Midwest Homes Dog Crate: How to Choose the Right Size and Model

By Audrey Hayes

Updated November 2026

A midwest homes dog crate is a folding wire crate that many owners use for everyday home confinement, potty training and short trips. In this guide you will learn how to measure your dog, match the crate size to your dog’s age and adult weight, check the features that matter for safety and comfort, and set the crate up so your dog actually wants to use it.

What Is a Midwest Homes Dog Crate?

Midwest Homes for Pets is a long-running pet products brand best known for its wire dog crates with a metal tray pan and a divider panel. Its crates are sold in a range of sizes, typically from small to extra large, and many models use a double-door design so you can access the crate from the front or the side. Owners often describe the wire construction as easy to see through and simple to clean, which makes these crates a common choice for indoor use.

Shopping for one? See our guide: 7 Best Pet Crate Large Dog Options for Home and Travel (2026).

Because the product line includes several sizes and configurations, the most important decision is not the brand name but the fit. Before you order, you need to know your dog’s current size and the size it will reach as an adult.

Step 1: Measure Your Dog Before You Buy

Crate sizing is where most people go wrong. A crate that is too large lets a puppy use one corner as a bathroom, which slows potty training. A crate that is too small is uncomfortable and can make your dog feel cramped. Manufacturers generally specify crate dimensions in length, width and height, so take three measurements of your dog:

• Length: from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail, not including the tail.
• Height: from the floor to the top of the head or ears while the dog is standing normally, then add 2 to 4 inches.
• Width: measure across the widest part of the body, usually the shoulders or hips, and add a few inches.

Your dog should be able to stand up, turn around and lie down stretched out. If you have a puppy, you can use the adult size of the breed as your guide, or buy a crate with a divider panel so you can block off the extra room while the puppy grows.

Use the Adult Weight, Not the Puppy Weight

Many owners buy a crate sized for a 10-pound puppy and then need a second crate in a few months. Look up the expected adult weight for your breed or mix, and choose a crate that fits the adult dog. A divider panel is the simplest way to bridge the gap for the first year.

Step 2: Match the Crate Size to Your Dog

Use this table as a starting point. Always confirm the exact dimensions printed on the product page, because sizes vary between models and the numbers below are general ranges rather than specifications for any single crate.

If your dog falls between two sizes, choose the larger crate and use the divider to limit space. For more detail on sizing rules, see Sizing a Crate for an Adult Dog and Large Size Dog Crate Dimensions: How to Measure and Choose the Right Fit.

Step 3: Check the Features That Affect Safety and Comfort

Once the size is right, look at the construction. Wire crates vary in gauge, latch design and tray quality, and these details affect how secure and easy to live with the crate will be.

1. Latch type: Look for latches that a dog cannot easily nudge open. Two-point latches are generally more secure than a single slide bolt.
2. Wire spacing: Narrow spacing keeps small puppies from poking heads or paws through the bars and reduces the chance of a slip-out.
3. Removable tray: A pull-out pan makes cleaning faster and lets you line the bottom with a washable pad.
4. Divider panel: A divider lets you adjust the usable space as your puppy grows.
5. Door placement: Double doors give more flexibility for placing the crate in a corner or against a wall.
6. Frame stability: Give the frame a firm push. A crate that rocks or flexes at the joints may loosen over time.

For a broader look at wire construction and where it works best, read Wire Dog Crates: Home Use and Limits.

Step 4: Set Up the Crate for Your Home

Placement determines whether your dog sees the crate as a den or as an isolated box. Put the crate in a room where the family spends time, such as a kitchen corner or a living room wall, rather than in a far-off laundry room. Dogs are social, and most do better when they can still see and hear people.

Setup Checklist

• Place the crate away from heaters, windows that get direct sun, and drafty doors.
• Use a flat, washable crate pad or a firm bed sized to the floor of the tray.
• Add a chew-safe toy and a water bowl that attaches to the wire or sits on a stable tray.
• Cover part of the crate with a breathable cloth if your dog prefers a more enclosed feel. Leave the front and at least one side open for airflow.
• Set the divider to the smallest workable space for puppies.
• Check the latches daily for wear, loose wire or bent corners.

For ideas on making the space feel safe and inviting, see Making a Dog Crate Comfortable and Safe.

