Bringing home a new puppy is exciting, but those first few days can also get a little chaotic. There is a new feeding schedule to figure out, potty breaks seem to happen constantly, everyone in the family wants to hold the puppy, and somehow you still need to convince a little dog that nighttime is actually for sleeping.
After raising puppies and helping families prepare to bring their new puppy home, one thing we believe is worth having ready ahead of time is a properly sized dog crate.
A crate gives a puppy a consistent place to sleep, settle down, and relax when the rest of the house feels like a lot to take in. It can also become an important part of potty training and establishing a daily routine, especially during those first few weeks at home.
If you are still gathering everything before your puppy arrives, our new puppy checklist is a good place to start. A crate is one of those supplies we would rather see a family have set up before the puppy comes home instead of trying to figure it out after the first sleepless night.
The Dog Crate We Recommend Looking At for a New Puppy
For families wanting a simple wire crate that can work during puppyhood and continue being useful as their dog grows, we like the design of the MidWest Homes for Pets iCrate available on Amazon.
The model we are looking at here is the 30-inch single-door iCrate designed for dogs in roughly the 21-to-40-pound range. It includes several features we think make sense for new puppy owners, including a divider panel, removable leak-resistant tray, folding design, carrying handle, and secure door latch.
One important note before ordering: do not choose a crate based only on the breed name or assume every puppy needs the 30-inch size. Adult size can vary quite a bit, even among dogs of the same general breed or mix. Your puppy should eventually be able to stand normally, turn around comfortably, and lie down without being cramped.
The reason we especially like the idea of a crate with a divider is that you do not necessarily have to give a small puppy access to the entire adult-sized crate on day one.
Why a Divider Panel Matters More Than You Might Think
This is one feature I would specifically look for when buying a crate for a growing puppy.
It is tempting to think that a huge crate would be better. More room sounds more comfortable, right?
For crate training and potty training, though, too much unused space can sometimes work against you. A puppy may decide one end is the sleeping area while the far end makes a perfectly acceptable bathroom.
A divider lets you reduce the usable space while your puppy is small and gradually move the divider as the puppy grows. You are not buying a tiny crate that may quickly become useless, but you also are not giving an eight- or ten-week-old puppy a giant open area.
The goal is not to squeeze a puppy into the smallest possible space. The puppy still needs enough room to stand, turn around, change positions, stretch out reasonably, and sleep comfortably.
Think of the divider as a way to make the crate fit the puppy right now while still having room to adjust later.
Why We Like a Simple Wire Crate for Many New Puppy Owners
There are all kinds of dog crates available now. You can find plastic travel kennels, soft-sided crates, furniture-style wooden crates, heavy-duty escape-resistant kennels, and even crates designed to look like end tables.
For a typical family bringing home a new puppy, though, a basic folding wire crate is often hard to beat.
You can see the puppy easily. The puppy can see what is happening around the room. Airflow is good. A crate cover can be added if the puppy settles better with less visual stimulation, and the crate can usually be folded when it needs to be moved or stored.
The removable bottom tray is another practical feature that may not seem important until the first accident happens at 2:00 in the morning.
Puppies have accidents. Water gets spilled. Sometimes a puppy gets sick. Having a tray that can be removed and cleaned is much easier than dealing with a crate design that has difficult corners or absorbent materials built into it.
Is a 30-Inch Crate the Right Size for Your Puppy?
This is where we want families to slow down before clicking the order button.
The 30-inch MidWest iCrate linked in this guide is marketed for medium dogs around 21 to 40 pounds, but weight alone should not be the only thing you consider.
Look at your puppy's expected adult size and body proportions. A longer-legged dog and a compact dog of similar weight may not fit exactly the same way.
This matters on our website in particular because we work with breeds and mixes that can vary in adult size. Cavapoos, Cockapoos, Maltipoos, Poodles, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels do not all grow to one universal height and weight.
If you are considering one of our puppies and are unsure what adult size to expect, it is always better to ask rather than guess based on a generic chart online.
