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
- More Size For Choice : Please choose the size based on your dog's length (from nose to the base of the tail). Our large pee pad holder tray(32.2" x 21.6" x 15.7")(*Measured by hand, slight errors may occur) is best for dogs under 28" long, like Beagles or Shiba Inus. We offer 4 sizes: XL for dogs length under 38", L for dogs length under 28", M for dogs length under 18", and S for dogs length under 15"
- Pee Pad Holder Tray with High Walls ：Measuring 32.2" x 21.6" x 15.7", our unique pee pad tray features 3 high walls that effectively contain urine splash and spray from small and medium dogs, especially male dogs. Say goodbye to messy floors, carpets, walls, and furniture!
- Seamless, Leak-Proof, Sturdy & Easy Cleaning : Crafted with one-piece, seamless construction using premium materials, this dog toilet guarantees total waterproofing. Urine cannot leak through gaps, and its robust design ensures long-lasting stability and durability for daily use. The entirely waterproof liner (inside and out) allows for quick and easy cleanup – simply rinse with water, leaving no urine and odor!
- No Assembly Required & Foldable（Carry Bag Included） : Just unfold our conveniently foldable dog potty tray and it's instantly ready for use. Enjoy versatile placement anywhere indoors (living room, bedroom, balcony) , outdoors or for travel – wherever your pet feels comfortable.
- Large Dog Pee Pad Holder with Fixing Clips : Equipped with 4 special designed clips, if you have a male dog and he like to lift your legs when urinating. Then, you can use the disposable pee pad and fixing clips included with our product. Please fix the disposable pee pad in any position based on your urination habits. 2pcs Disposable Dog Training Pads 35.4''x 23.6'' is included.
- Stylish & Functional – Unlike traditional wire crates for dogs, This dog kennel offers additional storage space and blends seamlessly with home decor. It doubles as a nightstand, sofa side table, corner accent table, coffee table, TV stand side unit, and entryway console
- Sturdy, Safe & Durable – Compared with traditional indoor cages for small dogs, this pet crate uses thicker wire to resist damage and noise from energetic dogs, supports an adult man’s weight, and ensures excellent stability. An upgraded safety lock prevents escapes
- Multi-Mode Design – 6 modes (puppy, training, crate, free-range, whelping, potty) adapt as your pet grows. This puppy crate for small dogs features an enlarged door and ideal wire spacing for easy bowl hanging, helping your pet develop good habits of fixed feeding and separate living areas.
- Top Storage & Low-Threshold Design – This dog crate table offers convenient storage for pet supplies. The low-threshold entry helps protect small dogs' knees. The puppy crate provides a private space while keeping you and your pet in sight of each other. Weighing only 15 lbs, it is lightweight and easy to move.
- Ideal Size & Easy Assembly – This 24"L x 16.5"W x 16"H pet cage is great for dogs under 20 lbs. It comes with detailed instructions and accessories, needs no complex tools, and can be assembled in only 5–10 minutes
- Small Dog Grass Pad with Tray: 3-layer layered design, artificial grass pad+ 1.5 cm high density pearl cotton pad + 23''X17'' small tray, dog grass rug is placed on the top of the puppy potty tray, durable base collects and separates urine, the tray's edge is designed with heightened edges, preventing liquid spills, keeps floors and furniture from dryness and cleanliness. Suitable for pets and dogs weighing 3 to 10 pounds. No mess, no pet accidents.
- Great Tool for Dog Potty Training: For puppy potty training, the combination of the dog grass mat and tray provides a clear indication of the area, and the cozy and soft dog potty grass not only looks realistic, but also feels like real grass, high-density pearl cotton pads, good softness, no deformation, allowing your puppy to enjoy nature at home. Our puppy grass pee pad with tray helps to avoid accidents while reinforcing your puppy's potty training and meets the needs of your puppy.
- Quick Drainage & Odorless: Our fake grass pee pads for dogs has dense drainage holes in the back with high water permeability, pearl cotton mat porous design helps urine and moisture drain out quickly, urine immediately seeps through the artificial grass mat and pearl cotton mat to the bottom of the tray, won't stain your pet's paws, reduces odors and keeps the area fresh.
- Easy To Clean & Save Time: Our grass pad for dogs potty features a separating design that is easy to clean and reduces odor residue. When cleaning, simply rinse the artificial turf, pearl cotton pad and tray with soapy water, after dry and you can use them again as new ones. The cleaning operation is simple and easy to take care of, which saves your time and reduces your cleaning burden.
- Indoor Outdoor Use & Travel Carry: Portable artificial grass for dogs potty is multi-purpose, great for apartments, bathrooms, sunrooms, RVs, campers, balconies and yards, etc.; also suitable to carry when traveling, on business trips, or when taking your dog out to play, ensuring your puppy has a comfortable toileting solution in any environment.
- Proper Size:the dog toilet measures about 25.59 x 19.69x 1.96 inches, with enough room for your lovely pet to move around freely and enjoy peeing time; In addition, the raised grid design allows more litter and droppings to stay inside to avoid spills, so that you have no need to do extra cleanup, saving time and effort
- Unique Urinal design：1.96 inch ,deepen the large capacity urinal sump,much deeper than the onther products.Don't worry about the pet's feet for touching the dirt and no worries about storing urine.The fast drainage system helps keep paws clean and dry.
- Easy to clean:Two side hand-held groove design makes easy to carry.A removable mesh grate makes cleaning easy. All components are removable and washable,just lift your finger to extract the grille and say goodbye to dirty hands!Smooth edges with the four non-slip rubbers attached on the bottom of the pee pad holder. No worry about tipping over and damage.
- Applicable widely:This portable tray is useful in many locations. An essential accessory for every home, especially apartments and condos. Perfect for your bathroom or dog’s playpen / kennel. helping them develop the habit of fixed point defecation, and the smooth edge can effectively avoid your lovely pets being injured while moving
- Safe&Eco-friendly Material: Preferrred PP pee tray and grille which have a low environmental impact and are made of eco-friendly materials.we use safe,hight quality and environmentally friendly raw materials for safe and odorless.No fear of dog chewing.
- VERSATILE INDOOR DOG PLAYPEN: 24-inch height 4-panel configuration creates a 35" x 35" x 24" play area, perfect as a puppy playpen indoor or small dog pen indoor for training, rest, and safe confinement.
- CONVENIENT DOOR ACCESS: Built-in door panel makes entering and exiting easy for pet owners and puppies, eliminating the need to lift panels: ideal for dog play pen indoors daily use.
- DURABLE PLASTIC CONSTRUCTION: Heavy-duty plastic panels withstand chewing and scratching while being lightweight enough to move and reconfigure: functions as both dog fence indoor and pet playpen indoor.
- EASY ASSEMBLY & STORAGE: No tools required for setup; interlocking panels snap together quickly and fold flat for compact storage when not in use: perfect as a portable puppy play pen for indoors.
- DIMENSIONS: 35"L x 35"W x 24"H – A great size for extra small to medium-sized dogs, providing enough room to play and relax while staying safe and contained.
- IDEAL FOR 12-20 LB DOGS: Measures 24.5 x 17.5 x 19.5 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 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
- 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
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.