Is your new puppy leaving little “surprises” all over your house? Potty training is one of the biggest challenges new dog owners face. You want a clean home, and your furry friend needs clear boundaries. This is where the dog crate comes in—it’s often the secret weapon for successful house-training.
However, choosing the *right* crate feels like another puzzle. Should it be wire or plastic? How big is too big? Picking the wrong size can actually slow down your training progress, leading to frustration for both you and your dog. You need a space that feels safe but also encourages them to “hold it.”
Don’t worry! This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down exactly what features matter most in a crate designed for potty training success. By the end, you will know precisely which crate to buy to make those accidents a thing of the past.
Top Crate For Potty Training Recommendations
- IDEAL FOR UP TO 10 LB DOGS: Measures 18.5 x 12.5 x 14.5 inches – perfect for Maltese, Japanese Chin, Brussels Griffon & similar breeds. For dogs near 10 lbs, consider sizing up to our 22-inch model so they have plenty of room to get comfortable.
- WE DON'T CUT CORNERS, WE PERFECT THEM: Precision welding, rounded corner clips & slide-bolt latch with Paw Block mitigate snags, cuts & escapes. With rigorous safety testing, iCrate provides peace of mind knowing your dog is safe while you're away.
- DURABLE CONSTRUCTION: Sturdy metal wire design with a protective black e-coat finish, the iCrate resists rust and everyday wear. Complete with leak-proof tray, rubber feet, carry handle, and tool-free assembly, it's ready for years of use.
- SUPPORTS CRATE TRAINING: A divider panel lets the crate grow with your dog, from puppy kennel to full-size crate. Large openings and low thresholds ease the crate training process and help your dog feel more at home.
- LIFE GOES BETTER WITH PETS: A family-owned business based in Indiana, MidWest Homes for Pets brings over 100 years of pet product expertise and a commitment to quality, rigorous safety testing, and excellent US-based customer service.
- 22-inch dog crate for pets under 18 x 11.5 inches (LxH), like a Toy Poodle or Yorkshire Terrier
- Durable metal wire construction with manual door locking mechanism for secure containment
- Sets up quickly and folds down flat for easy transport or compact storage; top handle for comfortable carrying
- 1 door and a divider for adjusting the internal space
- Removable plastic base tray for easy cleaning
- GO HERE SPRAY: Protect your floors and lawn with OUT Attractant Spray for Dogs; Simply spray where you want your pup to go—indoors or out—to help guide their potty habits and make housetraining easier, cleaner, and more consistent every day
- PET CORRECTOR FOR POTTY TRAINING: Speed up house training with OUT Attractant Spray, which encourages your dog to eliminate only in designated areas; Help keep off-limits spots off-limits and make potty training more efficient for you and your pup
- INDOOR AND OUTDOOR SPRAY: This dog pee spray applies quickly to any surface, making it good for use with training pads and on outside areas; Made with natural ingredients, it is made with no harmful chemicals and completely pet & family safe
- EASY TO USE: Simply point, spray, and step back With consistent use alongside praise, encouragement, and love, your beloved pooch will be housebroken in no time; It’s a simple, effective way to make potty training easier for both you and your dog
- PUPPY POTTY TRAINING: At OUT, we’re committed to providing safe, affordable pet care products that really work; Don’t stress the mess—just keep loving your puppy, and we’ll be here to support you every step of the way on your potty training journey
- 【Spacious & Comfort】: This dog playpen keeps your pet stay in this pet playpen secure, spacious interior give more fun for your pet. Size is 29*29*17 inches, great for small animals up to 10 LB. There are 1 inch error range because of technical issue. The goozii pet playpen is also a ideal present as christmas gifts for dog cat lovers.
- 【Premium Construction】: The puppy playpen made of durable waterproof 600D oxford fabric, breathable mesh window shades, and reinforced with elastic iron wiring. Roomy 8 mesh panels design with strengthened seams and corners. Zippered top and gate provides easy in/out access for your pet. Keep your pet safely inside everywhere.
- 【Easy to use】: Remove the folded pet playpen from storage bag and unfold it in a matter of seconds. No assembly required, lightweight and strong. Our portable pet fence can be used indoors, outdoors, traveling, camping, etc.
- 【Widely use】: Great pop up dog crate for cats, dogs, puppy, kitten, bunny rabbits, chicken, ferret, bearded dragon, and even a hamster. the foldable pen fence can be set up in your lawn, garden or any room of your house, and its spacious interior gives your pet more room to play, nap, hide or isolate.