A properly sized adult crate should allow your dog to:
- Stand naturally without having to crouch.
- Turn around comfortably.
- Lie down in a normal sleeping position.
- Change positions without being cramped.
At the same time, you usually do not need enough open floor space for a puppy to create separate sleeping, playing, and bathroom areas inside the crate.
That balance is exactly why an adjustable divider can be so useful.
Crate Training Is About More Than Buying a Crate
One mistake new puppy owners sometimes make is thinking the crate itself will automatically solve nighttime crying, potty accidents, chewing, and every other puppy problem.
It will not.
The crate is a tool. Your puppy still has to learn what that space means.
We want a puppy to gradually associate the crate with calm time, rest, safety, and routine. We do not want the puppy learning that the crate only appears when everyone is angry or when the puppy has done something wrong.
If this is your first puppy, our guide to training a puppy as a first-time owner goes deeper into building good habits early instead of waiting for frustrating behaviors to become established.
When you first introduce the crate, keep the experience as positive and low-pressure as possible. Let your puppy investigate it. Depending on the puppy, you might place a few treats inside, feed near or inside the crate, or allow the puppy to rest there with the door open.
Some puppies adjust surprisingly quickly.
Others need more time.
That does not automatically mean crate training is failing. Your puppy has just left everything familiar and is learning an entirely new home, new people, new smells, and a new routine.
If you want to have the crate ready before pickup day, you can check the current MidWest iCrate details and price on Amazon here. Just make sure the 30-inch size is appropriate for your particular puppy before ordering.
Where Should You Put Your Puppy's Crate?
Where you put the crate can make a bigger difference than many new puppy owners expect.
During the first few nights, we generally would not put a brand-new puppy in a crate on the opposite side of the house where they suddenly feel completely alone.
Remember what your puppy has just experienced. One day they are sleeping near littermates and surrounded by familiar sounds and smells. Then they leave that environment, travel to a completely different home, meet new people, and suddenly everything they know has changed.
That is a lot for a young puppy to process.
Many families find it easier to start with the crate in or near the bedroom at night. This lets the puppy know someone is nearby and also makes it much easier for you to hear when the puppy wakes up and genuinely needs to go outside.
During the day, it can help to have the crate somewhere the puppy can still feel like part of normal family life without being right in the middle of constant activity.
A quiet corner of a living room or family area often makes more sense than an isolated basement, garage, or room where nobody spends time.
As your puppy becomes comfortable and develops a routine, you can decide whether you want the crate to remain there permanently or gradually move it somewhere else.
We also have a guide on helping a dog adjust to a new home that is worth reading before pickup day. The crate is only one part of that transition. Keeping those first days reasonably calm and predictable can make the adjustment easier for everyone.
What Should You Put Inside a Puppy Crate?
This is another question where there is not one perfect answer for every puppy.
A lot of us naturally want to make the crate as comfortable as possible. We picture a fluffy bed, thick blanket, several toys, and maybe enough pillows to make it look like a tiny puppy bedroom.
Sometimes simpler is better, especially at first.
If your puppy is already doing well with potty training and does not chew bedding, a properly sized washable crate mat or simple bed may make the crate more comfortable.
If your puppy is having frequent accidents, shredding blankets, or trying to eat pieces of bedding, you may need to adjust what you put inside.
Anything left with an unsupervised puppy should be chosen carefully. Puppies explore with their mouths. A cute blanket is not very helpful if the puppy spends the night tearing pieces off and swallowing them.
Keep the Crate Setup Simple
For many puppies, the basic setup does not need to be complicated. You need a properly sized crate, an appropriate sleeping surface if your puppy can safely have one, and a location where the puppy can settle.
We would also be careful about leaving collars or harnesses on an unsupervised puppy inside a wire crate. Tags, buckles, and other parts can potentially catch on crate wires or other objects.
Before leaving any puppy unattended, look at the setup from the puppy's perspective. If there is something they can chew, pull through the bars, knock over, become tangled in, or get caught on, fix it before it becomes a problem.
Should You Cover a Puppy Crate?