Introduce the Crate Gradually

Start with the door open and a few treats or a meal inside. Let your dog walk in and out freely for several sessions. Then close the door for a few seconds while you stay nearby, and slowly increase the time. Most puppies need several days to a few weeks before they settle in comfortably, and adult dogs may take longer if they have a negative history with confinement. Never use the crate as punishment.

Step 5: Use the Crate on a Daily Schedule

A consistent routine helps a dog learn that the crate is a normal part of the day. Plan crate time around feeding, exercise and potty breaks. A puppy generally needs to go out soon after waking, after eating and after play. For guidance on structuring the day, see Schedule for Crate Training: 8 Best Dog Crates for a Daily Routine (2026) and Potty Training Dog Crate: A Step-by-Step Guide for New Puppy Owners.

A common general guideline is that a puppy can hold its bladder for roughly one hour per month of age, plus one. This is only a rough rule. Young puppies, small breeds and dogs with health conditions often need more frequent breaks. If you notice accidents, excessive thirst, straining or other changes, contact your veterinarian.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Buying one crate for the whole life of the dog. Puppies outgrow crates quickly, so plan for a size change or use a divider.
• Leaving a large empty space. Extra room makes potty training harder for many puppies.
• Using the crate for hours on end. Adult dogs still need regular breaks, exercise and social time.
• Ignoring wear on latches and wire. Check hardware regularly, especially with dogs that chew or push against the door.
• Placing the crate in a hot or isolated room. Heat and isolation both increase stress and can be unsafe.
• Forcing the dog inside. Build positive associations with food, toys and calm praise.

Tips for Success

• Keep the crate in the same spot so your dog learns where its space is.
• Use a consistent release word, such as “okay” or “break,” so your dog knows when it can come out.
• Take photos or notes of your dog’s measurements before shopping to avoid mistakes.
• Reassess the fit every few months during puppyhood.
• If your dog shows strong distress, such as persistent barking, drooling or self-injury, consult a veterinarian or a certified professional dog trainer before continuing.

Recommended Gear

These items support the setup described above. Choose sizes and features that match your dog’s measurements.

• A washable crate pad: A flat, removable pad protects the tray and is easy to clean after accidents. View on Amazon
• A divider panel for wire crates: Useful for growing puppies, because it lets you adjust the usable space as your dog grows. View on Amazon
• A crate-mounted water bowl: Keeps water accessible without tipping and reduces spills on the tray. View on Amazon
• A crate cover: A breathable cloth cover can reduce visual stimulation for dogs that get anxious, while still leaving airflow. View on Amazon

FAQ

Is a midwest homes dog crate suitable for puppies?

Yes, when you choose the right size. Use the divider panel to limit space for a young puppy, and expand the area as the puppy grows.

How do I know if the crate is too small?

If your dog cannot stand up fully, turn around or lie down with its legs stretched, the crate is too small. Measure your dog and compare the numbers to the product dimensions.

Can I use a wire crate outdoors?

Wire crates are generally designed for indoor use. Outdoor placement exposes metal to rain and temperature changes and can be unsafe. Ask a veterinarian or the manufacturer about outdoor use before trying it.

How long can my dog stay in the crate?

Puppies need frequent potty breaks and cannot hold their bladder for long. Adult dogs should not be crated for most of the day. Plan regular breaks, exercise and interaction.

Should I cover the crate at night?

Some dogs settle better with a partial cover, while others prefer an open view. Try both and watch your dog’s behavior. Always leave enough airflow.

How do I clean a wire crate?

Remove the tray and pad, wash them with a pet-safe cleaner, and rinse thoroughly. Wipe the wire frame and let everything dry completely before reassembling.

What if my dog tries to escape?

Check the latches and wire for damage, and make sure the door closes fully. Escape attempts can also signal stress or boredom, so review the daily schedule and consult a professional trainer or veterinarian if the behavior continues.

Is crate training the same as confinement?

No. Crate training teaches a dog to see the crate as a calm, safe space and is done gradually, with positive experiences. For background on the purpose of crate training, see Why Is Crate Training Important for Dogs? Benefits and How-To.

Conclusion

A midwest homes dog crate can serve your dog well when the size and features fit its body and routine. Measure your dog, plan for its adult size, check the latches and wire, and set up the crate in a comfortable spot. With a gradual introduction and a steady daily schedule, the crate can become a reliable, calm space for rest and training. For health or behavior concerns, consult your veterinarian or a qualified trainer.

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.