Dog crate guides, training plans, and buying advice
Deeply researched articles on crate training, sizing, and choosing the right crate for your dog. Written by dog owners, reviewed against veterinary and industry guidelines, and updated as we learn more.
Training
The Ultimate Guide to Crate Training a New Puppy
A week-by-week crate training plan for new puppies — from the first night home through fully quiet, unsupervised naps. Covers sizing, duration limits, and how to fix common setbacks.
12 min readHow Long Can a Dog Stay in a Crate? Age-by-Age Time Limits
Safe crate duration by age, from 8-week puppies to seniors. Includes overnight vs. daytime rules, workday guidance, and when crating becomes welfare-inappropriate.
7 min readCrate Training an Adult Dog or Rescue
How to crate train a dog who's never used one — or one with a bad crate history. A 3-week plan for adults, rescues, and dogs with existing crate fear.
9 min read10 Crate Training Mistakes That Backfire
The specific mistakes that create crate anxiety, house-training regressions, and dogs who refuse the crate — and how to fix each one.
8 min readWhen to Stop Crating Your Dog (Or Whether to Stop at All)
Some dogs graduate out of the crate; some choose to sleep in it forever. Here's how to know when your dog is ready for uncrated freedom — and when they aren't.
6 min read
Fit & Comfort
How to Tell if Your Dog's Crate is Too Small (Signs of Discomfort)
Nine specific signs your dog's crate is too small — from posture and pressure sores to subtle behavior changes. Includes a self-check you can do in 60 seconds.
8 min readHow to Measure Your Dog for a Crate (The Right Way)
Exactly how to take the two measurements that determine crate fit — body length and standing height — with tips for wiggly dogs, puppies, and long-tailed breeds.
6 min readCrate Ventilation for Brachycephalic Dogs (French Bulldogs, Pugs, Bulldogs)
Flat-faced breeds have specific crate ventilation and temperature needs. Here's what to look for, what to avoid, and how to spot early signs of heat stress in the crate.
8 min read
Buying Guide
Wire vs. Plastic vs. Soft-Sided Crates: Which Size Metric Matters Most?
The three crate types have different interior geometries, ventilation, and safe use cases. Here's how sizing changes between them — and which metric actually determines fit.
10 min readCrate vs. Playpen vs. Baby-Gated Room: Which to Use When
The three main options for confining a dog do different jobs. Here's a decision guide for when to reach for a crate, a playpen, or a gated room — and how to combine them.
6 min readCrate Bedding and Chews: What's Safe (and What Isn't)
Not every bed and chew belongs in a crate. Here's a safety-first guide to what goes in with your dog when you can't watch them.
6 min read
Puppies
Crate Training Schedule for an 8-Week-Old Puppy
A detailed day-and-night schedule for the first two weeks with an 8-week-old puppy. Includes feeding times, potty windows, crate sessions, and sleep windows.
9 min readCrate Training a Large-Breed Puppy (Lab, Golden, Shepherd)
Large-breed puppies have specific crate considerations — joint development, giant adult sizing, and higher energy. Here's what to do differently.
7 min read
Behavior
Travel
Coming soon
Planning a Trip with Your Dog?
Get our free Dog Travel Guide & Checklist — airline-approved crate specs, a pre-trip packing list, and hotel crating tips — delivered the day it drops.
Travelling with your pet soon? Get your personalized travel plan at mypawpassport.com.