Some puppies settle better when part of the crate is covered because there is less going on around them. Other puppies seem more comfortable when they can see the room.
You can experiment and see what helps your puppy relax.
If you use a crate cover or blanket, make sure there is plenty of ventilation and that your puppy cannot easily pull loose fabric through the wire and chew it.
We would not completely wrap a crate in heavy blankets and restrict airflow just to make it dark.
The nice thing about a wire crate is that you have flexibility. You can leave it completely open or safely cover part of it depending on what seems to help your puppy settle.
What to Expect the First Night With a Puppy in a Crate
The first night is often the part new puppy owners worry about most.
Will the puppy cry?
Maybe.
Some puppies settle down relatively quickly. Others may whine, bark, or cry because they are confused about where everyone went.
It is important to remember that a very young puppy may also wake because they genuinely need to go outside.
That is why we do not like the idea of treating every sound from the crate as something that must automatically be ignored.
At the same time, you do not necessarily want to teach a puppy that every little whine immediately results in playtime, attention, and being released to run around the house.
Learning the difference takes a little patience.
If it has been a reasonable amount of time since the puppy last went outside, take them calmly to their potty area. Keep the trip boring and focused. Give them a chance to go, quietly praise them when they do, and then return to the nighttime routine.
Turning every 2:00 a.m. potty break into twenty minutes of play can accidentally teach a puppy that waking everyone up in the middle of the night is a lot of fun.
Do Not Expect a Young Puppy to Hold It All Night Immediately
This is one of the biggest expectations we would encourage new puppy owners to keep realistic.
A young puppy does not have the bladder control of an adult dog.
Even with a perfectly sized crate, accidents can happen.
That does not automatically mean the puppy is stubborn, lazy, or impossible to potty train.
The puppy may simply have been expected to wait longer than they physically could.
Age, size, activity, water intake, feeding schedule, individual development, and health can all affect how often a puppy needs to eliminate. Generic rules such as "a puppy can hold it exactly one hour for every month of age" can be useful as rough planning ideas, but they should not be treated like a guarantee for every puppy.
Watch the puppy in front of you.
If accidents repeatedly happen before your planned potty break, adjust the schedule rather than continuing to expect the puppy to meet a schedule they are clearly not ready for.
The Removable Tray Is More Useful Than It Sounds
This is one of those crate features nobody gets excited about when shopping, but you appreciate it when you actually need it.
The MidWest iCrate we recommend considering for a new puppy includes a removable leak-resistant pan underneath the crate.
If your puppy has an accident, spills something, or gets sick, being able to remove the tray makes cleanup much easier.
Cleanliness matters during crate training because you do not want old urine odors encouraging a puppy to repeatedly use the same area as a bathroom.
If an accident does happen, clean it thoroughly and move on. Getting angry after the fact does not teach a young puppy what you wanted them to do instead.
How Long Can You Leave a Puppy in a Crate?
A crate should not become a place where a puppy spends most of the day simply because it is convenient.
Puppies need potty breaks, meals, water, exercise, play, social interaction, training, and plenty of opportunities to explore their environment safely.
How long an individual puppy can comfortably remain crated depends heavily on age and the situation. A young puppy will generally need much more frequent breaks than an adult dog.
Nighttime is also different from daytime. A sleeping puppy may naturally go longer between potty breaks than a puppy who has been awake, drinking water, eating, running around, and playing.
Instead of trying to reach the maximum possible amount of crate time, we prefer thinking about how the crate fits into the puppy's overall routine.
A puppy might wake up, go outside, eat breakfast, go outside again, play, have a short training session, and then settle into the crate for a nap.
That is very different from putting a puppy into a crate first thing in the morning and expecting them to remain there through most of the day.
Never Use the Crate as Your Main Form of Punishment
If every trip to the crate happens immediately after your puppy gets in trouble, the puppy may quickly learn that the crate means something bad is happening.
That works against what we are trying to accomplish.
We want the crate to become a normal part of everyday life.
Your puppy can nap there. Sleep there at night. Relax there while the house is busy. Spend short periods there while you cannot directly supervise them.
