‍

Can a crate be too big for a puppy?

Yes. Too much space allows puppies to potty inside the crate.

‍

Do puppies cry in crates at first?

Most puppies do during the first few nights. Consistency and gradual crate training usually resolve this quickly.

‍

What should I put in a puppy crate?

A crate pad, safe chew toy, and occasionally a small blanket.

‍

Final Thoughts

Choosing the best puppy crate isn’t about buying the most expensive option. It’s about selecting a crate that supports house training, provides a safe resting place, and fits your puppy as they grow.

For most new puppy owners, a wire crate with a divider panel remains the most practical choice.

Set it up correctly, introduce it gradually, and your puppy will soon see the crate not as confinement—but as their own quiet place to rest. 🐶

‍