MidWest Homes for Pets iCrate Double Door Folding Dog Crate
If you only want one answer, this is the one I keep coming back to: it ships with a divider panel, so a single crate carries your puppy from their first night through adulthood, and the two doors mean you can fit it into almost any room. The full write-up, including where it falls short, is further down this page.
Why Choosing the Right Crate Matters
A crate is far more than just a containment tool; it is your puppy's den, their safe space, and one of the most important investments you will make in those early months. The right crate turns the chaos of the first few weeks into something manageable. It gives your puppy a quiet retreat when the household gets overwhelming, provides you with peace of mind when you cannot watch them every second, and forms the foundation of housetraining from day one.
Crate training is often recommended by trainers and vets as a house-training and safety tool. The stronger claim you see everywhere, that a crated puppy grows into a calmer adult with less separation anxiety, is harder to support. One longitudinal study of 145 puppies found that owner-reported overnight crate or room restriction before 16 weeks was associated with fewer separation-related behaviours at six months.[1] Evidence: limited It is an association from an observational study, not proof that the crate caused it, so no calmer adult is promised. The practical reasons are a safe place to leave a puppy unsupervised and a den-like space for rest. A crate gives a small, enclosed space for rest or security, which some puppies settle into more readily.
There is also a real finding pointing the other way, and it is worth knowing before you crate a dog that is already anxious rather than a puppy starting fresh. A veterinary behaviourist, Meredith Stepita, DVM, DACVB, writing for the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior, reports that most of her patients with separation anxiety did not improve when placed in a crate, and that some dogs also show a separate confinement anxiety, with panting, drooling, howling, and in bad cases injuries from trying to escape.[2] Evidence: limited That is a different situation from a puppy learning to settle in a den from week one, but it matters for the same reason the paragraph above hedges its claim: a crate is a tool that suits the dog it is introduced to correctly, not a fix that works on every dog regardless of how it is used. If your dog already shows anxiety at the sight of a crate or when left alone, the AVSAB's advice is to address that with gradual desensitization, ideally with a professional, rather than more time confined.
But not every crate delivers on these promises. The wrong crate can actually make things worse: a flimsy wire panel that your puppy bends out of shape, a soft-sided tent that gets shredded in week two, or a plastic shell that traps heat and leaves your pup panting uncomfortably. That is why matching the crate type to your specific puppy's breed, chewing intensity, and temperament matters so much.
I have spent hours comparing manufacturer specifications, reading through verified buyer reviews on Amazon, and cross-referencing owner experiences across forums and breed-specific communities to bring you five crates that genuinely hold up to real puppy life. Every crate on this list has been chosen because it solves a specific problem, whether that is heavy-chewer durability, travel convenience, or blending into your living room decor.
Types of Dog Crates: Which Style Suits Your Puppy?
Before diving into the individual product reviews, it helps to understand the three main crate categories because the right style for your puppy depends heavily on their breed, age, and personality. Getting the style right upfront saves you the hassle of buying a second crate a few weeks down the line.
Wire Crates
Wire crates are the most popular choice for puppy owners, and for good reason. They offer excellent airflow, 360-degree visibility, and most models fold flat for storage. The biggest advantage for puppy owners is the divider panel, a feature almost exclusive to wire crates that lets you adjust the interior space as your puppy grows. If you are buying only one crate for your puppy's entire life, a wire crate with a divider is almost certainly the right call.
Plastic Travel Crates
Plastic crates like the Petmate Sky Kennel are the go-to choice for airline travel and vet visits. The enclosed plastic shell creates a dark, den-like atmosphere, which some puppies seem to prefer over open wire crates. They are also the easiest to clean since the smooth plastic interior wipes down in seconds after accidents. The trade-off is that they do not fold flat for storage, and very few models include divider panels, so sizing needs to be more accurate from the start.
Soft-Sided Crates
Soft-sided crates are lightweight, packable, and perfect for road trips, camping, or visiting family. They are not suitable for the earliest puppy weeks when chewing is at its peak; most soft-sided crates use mesh panels and zippered doors that a determined puppy can destroy in minutes. But once your puppy is past the worst of the teething phase, a soft-sided crate becomes an incredibly convenient option for travel and daytime naps in familiar environments.