- 【 BONUS INCLUDED】: The Portable Pet Play Pen comes along with a convenient carrying case that can easily store your playpen and accessories。Ideal for Travel. Toss your dog tent in the car trunk, to have it always at hand or fold and store it when not in use.
- IDEAL FOR 12-20 LB DOGS: Measures 24 x 18 x 19 inches – perfect for Fox Terriers, Pugs, Chihuahuas & similar breeds. For dogs near 20 lbs, consider sizing up to our 30-inch model so they have plenty of room to get comfortable.
- WE DON'T CUT CORNERS, WE PERFECT THEM: Precision welding, rounded corner clips & slide-bolt latch with Paw Block mitigate snags, cuts & escapes. With rigorous safety testing, iCrate provides peace of mind knowing your dog is safe while you're away.
- DURABLE & STYLISH: Sturdy metal wire design and a fashion-forward blue e-coat finish resist rust and everyday wear. Complete with leak-proof tray, rubber feet, carry handle, and tool-free assembly, it brings both form and function to your home.
- SUPPORTS CRATE TRAINING: A divider panel lets the crate grow with your dog, from puppy kennel to full-size crate. Large openings and low thresholds ease the crate training process and help your dog feel more at home.
- BECAUSE LIFE GOES BETTER WITH PETS: A family-owned business based in Indiana, MidWest Homes for Pets brings over 100 years of pet product expertise and a commitment to quality, rigorous safety testing, and excellent US-based customer service.
- Size:55 x 45 x 3.7 cm,Size measureed bottom edge to the edge,Suitable For Small Puppy Like poodles, Yorkshire terriers Etc.
- Mesh Plate Height =1.5CM ,So Our Pets Will Not Wet Their Feet Easily
- Recommend pet pads size:40X50cm
- The Grid design Is Very Convenient To Open And Change Pet Pad
- The pet training tray consists of an upper and lower part. When opened, it becomes two separate parts,The Split Design Is More Convenient To Clean Because The Mesh Plate Can Be Taken Off And Wash Separately
- High-Wall Dog Pee Pad Holder Tray for No-Spill Protection:This indoor dog potty features 17.7" tall walls and a 1.18" front splash guard to block urine leaks, keeping floors dry. Perfect for apartment dog potty for balcony or crate training—works with puppy pads or washable mats
- Extra-Large Potty Tray for Small/Large Dogs:Spacious 23.62"x23.62" size fits pee pads securely (up to X). The edge rises by 1.18 inches to prevent urine from flowing out., Ideal for senior dogs or puppies learning indoor dog pee station habits
- Foldable & Easy-Clean Dog Pad Holder:Removable grate and smooth edges make cleaning effortless—just rinse! Foldable design saves space in apartments or for travel. Use with disposable pads or artificial grass (sold separately)
- Eco-Friendly & Chew-Proof Material:Made of odorless, Waterproof Oxford cloth, this dog litter box is safe for puppies and cats (as a kitty litterbox). Reusable and waterproof for long-term use
- Versatile Indoor/Outdoor Pet Potty:Great for balconies, playpens, or kennels. The enclosed sides protect walls/furniture, and the low-entry design suits small pets. Includes hand-held grooves for portability—perfect for apartments
- PRACTICAL&ROOMY DESIGN: Our rectangular shape pet playpen is better for Indoors Small Room against a wall or in a corner.The size of the play pen : 42"L*42"W*25"H, the size is good for a small litter box with Extra room for kittens puppies to walk around in the playpen fence and with spare room for small food and water Bowls.
- QUALITY&STURDY MATERIAL:The nice Solid Frame is consist of Stainless Steels Rods & Durablle Fabric & Thinck Plastic Connectors & Mesh , which make the puppy cat dog play pen fits better for Chewers and more claw proof if your pets are naughty in the small dog play pen crate.
- PORTABILITY&EASY-ASSEMBLY : Totally weighted 8lbs, you can easliy move the puppy playpen inddor from room to another room. And the fence playpen for small dog with gate has Zippers & Velcro while you needn't contain pets in the enclosured playpen all the time. And it is not hard to assemble the dog crate pen , just a bit of time.
- PETS FRIENDLY:The pets playpen indoor for momma puppy and kitten is perfect for the rest of her pregnancy, she and babies will have a nice comfy spot in the pen.If you have a pet cat dog you want to keep separated for a medical reason, on vet restrictions, needs extra care or just because they are new to the house this pet play pen is perfect. And the spacious doggies playpen let you love how well puppy kitten could see through the kennel.
