By Caleb MorganUpdated November 2026
Choosing the best crate for puppy training comes down to a few practical questions: how big your puppy is now and how big they will get, whether you need a divider to adjust the space as they grow, how easy the crate is to set up and clean, and whether the design suits the rooms where you plan to use it. The six options below were compared on specifications, brand reputation and the patterns owners tend to mention in their feedback, with a focus on small and medium puppies and the features that help during house training and crate introduction.
Our top picks at a glance
- 1
TOP CHOICEBest overallMidwest 24-Inch Single Door iCrate Folding Dog Crate with DividerView on Amazon - 2
TOP CHOICEBest for dual-door accessDONORO Dog Crates for Small Medium Size Dogs Indoor Double Door KennelsView on Amazon - 3
TOP CHOICEBest budget pickAmazon Basics Portable Foldable Metal Wire Small Dog CrateView on Amazon - 4
Best for growing puppiesDUMOS 36 Inch Double Door Metal Wire Dog Crate, Puppy Foldable KennelView on Amazon - 5
Best for small kitchens and living rooms24 Inch Small Dog Crate Furniture with Wooden Top and Thickened Metal WireView on Amazon - 6
Best accessory for crate setupThick Super Absorbent Leak-Proof Non-Slip Puppy PadsView on Amazon
Our Top Picks
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| Midwest 24-Inch Single Door iCrate Folding Dog Crate | Small breeds and young puppies | Divider panel and leak-proof tray |
| DONORO Dog Crates Indoor Double Door Collapsible Kennel | Flexible access in two directions | Double door design |
| Amazon Basics Portable Foldable Metal Wire Small Dog Crate | Budget-minded buyers | Removable tray and divider |
| DUMOS 36 Inch Double Door Metal Wire Dog Crate | Puppies who will grow into medium size | 36-inch length with plastic pan |
| 24 Inch Small Dog Crate Furniture with Wooden Top | Living spaces where the crate doubles as furniture | Wooden top and all-season indoor use |
| Thick Super Absorbent Leak-Proof Puppy Pads | Lining the crate during potty training | Leak-proof, non-slip, washable pads |
Midwest 24-Inch Single Door iCrate Folding Dog Crate with Divider
Folding Dog Crate with Divider Panel, Leak-Proof Tray & Secure Latch, Portable, Durable & Easy to Assemble Midwest 24-Inch Single Door iCrate, for Small Breeds, 12-20 lbs
Best for: Small breeds and puppies in the early months of crate training
This crate suits owners of small puppies who want a compact, well-known design with a divider panel. The divider lets you shrink the interior while your puppy is young, which helps with house training because a smaller space is easier for many puppies to keep clean.
Key specs
- 24-inch length, single door
- Includes divider panel
- Leak-proof tray
- Folding, portable construction
Pros
- Divider panel supports gradual size increases
- Leak-proof tray is easy to slide out and clean
- Folds flat for storage or travel
Cons
- Single door limits access options
- May be too small once a puppy passes the small-breed range
Bottom line: A strong first crate for a small puppy who will stay in the small-breed size range. Owners of larger breeds should look at a bigger model.
DONORO Dog Crates for Small Medium Size Dogs Indoor Double Door Kennels
DONORO Dog Crates for Small Medium Size Dogs Indoor Double Door Dog Kennels & Houses for Puppy and Cats, Collapsible Metal Contour Dog Cages (Brown, 30.0" L x 19.0" W x 21.0" H)
Best for: Flexible access in two directions
Owners who want to load and unload a puppy from either side, or who need to position the crate in a corner, often look for a double-door model. This brown collapsible metal crate is listed at 30 inches long, 19 inches wide and 21 inches high.
Key specs
- Listed dimensions: 30.0″ L x 19.0″ W x 21.0″ H
- Double door design
- Collapsible metal frame
Pros
- Two doors make placement and access easier
- Collapsible for storage
- Generous length for a small-to-medium puppy
Cons
- Height of 21 inches may feel tight for taller breeds
- Lightweight frames can shift if a puppy pushes hard against the door
Bottom line: Good for owners who need two access points. Check that the height suits your puppy’s adult size before buying.
Amazon Basics Portable Foldable Metal Wire Small Dog Crate
Amazon Basics Portable, Foldable Metal Wire Small Dog Crate with Removable Tray, Divider Panel, Single Door, Easy to Assemble, 24" x 18" x 20", Black
Best for: Budget-minded buyers who want a basic, no-frills crate
This black wire crate is a practical choice for owners who want a simple structure with the essentials: a removable tray, a divider and a single door. It is a common starting point for first-time puppy owners.