Furniture-Style Crates
Furniture crates are designed to blend into your home rather than scream "dog cage." They typically use wood construction with a metal door, double as side tables or end tables, and often come with a plush cushion included. They are best suited for puppies who are already past the destructive chewing phase and reliably house-trained, since wood surfaces show damage quickly and are harder to clean than wire or plastic.
MidWest Homes for Pets iCrate Double Door Folding Dog Crate
The MidWest iCrate has been a go-to recommendation in puppy communities for years, and after living with one through my dog's first six months, I completely understand why. It folds flat in seconds, includes a divider panel, and the double-door setup makes placement in any room genuinely flexible.
Pros
- Includes a divider so one crate works from puppyhood through adulthood
- Two door options (front and side) for versatile room placement
- Folds completely flat for easy storage or travel
Cons
- Determined escape-artist dogs can sometimes work the latches
- Wire can rattle slightly if your puppy bumps around at night
ZOMISIA 36" Collapsible Dog Crate
This is a furniture-style crate rather than a bare wire cage: reinforced hard plastic panels combined with metal wire, on two wheels so you can reposition it without emptying it first. The manufacturer is upfront that it is not built for heavy chewers or hyperactive dogs, so match this one to your puppy's temperament rather than picking it for security alone.
Pros
- Folds flat for storage, no tools needed to set up or break down
- Two wheels make it easy to reposition between rooms
- Squeeze-latch locks are quick for you, fiddly enough to deter most dogs
Cons
- Manufacturer explicitly does not recommend it for highly biting or hyperactive dogs
- Heavier and pricier than a basic wire crate of the same size
AmazonBasics Portable Folding Soft Dog Travel Crate
Soft crates are not ideal for the earliest, most destructive puppy weeks, but once your pup is past the worst of the chewing phase this one becomes a genuinely convenient option for travel and visits to family. It weighs almost nothing, sets up in about 30 seconds, and most puppies take to it quickly because it feels more like a cozy den than a cage.
Pros
- Extremely lightweight and packable for road trips or visits
- Mesh panels provide great airflow and visibility for anxious pups
- Machine-washable cover keeps things fresh between uses
Cons
- Not suitable for very young puppies still in the heavy chewing phase
- Zippered doors can be worked open by clever or persistent dogs
Unipaws Furniture Style Dog Crate with Cushion
Once your puppy is reliably house-trained and a little less destructive, the Unipaws furniture crate is the upgrade that makes your living room look like an adult human lives there again. It doubles as a side table or end table, the wooden construction is surprisingly solid, and most puppies settle into it quickly because the enclosed sides create a natural den feeling.
Pros
- Blends into home decor far better than wire or plastic crates
- Cushion included so the crate is immediately comfortable for your pup
- Solid wood sides help anxious puppies feel more secure and den-like
Cons
- Not recommended for puppies still in active chewing phases as wood will show damage
- Heavier and less portable than wire or soft-sided options
Petmate Sky Kennel Plastic Dog Crate
If you need something that also works for airline travel or vet visits, the Petmate Sky Kennel is a reliable classic that has been around for decades for good reason. The hard plastic shell is easy to clean after accidents, the ventilation slots run all the way around the sides, and puppies often take to it faster than wire crates because it feels more enclosed and den-like from day one.
Pros
- IATA-compliant for most airline cargo travel, great for future trips
- Hard plastic shell cleans up after accidents faster than fabric or wire
- Enclosed design helps anxious puppies settle more quickly
Cons
- Less adjustable than wire crates since there is no divider panel option
- Bulkier to store because it does not fold flat
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best For |
|---|---|
| MidWest iCrate Double Door | Overall best pick |
| Frisco Heavy Duty Wire Crate | Heavy chewers and escape artists |
| AmazonBasics Soft Travel Crate | Travel and post-chewing-phase pups |
| Unipaws Furniture Style Crate | Home decor and trained puppies |
| Petmate Sky Kennel | Airline travel and vet visits |
Crate Size Guide: Finding the Perfect Fit for Your Puppy
Getting the crate size right is the single most common challenge new puppy owners face, and it is also the mistake that causes the most problems down the line. A crate that is too large encourages your puppy to treat one corner as a bathroom while sleeping in the other, undermining your housetraining efforts. A crate that is too small is uncomfortable and can make your puppy resent the space entirely.
