Midwest iCrate Dog Crate: How to Choose, Size and Set One Up

By Audrey Hayes

Updated November 2026

A Midwest iCrate dog crate is a wire-style crate with a steel frame, a removable plastic tray and, on many models, a divider panel and one or two doors. This guide walks you through choosing the right model, sizing it for your dog, setting it up in a way that supports crate training, and avoiding the mistakes that make crates less useful. By the end, you will know exactly which iCrate fits your dog and how to make it a place your dog wants to be.

Step 1: Confirm the Crate Type Fits Your Needs

Midwest iCrate models are sold mainly as indoor training and home crates. They are not designed as airline or car travel containers, so check the product details before you plan trips. If you want a crate for daily home use, overnight sleeping or house training, the wire design is a good match because it gives your dog visibility and airflow. For a broader look at how wire crates compare with other styles, see Wire Dog Crates: Home Use and Limits and Soft-Sided Dog Crates: Where They Fit.

Questions to answer before buying

• Will the crate be used mostly at home, or do you travel with your dog often?
• Is your dog a chewer or digger who might test the wire panels?
• Do you need a single door, a double door, or a divider for a growing puppy?
• Where will the crate sit, and how much floor space do you have?

Step 2: Choose the Right Midwest iCrate Model and Door Setup

Midwest iCrate sells several sizes and door configurations. Single-door models are simpler and suit adult dogs who are already trained. Double-door models let you load the crate from either side, which helps when the crate sits in a corner or when you want to reach a dog from two directions. Many owners of double-door crates find the second door useful for getting a reluctant dog in and out without a struggle.

If you are crate training a puppy, a model with a divider panel is worth considering. A divider lets you start with a small space and enlarge it as your puppy grows. For a deeper comparison of double-door options, read 6 Best Midwest iCrate Double Door Dog Crates Compared (2026). You can also check Midwest Homes Dog Crate: How to Choose the Right Size and Model for how this brand’s line is organized.

Single door vs. double door

Step 3: Size the Crate for Your Dog

Sizing is where most problems start. A crate that is too large lets a puppy use one corner as a bathroom, which undermines house training. A crate that is too small is uncomfortable and can cause stress. The general guideline is that an adult dog should be able to stand up without ducking its head, turn around comfortably, and lie down fully stretched out.

How to measure your dog

1. Measure length from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail while the dog is standing.
2. Measure height from the floor to the top of the head or ears, whichever is taller, while the dog stands naturally.
3. Add about 2 inches to the length and 2 inches to the height for comfort.
4. Compare these numbers with the interior dimensions listed for each iCrate model.

For puppies, many owners buy the size that will fit the adult dog and then use the divider to limit space. For a full walkthrough of this process, see Sizing a Dog Crate: A Step-by-Step Guide to Getting the Fit Right and Sizing a Crate for an Adult Dog.

Step 4: Set Up the Crate for Success

Placement and bedding shape how your dog feels about the crate. Put it in a room where the family spends time, such as a living room or bedroom, rather than an isolated basement. Dogs tend to settle better when they can see and hear people nearby.

Setup checklist

• Place the crate on a flat, level surface away from direct drafts and heating vents.
• Line the plastic tray with a washable, chew-resistant bed sized to the interior.
• Add a few safe chew toys, but remove any loose parts, strings or small items that could be swallowed.
• Place a cover over part of the crate if your dog likes a den-like feel, leaving enough airflow.
• Leave the door open at first so your dog can explore without being shut in.

Introducing the crate

Start with short sessions. Toss a treat inside, let your dog go in and out freely, and praise calm behavior. Once your dog enters willingly, close the door for a few seconds, then open it again. Gradually increase the time. Most trainers recommend keeping early sessions brief, often under five minutes, and building up over several days or weeks. For the reasons behind this approach, read Why Is Crate Training Important for Dogs? Benefits and How-To and What Is the Point of Crate Training a Dog? Benefits and How It Works.

Step 5: Build a Routine Around the Crate

A crate works best as part of a daily schedule. Puppies need frequent bathroom breaks, and most young puppies can hold their bladder roughly one hour per month of age, plus one, during the day, though needs vary. Take your puppy out after waking, after eating, after play and before crating. Keep crate time proportional to age and avoid leaving a young puppy confined for long stretches.

Adult dogs should not be crated for most of the day. The crate is a safe resting spot, not a substitute for exercise, social time and mental stimulation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using the crate as punishment. Dogs who associate the crate with negative experiences are less likely to settle inside it.
• Buying too large too early. Without a divider, a puppy may soil one end and sleep at the other.
• Leaving loose bedding or soft items that can be chewed and swallowed.
• Rushing the introduction. Pushing a dog in and closing the door on day one often backfires.
• Ignoring signs of stress such as excessive drooling, panting, pacing or frantic scratching at the door.
• Placing the crate in direct sun or near a heater, which can overheat a dog quickly.

Recommended gear

A few supplies make the crate more comfortable and easier to manage.

• A chew-resistant crate pad gives your dog a soft, washable place to rest that holds up to puppy teeth. View on Amazon
• A crate cover helps create a den-like feel and blocks light and drafts when used with airflow in mind. View on Amazon
• Stainless or heavy ceramic food and water bowls that clip or sit flat stay put better than lightweight bowls. View on Amazon

FAQ

Is a Midwest iCrate suitable for a puppy?

Yes, especially models with a divider panel. The divider lets you limit the space while your puppy is small and expand it as they grow, which helps with house training.

How do I know if the crate is the right size?

An adult dog should stand, turn around and lie down stretched out without touching the top or sides. If your dog cannot do these things comfortably, the crate is too small.

Can I use a wire iCrate for car travel?

Wire crates are generally used for home. For travel, many owners choose a model specifically rated for vehicle or air use. Check the manufacturer’s guidance and read Travel Dog Crates: Car and Air Travel Rules before trips.

How long can my dog stay in the crate?

Adult dogs should not be crated for most of the day. Puppies need frequent breaks. Keep crate time short for young puppies and consult your veterinarian or a certified trainer for a schedule suited to your dog.

My dog cries when I close the door. What should I do?

Go back to shorter sessions and reward calm behavior. Avoid letting the dog out while crying, since that can reinforce the behavior. If distress is intense or persistent, consult a veterinarian or a certified professional trainer, because anxiety can have medical or behavioral causes.

Should I cover the crate at night?

Some dogs settle better with a partial cover that reduces visual stimulation. Leave enough airflow on at least two sides and never fully block ventilation.

Can a crate replace supervision?

No. A crate is a safe resting space, but it does not replace supervision, exercise or training. Always check that your dog is comfortable and that the crate is in good repair.

How do I clean a Midwest iCrate?

Remove the tray and bedding, wash the tray with pet-safe cleaner, and wipe the wire panels. Dry everything fully before reassembling so moisture does not sit in the frame.

Conclusion

A Midwest iCrate can be a practical, long-lasting home for your dog when you choose the right size, set it up thoughtfully and introduce it gradually. Focus on comfort, proper sizing and a daily routine that supports good habits. With those basics in place, the crate becomes a reliable, calm space your dog can call its own.

About Audrey Hayes

Audrey Hayes is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our dogs & puppies guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.