There may certainly be times when an overly tired puppy needs a calm break, but that is different from angrily grabbing the puppy and throwing them into the crate as punishment.
Many frustrating puppy behaviors are also easier to prevent with a good routine than they are to correct after they happen.
Our article about common mistakes new dog owners make covers more of the situations families sometimes run into while everyone is learning how to live together.
Crate Training Can Help With Potty Training, but It Is Not Magic
Dogs generally prefer not to soil the area where they sleep, which is one reason a properly sized crate can be useful during house training.
But simply owning a crate does not potty train a puppy.
You still need to take the puppy outside frequently, watch for signals, establish a routine, reward the behavior you want, and supervise closely when the puppy has freedom in the house.
A crate is especially helpful during those moments when you cannot give the puppy your full attention.
If you are cooking supper, helping kids get ready, taking a shower, or dealing with something else that prevents direct supervision, a safe crate can prevent the puppy from wandering into another room and having an accident without anyone noticing.
Then, when the puppy comes out of the crate, taking them directly outside creates another opportunity to build the right habit.
One Crate Training Mistake We Would Avoid
Do not give a puppy complete freedom throughout the entire house too quickly.
This can make both potty training and general puppy training much harder.
A young puppy does not understand that the whole house is now their living space. To them, the bedroom down the hall may feel completely separate from the room where they normally sleep and play.
Supervised freedom can gradually increase as the puppy becomes more reliable.
Crates, puppy playpens, baby gates, closed doors, and direct supervision can all help you manage the puppy's environment while good habits are developing.
This is not about keeping a puppy confined constantly. It is about giving them an appropriate amount of freedom for the stage of training they are currently in.
What If Your Puppy Hates the Crate?
If your puppy becomes upset every time the crate door closes, do not immediately assume they will never be crate trained.
First, look at how the crate is being used.
Is the puppy only put inside when everyone leaves?
Are crate sessions too long?
Is the puppy getting enough exercise, potty breaks, and interaction beforehand?
Is the crate in an isolated location?
Is the puppy overtired?
Could the puppy need to go outside?
Did crate training move too quickly?
Sometimes backing up and practicing very short, positive crate sessions can help. Let the puppy enter voluntarily, reward calm behavior, and gradually build duration rather than expecting a brand-new puppy to immediately be comfortable alone for hours.
Severe panic is different from ordinary puppy protesting. If a puppy is persistently trying to injure themselves escaping, showing extreme distress, or having a sudden behavior change, talk with your veterinarian or a qualified dog behavior professional rather than simply forcing longer crate sessions.
A Crate Should Eventually Feel Normal
One of the best outcomes of good crate training is when the crate stops feeling like a big event.
The puppy simply knows it as another normal place to rest.
You may eventually notice your dog walking into the crate voluntarily when tired, especially if you have consistently kept it comfortable and positive.
That is much closer to what we want than having to chase a puppy around the house every time the crate door needs to close.
Consistency matters more than trying to make everything perfect on the first day.
What Size Crate Does a Cavapoo Need?
This is a question we can understand families asking because Cavapoos do not all mature to exactly the same size.
The size of the Poodle parent can make a difference, along with genetics from both parents. That means choosing a crate simply because another person online said, "My Cavapoo uses this size," is not always the best approach.
For some Cavapoos that grow into the medium-size range, a 30-inch crate may provide a good amount of adult space. Smaller Cavapoos may be more comfortable in a smaller size, while a larger individual may need more room.
If you are getting a puppy directly from us, ask us about the expected size of your particular puppy. We know the parents and can give you a much better idea of what to expect than a generic Cavapoo size chart can.
If you are still researching the breed before bringing one home, our complete guide to Cavapoos covers more about what these dogs are like and what families can expect from the breed.
What Size Crate Does a Cockapoo Need?
Cockapoos can vary in size too, so we would use the same basic approach.
Think about the dog's expected adult measurements rather than choosing entirely by the word "Cockapoo."