Key specs
- 24″ x 18″ x 20″ (listing dimensions)
- Removable tray
- Divider panel
- Single door, foldable
Pros
- Simple, easy assembly
- Removable tray simplifies cleaning
- Divider helps with sizing during training
Cons
- Wire gauge is lighter than premium crates, so chewing-prone puppies may bend bars
- Single door only
Bottom line: A sensible budget pick for a small puppy who is not a serious chewer. Pair it with a sturdy chew-proof routine.
DUMOS 36 Inch Double Door Metal Wire Dog Crate, Puppy Foldable Kennel
Double Door Metal Wire, Plastic Leak-Proof Pan Tray, Portable Indoor Outdoor Training Travel DUMOS 36 Inch Dog Crate, Puppy Small Medium Foldable Dog Cage Pet Kennel
Best for: Puppies who will grow into a medium-sized adult
A 36-inch crate gives a growing puppy room to stand, turn and stretch. This model adds a plastic leak-proof pan and two doors, making it suited to indoor use, outdoor use and travel.
Key specs
- 36-inch length
- Double door
- Plastic leak-proof pan tray
- Foldable metal wire construction
Pros
- Room to grow into an adult medium breed
- Double doors add placement flexibility
- Plastic pan is easy to rinse
Cons
- Too large for a young small puppy unless a divider is used
- Takes up more floor space than compact crates
Bottom line: Best for owners who want one crate to last from puppyhood to adulthood. Use a divider or a smaller crate in the first weeks.
24 Inch Small Dog Crate Furniture with Wooden Top and Thickened Metal Wire
24 Inch Small Dog Crate Furniture – All-Season Indoor Dog Kennel with Wooden Top & Thickened Metal Wire, Cage for Small Dogs & Puppies Under 20 lbs. Fits Living Room, Bedroom, Hallway.
Best for: Living rooms, bedrooms and hallways where the crate needs to blend in
Owners who want a crate that doubles as an end table or side table often choose a furniture-style model. This 24-inch crate is designed for puppies and small dogs under 20 pounds, with a wooden top and thickened wire.
Key specs
- 24-inch size
- Wooden top
- Thickened metal wire frame
- Rated for dogs under 20 pounds per listing
Pros
- Looks like furniture, which suits shared rooms
- Sturdy wire for a small dog
- Works as an all-season indoor kennel
Cons
- Weight limit rules it out for larger puppies
- Wooden top can be scratched by a determined chewer
Bottom line: A good choice for a small puppy in a living space where appearance matters. Not suited to puppies expected to exceed 20 pounds.
Thick Super Absorbent Leak-Proof Non-Slip Puppy Pads
Thick Super Absorbent, Leak-Proof & Non-Slip, Waterproof Dog Pads for Puppy Playpen, Crate, Whelping Box, Potty Training Grey Washable Pee Pads for Dogs, Reusable Puppy Pads for Dog Playpen 2PC
Best for: Lining the crate or playpen during potty training
A crate is only part of the setup. Washable, leak-proof pads help protect the floor and make accidents easier to manage. Pads are an accessory rather than a crate, so use them alongside one of the crates above.
Key specs
- Leak-proof and waterproof backing
- Non-slip base
- Reusable and washable
- Sold as 2-piece set
Pros
- Protects crate trays and floors
- Non-slip base keeps pads in place
- Reusable, which reduces waste
Cons
- Puppies may chew or shred pads
- Needs regular washing to stay effective
Bottom line: A useful add-on for house training, not a standalone solution. Remove pads that show chewing damage.
Buying Guide
Crate Size and Growth Room
A puppy should be able to stand up, turn around and lie down stretched out. Measure your puppy’s length from nose to base of tail and add a few inches for the sleeping area. If your puppy will grow, a divider lets you shrink the crate now and expand it later.
Good picks for this: Midwest 24-Inch Single Door iCrate; DUMOS 36 Inch Double Door Metal Wire Dog Crate
Door Design and Access
Single-door crates are simple and sturdy. Double-door crates let you load from a second side, which helps when a crate sits against a wall. Choose the layout that matches your room and your puppy’s habits.