- SAFETY:At the top four corners of puppy playpen, there are thick linings. Meanwhile the Stainless Steels Rods& Plastic Connectors are chamfered that can protect you when set up /take down the small dog playpen. This play pen crate with door is also secure to keep your cat puppy in while you're outside.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Choosing the Right Crate for Potty Training Success
Potty training a puppy or even an older dog requires patience and the right tools. A crate, when used correctly, becomes a den—a safe space that naturally discourages accidents. This guide helps you select the best potty training crate for your new companion.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, focus on features that make cleaning easy and allow for growth.
- **Size Adjustability:** This is crucial. Puppies grow fast. Look for crates that come with a divider panel. This lets you adjust the space as your dog gets bigger, ensuring they don’t have enough room to potty in one corner and sleep in another.
- **Leak-Proof Trays:** Accidents happen. A high-quality crate must have a removable, solid plastic tray underneath the floor grate. This tray catches urine or feces, making cleanup fast and preventing messes from soaking into your carpet or floor.
- **Secure Latches:** Your dog should not be able to accidentally open the door. Look for double-latch systems or latches that require a deliberate upward or sliding motion to release.
- **Easy Cleaning Access:** Check if the door opens wide enough for you to comfortably reach inside to wipe down the walls or remove the tray without struggling.
Important Materials
The material determines durability and how long the crate lasts.
Most effective potty training crates use **heavy-gauge metal wire** for the body. Metal is chew-resistant, which is important for teething puppies. The floor tray should always be made of **durable, smooth plastic** (like polypropylene). Avoid crates with fabric or mesh bottoms for early potty training, as these absorb liquids easily and are hard to sanitize completely.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality directly impacts your training experience.
What Makes a Crate Better:
- **Sturdy Construction:** A crate with thicker wire gauge resists bending if your dog pushes against the sides.
- **Smooth Edges:** Check for sharp spots or rough welds, especially around the door edges. Smoothness ensures safety.
- **Non-Slip Feet:** Rubber feet protect your floors from scratches when you move the crate.
What Lowers the Quality:
- Flimsy Latches: If latches feel weak or stick, your dog will learn to escape, defeating the purpose of crate training.
- Thin Plastic Trays: Thin trays can crack easily, leading to leaks underneath the crate.
- Complex Assembly: If the crate is hard to put together, it will also be hard to take apart for deep cleaning.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about where and how you will use the crate daily.
For potty training, the crate serves two main purposes: confinement during supervision gaps and teaching bladder control overnight. Users find crates with **two doors** (one on the side, one on the front) much more versatile. This allows you to place the crate in tight spaces, like beside your bed or tucked into a corner of the living room.
If you plan to travel, a crate that **folds flat easily** improves the user experience significantly. Remember, the crate should *never* be used for punishment. It must feel like a safe bedroom to your dog. When sizing, ensure the dog can stand up, turn around completely, and lie down comfortably, but not much more. Too much space encourages accidents.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Potty Training Crates
Q: How big should the crate be for potty training?
A: The crate should only be big enough for your dog to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. If it is too large, the dog may use one end as a bathroom and the other as a bed.
Q: Should I use a plastic or wire crate?
A: Wire crates are generally better for potty training because they allow you to use a divider panel easily, and they offer better ventilation. They also let you see if your dog is starting to soil the area.
Q: Do I need a special tray?
A: Yes. A solid, leak-proof plastic tray is essential. This tray catches accidents, allowing you to remove and clean it without soaking bedding or carpets.
Q: How do I stop my puppy from chewing the crate?
A: Ensure the crate is the correct size. Offer plenty of appropriate chew toys inside the crate. If chewing persists, you can spray a non-toxic, bitter apple deterrent on the metal bars.
Q: Can I leave my puppy in the crate overnight?
A: Yes, for short periods. Puppies usually cannot hold their bladder for more than 6-8 hours at night. Set an alarm to take them out if necessary.
Q: What if my dog cries in the crate?
A: First, rule out physical needs (potty, water). If they are safe, ignore brief whining. If you rush to let them out immediately when they cry, you teach them that crying opens the door.
Q: Should the crate have bedding during training?
A: Initially, use minimal or no bedding. A soft bed absorbs accidents. Use an old towel or just the wire floor until you are sure the dog understands where to eliminate.
Q: Are crates with multiple doors better?
A: Yes, they offer better flexibility for placement in different rooms of your house.
Q: How often should I clean the crate?
A: Clean the tray daily. Deep clean the entire crate, including wiping down the walls, at least once a week, or immediately after any major accident.
Q: Should I buy a crate for my adult dog’s size now?
A: No. If you are potty training a puppy, buy a crate sized for their *adult* size, but use the divider panel to make it small now. This saves you money later.