A 30-inch crate may work well for some adult Cockapoos, particularly those that fall within the manufacturer's recommended size range, but it should not automatically be treated as the correct size for every Cockapoo.
This is another reason we like buying a wire crate with a divider when you know approximately how large your puppy will become. You can choose a crate intended to accommodate the dog's expected adult size and use the divider to manage the available space while the puppy is still growing.
Families considering this breed can also read our guide to Cockapoos and what they are like as family dogs before deciding whether one is the right fit.
What About Maltipoos, Cavaliers and Poodles?
The same rule applies across the breeds we raise: choose the crate for the individual dog, not simply the breed label.
A smaller Maltipoo may not need the same crate as a larger Cockapoo. Poodles can vary considerably depending on their size variety and breeding. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels tend to be more predictable in general size, but individual measurements still matter when choosing a crate.
When in doubt, measure the dog or use the expected adult measurements as your guide.
Do not intentionally buy a crate that will be cramped when your puppy reaches adulthood just because it fits perfectly right now.
That is where the divider becomes valuable. Buy with the adult dog in mind, then adjust the usable interior space appropriately during puppyhood.
Why the MidWest iCrate Is Our Pick for Many New Puppy Owners
We do not think most families need an elaborate or extremely expensive crate to successfully crate train a puppy.
What we look for is something practical.
The MidWest iCrate checks several boxes that matter during puppyhood. The 30-inch single-door model includes an adjustable divider panel, removable leak-resistant pan, secure door latch, folding frame, and carrying handle.
Those are not flashy features, but they solve real problems.
The Divider Helps the Crate Grow With Your Puppy
Instead of buying a very small crate and replacing it shortly afterward, the divider lets you adjust how much interior space your puppy can access.
The Removable Tray Makes Accidents Easier to Handle
Nobody wants to think about puppy accidents when shopping for a cute new puppy, but they happen. Being able to slide out the bottom pan and clean it is a practical feature we would absolutely want.
The Wire Design Gives You Flexibility
You can leave the crate open and airy or partially cover it if your puppy settles better with fewer distractions.
It Folds When You Need to Move or Store It
A folding wire crate can be useful if you occasionally need to move it between rooms, take it somewhere, or store it when it is no longer being used every day.
It Keeps Things Simple
For most families, crate training success is going to depend much more on consistency, routine, proper sizing, and how the crate is introduced than whether the crate looks expensive.
If those are the features you are looking for, you can see the 30-inch MidWest iCrate and current options on Amazon. Remember to verify that the size fits your puppy's expected adult size before purchasing.
Single-Door or Double-Door Crate?
The crate featured here uses a single-door design, which is perfectly workable for many homes.
Whether you need one or two doors mostly comes down to where you plan to put the crate.
If the crate will sit against a wall with the front completely accessible, one door may be all you ever use.
A second door can offer more flexibility if you have an unusual room layout or want the option to turn the crate in different directions.
We would not automatically pay more for extra features you do not need. Think about where the crate will actually sit in your home before deciding.
Do You Need More Than One Dog Crate?
Not necessarily.
Many families do perfectly well with one primary crate.
However, there are situations where having a second crate becomes convenient. If your puppy sleeps upstairs but spends most of the day downstairs, constantly carrying a wire crate between floors gets old quickly.
Some families eventually keep one crate near the bedroom and another in the main living area.
Others have one permanent home crate and a separate travel carrier.
We would start with what you actually need rather than buying two or three crates before your puppy even comes home.
After living with your puppy for a while, you will quickly figure out whether a second setup would genuinely make life easier.
Can You Use the Same Crate for Home and Travel?
You can in some situations, but a wire crate and a travel carrier serve somewhat different purposes.
A folding wire crate is convenient because it can be collapsed and moved, but that does not automatically make it the best restraint system for every type of vehicle travel.
If you regularly travel with your dog, look specifically at how the dog will be safely secured in your particular vehicle.
This is especially worth planning before the trip home with a new puppy. Some puppies handle car rides without much trouble, while others drool, whine, vomit, or become uneasy.