The golden rule is simple: your puppy should be able to stand up without their head touching the ceiling, turn around comfortably, and lie down with their legs extended. Anything larger than that invites bathroom accidents. Anything smaller is cramped and stressful.
Recommended Crate Sizes by Breed
For toy breeds like Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, and Yorkshire Terriers, an 18 to 22 inch crate is usually sufficient for adulthood. Small breeds like French Bulldogs, Pugs, and Beagles generally need a 24 to 27 inch crate. Medium breeds such as Cocker Spaniels, Border Collies, and Australian Shepherds do best with a 30 to 36 inch crate. Large breeds including Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and German Shepherds require a 42 inch crate. Giant breeds like Great Danes, Mastiffs, and Saint Bernards need a 48 inch or larger crate with a heavy-duty build. If your dog is already grown and you are shopping specifically for that permanent 48 to 54 inch heavy-duty size, see our best XXL dog crates guide for picks built for adult large and giant breeds rather than a puppy that is still growing into one.
If you are bringing home a mixed-breed puppy and are unsure about their adult size, consult your veterinarian for a weight estimate based on paw size and current growth rate. It is better to overestimate slightly and use a divider panel than to buy a crate that your puppy outgrows in three months.
Crate Size Chart
Crate sizes are sold by length in inches, and the number on the box is the crate's outside length. Measure your dog rather than trusting a breed label, then round up to the next size.
How to measure: nose to the base of the tail, not the tip, and add 2 to 4 inches. Then floor to the top of the head while sitting, and add 2 to 4 inches. If the two answers disagree, take the bigger crate.
| Crate length | Adult weight | Typical breeds |
|---|---|---|
| 18–22 in | up to about 11 lb | Chihuahua, Pomeranian, Yorkshire Terrier |
| 24 in | about 11–25 lb | Pug, Boston Terrier, Miniature Dachshund |
| 30 in | about 26–40 lb | Beagle, French Bulldog, Cocker Spaniel |
| 36 in | about 41–70 lb | Border Collie, Australian Shepherd, Bulldog |
| 42 in | about 71–90 lb | Labrador, Golden Retriever, German Shepherd |
| 48 in and up | above about 90 lb | Great Dane, Mastiff, Saint Bernard, Newfoundland |
Weight bands are a starting point, not the rule. A tall, lean dog and a short, heavy dog of the same weight need different crates, which is why the measuring step above comes first.
For a puppy, buy the adult size and use the divider. That is the whole reason dividers exist, and it is cheaper than buying two crates. Set the divider so the puppy can stand, turn and lie down flat, and no more; extra floor space is where accidents happen.
Why Divider Panels Matter
A divider panel is essentially a metal wall that slides into a wire crate to block off part of the interior space, effectively creating a smaller den for your puppy. As your puppy grows, you slide the divider back to expand the available space. This means you can buy a single adult-sized crate on day one and never need to purchase another one. The MidWest iCrate and most quality wire crates include a divider panel in the box, which is one of the main reasons wire crates dominate our recommendations for puppy owners.
Our Top Pick
The MidWest iCrate Double Door is the crate we recommend to almost every new puppy owner because it genuinely does everything well. The included divider panel alone means you are buying one crate that works from the day your puppy arrives home all the way through their adult years, and that is hard to beat.
Crate Training Tips for a Smooth Transition
Bringing a new crate home is only half the battle; the real work is helping your puppy see it as a safe and welcoming space rather than a prison. Crate training does not have to be a struggle, but it does require patience, consistency, and a few smart strategies that experienced owners have refined over the years.
Step One: Make the Crate Inviting
Before you even close the door, spend a few days making the crate feel like the best place in the house. Place a soft blanket or crate pad inside, toss in a few treats, and leave the door propped open so your puppy can explore at their own pace. Drop kibble near the entrance, then gradually further inside, so your puppy associates the crate with positive experiences. Some owners swear by feeding meals inside the crate with the door open; this builds a strong positive association very quickly.
