Chill-Dogs
Best Puppy Crates
A puppy's first crate should make housebreaking and quiet-time practice easier without forcing you to buy another crate in a month. For most puppies, that means a wire crate with a divider panel and a door layout that fits the room where training actually happens.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Puppy Crate Picks
For crate training, prioritize fit and daily usability. A divider is useful because puppies should not start with a crate so large that they can sleep on one side and potty on the other.
KindTail PAWD Collapsible Dog Crate
- Collapsible panel design folds flat for storage or moving around the house
- Includes a washable padded bed for a more finished puppy rest setup
- Medium size is listed for small-to-medium pets between 15 and 25 pounds
MidWest iCrate Dog Crate (18-Inch)
- 18-inch iCrate size is listed for tiny breeds up to 10 pounds
- Includes a divider panel so the usable crate space can grow with a small puppy
- Folding wire design is easy to move, store, or reposition around the house
MidWest Life Stages Dog Crate (22-Inch)
- 22-inch Life Stages size is listed for extra-small breeds up to 15 pounds
- Includes a divider panel for puppy-to-adult crate setup in a smaller footprint
- Heavier-gauge steel than the iCrate line for a sturdier wire-crate feel
Petmate Training Retreat Kennel
- Two-door layout gives you more placement options in bedrooms, kitchens, or living rooms
- Wire construction keeps airflow and visibility high during early crate introduction
- Useful alternative if the room layout makes a single front door awkward
Internet's Best Double Door Wire Dog Kennel (Blue)
- Small 24-inch double-door wire crate for puppies, cats, or small dogs
- Blue finish gives it a different look from the all-black wire crates that dominate this category
- Front and side doors keep placement flexible in bedrooms, offices, or living spaces
MidWest iCrate vs Life Stages
The iCrate and Life Stages lines are both wire crates with multiple size options and a divider panel. The difference is build and handling.
iCrate is the lighter, simpler, usually more budget-friendly option. It is easier to move around and makes sense for standard puppy crate training when your dog is not especially strong or hard on gear.
Life Stages uses heavier-gauge steel and is built to feel more sturdy. Some Life Stages crates are wider and higher than comparable iCrate models. Life Stages are appropriate for stronger, more active puppies.
Get iCrate When
- You want the simpler, more budget-friendly option
- You plan to move the crate around the house often
- Your puppy is of average strength and you need a divider-based training setup
- A lighter crate matters more than a sturdier wire frame
Get Life Stages When
- You want the sturdier Midwest option
- Your puppy is strong, active, or likely to push against the crate
- You do not mind a heavier crate
- Durability is your first priority
Puppy Crate FAQ
- What type of crate is best for a puppy?
- For most puppies, a wire crate with a divider panel is the easiest starting point. The divider lets you create a smaller sleeping area during housebreaking, then expand the space as your puppy grows.
- Should I get iCrate or Life Stages?
- Get iCrate if you want the lighter, usually cheaper option for standard puppy crate training. Get Life Stages if you want the sturdier Midwest crate and do not mind extra weight. If the price gap is small, Life Stages is the stronger pick.
- Why does a puppy crate need a divider?
- A divider prevents the crate from being too large at the start of training. Puppies are more likely to keep a smaller sleeping area clean, while an oversized crate can allow them sleep in one corner and potty in another.
- Is a two-door crate worth it?
- A two-door crate is useful when the crate sits beside furniture, in a bedroom corner, or anywhere a single front door would be inconvenient. If the crate will sit in an open area, one door is usually enough.