If that sounds familiar, our guide about puppy car sickness and helping puppies during car rides explains why it happens and what you can do to make travel easier.
How Often Should You Clean a Puppy Crate?
There is no reason to wait until a crate smells bad before cleaning it.
If your puppy has an accident, clean it promptly.
Remove soiled bedding, wipe down the tray, and clean any crate surfaces that were affected. Make sure everything is appropriately rinsed and dry before putting the puppy back inside.
Even without accidents, regularly wash crate bedding and inspect the tray and wire frame.
Puppies are messy.
They bring in dirt on their paws, shed hair, drop food crumbs, spill water, and sometimes bring half the backyard inside with them.
A quick regular cleaning is much easier than waiting until the crate needs a major scrub.
How Long Will You Actually Use a Puppy Crate?
Potentially much longer than puppyhood.
Crate training is often discussed as though it is only for potty training. Once the dog stops having accidents, people assume the crate has served its purpose.
That does not have to be the case.
A crate-trained adult dog may still use the crate as a sleeping area or quiet place. Crate familiarity can also be useful when traveling, staying somewhere unfamiliar, visiting a veterinarian, recovering under veterinary instructions, or dealing with temporary situations where safe confinement is needed.
You may eventually leave the crate door open most of the time and find that your dog still chooses to sleep inside.
That is another reason we like thinking ahead about adult sizing rather than purchasing something the puppy will outgrow almost immediately.
Should You Put Food and Water in a Puppy Crate?
This depends on why the puppy is in the crate, how long they will be there, their age, health, and routine.
Feeding meals inside the crate can sometimes help create a positive association with the space.
Water requires a little more thought.
A puppy obviously needs appropriate access to fresh water throughout the day, but leaving a large bowl sitting loose inside a small crate can quickly turn into wet bedding and a soaked puppy.
If a puppy needs water available while confined, use a safe setup that cannot easily tip and make sure it does not create another hazard.
Never intentionally restrict water simply as a shortcut to avoid taking a puppy outside, especially without veterinary guidance.
Should a Puppy Sleep in the Crate Every Night?
If you are using a crate as part of your puppy's nighttime routine, consistency usually makes the process easier to understand.
That does not mean every dog must sleep in a crate for the rest of their life.
Families make different choices as dogs mature.
Some dogs continue sleeping in their crate voluntarily. Some eventually sleep on a dog bed. Others may be allowed more freedom in the house once they are reliably potty trained, no longer chewing inappropriate things, and mature enough to handle that freedom.
We would make those changes based on the individual dog rather than rushing simply because the puppy reached a certain age.
When Can You Stop Using the Divider?
Move the divider as your puppy grows.
If the puppy looks cramped when standing, turning, or lying naturally, they need more room.
Eventually, once your dog has grown into the full crate and is doing reliably well with potty training, the divider can be removed entirely.
There is no universal age when this must happen.
Growth rates vary, and so does potty-training progress.
Can Two Puppies Share One Crate?
We recommend planning for each dog to have their own appropriately sized crate rather than relying on two puppies sharing one crate.
Even puppies that love sleeping together when young need individual space as they grow.
Separate crates also make it easier to monitor each puppy's potty habits, feeding, rest, and individual crate training.
Dogs can still spend plenty of supervised time together outside their crates.
What If My Puppy Pees in the Crate?
One accident does not mean crate training has failed.
First, clean the crate thoroughly.
Then think about why the accident may have happened.
Was the puppy left too long?
Is the crate much larger than necessary?
Did the puppy drink a lot of water shortly beforehand?
Was a normal potty break missed?
Is the puppy still very young?
Has there been a sudden change in bathroom habits?
If accidents are frequent despite appropriate potty breaks and good management, or if you notice symptoms such as unusually frequent urination, straining, discomfort, diarrhea, vomiting, or other health changes, contact your veterinarian.
What If My Puppy Cries as Soon as I Close the Door?
A little protesting from a puppy learning something new is not unusual.
Try practicing the crate during the day instead of making bedtime the only time the puppy ever experiences it.