Step Two: Short Sessions with the Door Closed
Once your puppy is walking into the crate freely, start closing the door for very short periods while you are sitting right next to it. Start with thirty seconds, then a minute, then five minutes. Stay calm and speak in a reassuring tone. If your puppy whines, wait for a moment of quiet before opening the door; letting them out while they are crying teaches them that crying equals freedom.
Step Three: Gradually Increase Duration
Work up to longer crate sessions over the course of a week or two. The key is to increase duration slowly enough that your puppy never becomes genuinely distressed. A good rule of thumb is to extend crate time gradually each session as long as your puppy remains calm. If you hit a setback, simply go back to the previous duration and build up again.
Step Four: Nighttime Crating
Nighttime is where most crate training challenges happen, and it is also where the biggest rewards come if you get it right. Place the crate in your bedroom for the first few weeks so your puppy can hear you breathing and smell your scent. Keep a consistent bedtime routine: a final toilet break, a quiet five minutes of cuddling, then into the crate with a small treat. If your puppy cries at night, take them out for a brief, boring toilet break and then straight back into the crate. No playtime, no cuddles; just business and back to bed.
The First Two Weeks
The first weeks are an important period for crate training. During this time, aim to create only positive or neutral associations with the crate. Do not use the crate as punishment, ever. Do not rush the process. Every puppy is different; some take to the crate quickly, while others need longer to settle.
Safety Considerations for Puppy Crating
While crates are generally very safe when used correctly, there are a few important safety guidelines that every puppy owner should follow. These are practical precautions.
Remove Collars and Tags
Puppy collars and ID tags can catch on crate bars or ventilation slots. Collar entrapment has caused serious injury in dogs, including a tendon avulsion reported in a case report.[3] Evidence: limited Always remove your puppy's collar before crating them, especially during unsupervised periods. If you are worried about identification, consider a microchip; it is permanent, cannot snag, and is the most reliable form of ID anyway.
Never Use the Crate as Punishment
This cannot be overstated: the crate must always remain a positive space in your puppy's mind. If you send your puppy to the crate as a timeout or punishment, they will begin to associate it with negative emotions and may resist entering it. Instead, use a separate timeout space like a bathroom or playpen if you need to give your puppy a cooling-off moment.
Avoid Overheating
A crate in a warm room can overheat a dog. Place the crate in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight, radiators, and drafts. In warm weather, ensure the crate has good airflow; wire crates are best for hot climates. Never cover a plastic crate with a blanket in warm weather, as this traps heat and can quickly lead to overheating.
Proper Bathroom Breaks
Puppies have small bladders and cannot hold them for long. Ask your vet how long your puppy can wait between breaks at their age, and plan breaks during the day. Set a timer if you need to; it is easy to lose track of time when you are working or busy around the house, and an accident in the crate sets back housetraining progress significantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right crate for your puppy is one of the most important decisions you will make in those early months, and it does not have to be complicated. Focus on three things: get the size right (snug but with room to grow), choose a style that matches your puppy's temperament and chewing intensity, and invest in quality construction that will survive the puppy phase and last into adulthood.
The MidWest iCrate Double Door remains our top recommendation for most puppy owners because it nails all three criteria. If you are dealing with a determined chewer or escape artist, the Frisco Heavy Duty is absolutely worth the upgrade. And if your main concern is portability, the AmazonBasics Soft Crate and Petmate Sky Kennel are both solid choices in their respective categories.
Whatever you choose, remember that the crate itself is only half the equation. The time and patience you invest in proper crate training during the first few weeks will pay off for years to come; a dog that is comfortable in its den is easier to manage at home and on the road. Take it slow, stay consistent, and you will both get there.
Willemijn has kept animals for around 45 years. She did not have these particular items in her own home. What follows is her read on them, put together from research and from what she has seen at other owners' houses. We keep it separate from her hands-on notes on purpose, because the two are not the same thing.
MidWest iCrate Double Door. Very sturdy, double doors, folds down. Drawback: Heavy.
AmazonBasics Soft Travel Crate. Easy to store away, but Max could get out of it without much trouble. Drawback: Not escape-proof.
Unipaws Furniture-Style Crate. Good looking, but the wood is not strong enough. Drawback: Strength.
Petmate Sky Kennel (plastic). Sturdy plastic, but the screws were fiddly. Drawback: The screws.
Willemijn is a friend of the founder and is not paid for this.