Good picks for this: DONORO Dog Crates Indoor Double Door Collapsible Kennel; DUMOS 36 Inch Double Door Metal Wire Dog Crate
Divider Panels
A divider lets you limit the space so the puppy cannot toilet in one corner and sleep in another. Many owners remove the divider once the puppy is reliably house trained and grows into the full space.
Good picks for this: Midwest 24-Inch Single Door iCrate; Amazon Basics Portable Foldable Metal Wire Small Dog Crate
Wire Thickness and Chewing Risk
Thicker wire holds up better against chewing and pushing. Lighter gauge wire is common in budget models and may be fine for calm puppies. Inspect the crate regularly for bent bars or sharp edges, and stop using any crate that is damaged.
Good picks for this: 24 Inch Small Dog Crate Furniture with Wooden Top; Amazon Basics Portable Foldable Metal Wire Small Dog Crate
Portability and Storage
Folding crates are easy to store and take on trips. Check the folded dimensions and weight if you will move the crate often. A crate that stays in one place can be heavier and more stable.
Good picks for this: Midwest 24-Inch Single Door iCrate; Amazon Basics Portable Foldable Metal Wire Small Dog Crate We also found 7 Best Crate Training Doberman Puppy Picks for New Owners (2026) useful on this point.
Cleaning and Tray Design
A removable, leak-proof tray makes cleaning faster during house training. Look for trays that slide out easily and rinse clean. Pair the tray with washable pads for an extra layer of protection.
Good picks for this: DUMOS 36 Inch Double Door Metal Wire Dog Crate; Thick Super Absorbent Leak-Proof Puppy Pads
Placement and Furniture Fit
If the crate sits in a shared space, consider how it looks and whether it blocks walkways or heating vents. A furniture-style crate can be a good option for living areas.
Good picks for this: 24 Inch Small Dog Crate Furniture with Wooden Top; DONORO Dog Crates Indoor Double Door Collapsible Kennel
FAQ
What size crate is best for a puppy?
Choose a crate where your puppy can stand, turn and lie down comfortably. Use a divider to reduce the space while the puppy is small and house training. Puppies that will grow large may need a bigger crate later.
Should I use a divider in a puppy crate?
A divider is helpful in the early months because it keeps the sleeping area small and makes accidents less likely. Expand the space gradually as your puppy grows and proves reliable.
Is a wire crate or a plastic crate better for puppies?
Wire crates offer airflow and visibility, while plastic crates feel more den-like. Both can work. Wire crates are common for training because they let the puppy see the room. Choose based on your puppy’s temperament and your home setup.
Can I put pads in a puppy crate?
Pads can help protect the tray and floor during house training. Remove pads that are chewed or soiled beyond cleaning, and avoid relying on them as a substitute for regular potty breaks.
How long can a puppy stay in a crate?
Puppies need frequent potty breaks, and the general rule is that very young puppies cannot hold their bladder for long. Consult your veterinarian or a qualified trainer for an age-appropriate schedule, since needs vary by breed and individual puppy.
Should a puppy crate be placed in the bedroom?
Many owners keep the crate in the bedroom at first so they can hear the puppy at night. Move it to a quieter place gradually once the puppy settles.
Conclusion
For most small puppies, the Midwest 24-Inch Single Door iCrate is a practical choice thanks to its divider and leak-proof tray. Owners who need two access points should look at the DONORO double-door model, while those planning for a larger adult should consider the 36-inch DUMOS crate. Budget buyers will find the Amazon Basics crate a reasonable starting point, and the wooden-top furniture crate suits small puppies in shared living spaces. Pair any of these with washable pads for smoother house training. If you have concerns about your puppy’s health or growth, consult your veterinarian before choosing a size.
Sources
- Breed size guides and general puppy care and crate guidance (akc.org)
- Product safety information for pet products, including recall notices and safety standards (cpsc.gov)
- Veterinary guidance on puppy health, behavior and housing (avma.org)
Related reading
- What Age to Start Crate Training a Puppy: Expert Guide and Top Picks
- How to Start Crate Training: 8 Best Crate Training Products for Puppies (2026)
- 9 Best Diggs Groov Crate Training Aid Options for Puppies in 2026
- 8 Best Crate Training Tips: 8 Expert Picks for Every Puppy (2026)
- 7 Best Dog Crates for Puppy Picks for Crate Training (2026)
About Caleb Morgan
Caleb Morgan is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our dogs & puppies guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.