Start small.
Let the puppy enter. Reward calm behavior. Close the door briefly. Stay nearby. Open it again while things are calm.
Over time, gradually build positive experiences.
It is much easier to teach a puppy about the crate through repeated normal experiences than to introduce it for the first time at bedtime and expect eight peaceful hours.
Is a Wire Crate Better Than a Plastic Crate for a Puppy?
Neither style is automatically best for every situation.
We like wire crates for home use because they offer good ventilation, visibility, easy cleaning, and the option of an adjustable divider.
Plastic kennels can feel more enclosed and may be useful for certain types of travel or for dogs that prefer a more den-like environment.
Soft-sided crates are lightweight, but we would be cautious about relying on one for a young puppy that scratches, chews, or is still learning to settle when confined.
The best choice depends on how you plan to use it.
Our Take on Buying Your First Puppy Crate
You do not need to make crate shopping complicated.
Look for a crate that is appropriately sized for your dog's expected adult size, gives you a way to adjust the usable space during puppyhood, is easy to clean, has secure closures, provides good ventilation, and fits comfortably in the area where you plan to use it.
That is why the MidWest iCrate is a practical option we recommend families consider. The divider is especially useful during the growing stage, and the removable tray and folding wire design address the everyday realities of raising a puppy without adding features most families may never use.
The specific 30-inch MidWest iCrate can be viewed here on Amazon and is intended for dogs in the manufacturer's stated 21-to-40-pound range. Check your puppy's expected adult measurements before choosing that particular size.
Most importantly, remember that even the best crate will not do the training for you.
A good crate gives you a useful tool. What makes the difference is how you introduce it, how consistently you use it, whether you provide enough potty breaks and activity, and whether your puppy learns that the crate is simply a normal, safe part of life.
When families prepare before bringing their puppy home, those first days tend to feel much more manageable. Have the crate assembled, decide where it will go, have your basic puppy supplies ready, and talk with everyone in the household about the routine before the puppy arrives.
Then you can spend more of that first day enjoying your new family member instead of trying to assemble a dog crate while an excited puppy explores everything they can possibly reach.
Frequently Asked Questions About Choosing and Using a Puppy Crate
What is the best type of crate for a new puppy?
For many families, we like a folding wire crate with an adjustable divider and removable bottom tray. The divider lets you adjust the usable space as your puppy grows, while the removable tray makes accidents much easier to clean. Wire crates also provide plenty of ventilation and visibility and can usually be folded when they need to be moved or stored.
Should I buy a puppy-size crate or an adult-size crate?
If you have a reasonable idea of your puppy's expected adult size, buying an appropriately sized adult crate with an adjustable divider can make a lot of sense. You can limit the usable space while your puppy is small and gradually increase it as they grow instead of buying several crates along the way.
The important part is making sure the crate will actually fit your dog as an adult. Breed names alone are not always enough to determine the correct size, especially with mixes such as Cavapoos, Cockapoos, and Maltipoos that can vary in adult size.
Is a 30-inch crate big enough for a Cavapoo?
It may be appropriate for some Cavapoos, but not necessarily every Cavapoo. Adult size can vary depending partly on the size and genetics of the parent dogs. The 30-inch MidWest iCrate featured in this guide is marketed for dogs around 21 to 40 pounds, but you should also consider your dog's height and length rather than relying on weight alone.
Your adult dog should be able to stand normally, turn around comfortably, and lie down without being cramped.
Is a 30-inch crate big enough for a Cockapoo?
A 30-inch crate can work for some Cockapoos, but Cockapoos vary in size too. If you are bringing home one of our puppies, ask us about your puppy's expected adult size before purchasing a crate. That can give you a much better starting point than choosing a size based only on a general breed chart.
How big should a puppy crate be for potty training?
Your puppy should have enough room to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. However, giving a small puppy a huge amount of unused space can sometimes make potty training more difficult because the puppy may sleep at one end and eliminate at the other.
This is one of the main reasons we like crates with adjustable divider panels. You can create an appropriately sized area during puppyhood without purchasing a crate your dog will quickly outgrow.
Should I put a puppy pad inside the crate?
For typical crate-based potty training, putting a puppy pad inside the sleeping area can sometimes send a confusing message by creating an acceptable bathroom area inside the crate.
There are situations where pads may be necessary or useful, but if your goal is teaching the puppy to eliminate outdoors, we generally prefer an appropriate crate size combined with frequent, consistent trips outside.
A very young puppy still cannot be expected to wait indefinitely. If accidents are happening because the puppy is being left too long, adding a puppy pad does not solve the underlying scheduling problem.
Should I put a dog bed in my puppy's crate?
You can use an appropriately sized washable crate mat or bed if your puppy does well with bedding. Some puppies, however, chew, shred, or swallow pieces of soft bedding. Others may have frequent accidents during the early stages of potty training.
Watch how your individual puppy behaves rather than assuming a thick, fluffy bed must be in the crate from the first night.
Can I leave toys in my puppy's crate?
Be selective about anything left with an unsupervised puppy. A toy that is perfectly fine during supervised play may not be something you want left overnight with a puppy that aggressively chews and tears pieces apart.
Check toys regularly for damage and choose items appropriate for your puppy's size, age, and chewing habits.
Should I leave my puppy's collar on in the crate?
We prefer being cautious about leaving collars, harnesses, tags, or similar equipment on an unsupervised puppy inside a wire crate. Hardware can potentially become caught on crate wires or other objects.
Look over the entire crate setup for anything that could snag, tangle, break apart, or become accessible through the wire.
How long does crate training a puppy take?
There is no exact number of days that applies to every puppy.
Some puppies become comfortable with their crate quickly. Others need more gradual practice. Your puppy's previous experiences, personality, age, routine, and how you introduce the crate can all affect the process.
Consistency matters. Short positive experiences throughout the day can be much more productive than only using the crate when you leave home or go to bed.
Should I let my puppy cry it out in the crate?
We would not treat every sound from a young puppy as something that must automatically be ignored. A puppy may need a potty break, especially during the first nights in a new home.
At the same time, immediately turning every whine into playtime can teach a puppy that making noise gets them released.
Pay attention to timing and context. If the puppy may genuinely need to eliminate, take them outside calmly, give them the opportunity, and return to the nighttime routine without turning it into a play session.
Extreme panic, attempts to injure themselves escaping, or persistent severe distress deserve more attention than ordinary puppy protesting. In those situations, talk with your veterinarian or a qualified dog behavior professional.
Can crate training help with potty training?
Yes, a properly used crate can be a very helpful part of potty training because most dogs prefer not to eliminate where they sleep.
However, the crate does not replace supervision and frequent trips outside. Your puppy still needs plenty of opportunities to eliminate in the correct place and positive reinforcement when they get it right.
If you are preparing for your first puppy, it also helps to read through our complete checklist for bringing home a new puppy before pickup day so you can have the crate and other basic supplies ready ahead of time.
When should I stop crating my dog at night?
There is no specific age when every dog should stop sleeping in a crate.
Some adult dogs continue sleeping in an open crate because they genuinely like it. Other dogs eventually earn more freedom once they are reliably house trained, mature enough not to chew inappropriate items, and comfortable being loose without getting into trouble.
Make that decision based on your individual dog rather than feeling like you need to stop using the crate by a particular birthday.
Is the MidWest iCrate a good choice for a first puppy?
We think the MidWest iCrate is a practical option worth considering because it includes the basic features we would look for in a new puppy crate without making things unnecessarily complicated.
The adjustable divider is particularly useful for a growing puppy, while the removable tray makes cleanup easier. The wire construction provides ventilation and visibility, and the crate folds when you need to move or store it.
If the 30-inch model fits your puppy's expected adult size, you can view the MidWest Homes for Pets 30-inch iCrate on Amazon and check the latest product details, availability, and price.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. This does not increase the price you pay. We recommend choosing products based on what is appropriate for your individual puppy and household.
