7 Best Crate For Potty Training | Stop Cage Soiling Now

Potty training a puppy hinges on one principle: dogs instinctively avoid soiling their sleeping area. Without the right confinement space, that instinct never kicks in, turning crate training into a frustrating battle of accidents and cleanup.

I’m Mo Mahin — the founder and writer behind Furric. I’ve spent years analyzing pet product specifications, studying behavioral training literature, and cross-referencing thousands of owner experiences to identify exactly which crate dimensions and features actually support successful housebreaking.

After close analysis of dozens of models, I’ve narrowed the market to the seven most effective options below for finding the best crate for potty training, whether you need a budget wire cage, a furniture piece, or a grow-with-me design.

How To Choose The Best Crate For Potty Training

Selecting a crate for housebreaking goes beyond picking any cage. The primary mechanism of crate training relies on the dog’s natural denning instinct: they will not eliminate where they sleep. If the crate is too large, the puppy can designate a corner for sleeping and another corner for soiling — defeating the entire purpose. Here are the critical specs to evaluate.

Correct Size and the Divider Panel

A crate for potty training should be just large enough for the dog to stand up, turn around, and lie down flat. For a growing puppy, an adjustable divider panel is non-negotiable. This lets you block off excess space so the puppy is forced to hold their bladder until you let them out. As they grow, you slide the divider back, effectively giving them one “crate upgrade” without buying a new unit. Look for models where the divider is constructed of thick-gauge wire — flimsy panels can be bent or dislodged by a determined chewer.

Tray Design and Material

Accidents happen. A leak-proof, removable plastic tray is essential for quick cleanup. The best trays have raised lips to contain spills and a surface that resists warping from moisture over the long term. ABS composite trays are generally superior to basic polypropylene because they resist staining and odor absorption. Some crates feature pull-out trays accessible from the front, which is far more convenient than reaching through the top door with your entire arm.

Door Configuration and Latch Security

Single-door models work fine, but a double-door design (front and side) gives you more placement options in tight spaces or corners. For training purposes, a low threshold on the bottom frame makes it easier for small puppies to enter without scraping their legs. The latch itself must be an escape-proof slide-bolt mechanism — simple twist latches can be pawed open by clever dogs. Rounded interior corners and precision welding prevent snags on fur or skin.

Quick Comparison

On smaller screens, swipe sideways to see the full table.

Model Category Best For Key Spec Amazon
MidWest iCrate 30″ Mid-Range Medium breeds 21-40 lbs Divider panel, 37.5mm gap Amazon
Sweetcrispy 36″ Double Door Mid-Range Medium dogs, dual entry ABS leak-proof tray Amazon
Amazon Basics 24″ Budget Small breeds, Havanese/Pug Divider panel, 15mm gap Amazon
Sweetcrispy 24″ Single Door Budget Toy/small breeds, travel Foldable, 24.4″L x 16.8″W Amazon
Yaheetech 42″ w/Divider Premium Large breeds, Lab to Collie Removable tray, 1.3″ gap Amazon
MAHANCRIS 43.3″ Furniture Premium Two small dogs or one large 160 lb top load capacity Amazon
Easycom 41.3″ Foldable Furniture Premium Large dogs 35-60 lb Pre-assembled, 0.47″ steel tubes Amazon

In‑Depth Reviews

Best Overall

1. MidWest Homes for Pets 30-Inch iCrate

Slide-bolt latchDivider panel included

The iCrate 30″ hits the sweet spot for medium breeds like French Bulldogs, Welsh Terriers, and Dachshunds weighing 21 to 40 pounds. The divider panel is the standout training feature — it reduces the interior to a den-sized space so your puppy has no room to designate a separate toilet corner, reinforcing the hold-it instinct from day one. The precision-welded corners and rounded clip design eliminate sharp edges that could snag your puppy’s collar or skin during anxious moments.

The leak-proof plastic tray sits flush inside the frame, and the rubber feet prevent the whole crate from sliding on hardwood or tile floors — a detail that matters when your puppy is rattling the door during adjustment. The slide-bolt latch includes a Paw Block feature that prevents the mechanism from catching fur when you close the door. Owners of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels reported the divider was simple to install without tools, which saves time during the first night of training.

A family-owned Indiana manufacturer with over a century of pet product experience, MidWest builds this crate to handle daily folding and travel without the welds popping loose. The protective black e-coat finish resists rust from repeated cleaning sessions, and the carrying handle makes it easy to move between rooms or take to the vet. For a mid-range price, you get a crate that supports the entire training lifecycle from 8-week-old puppy to full-grown adult dog.

Why we love it

  • Divider panel is heavy gauge and locks securely in position
  • Low threshold design makes entry easy for short-legged breeds
  • Leak-proof tray resists warping after frequent washings

Good to know

  • Single-door design limits placement options in narrow hallways
  • 30-inch size may be tight for dogs at the upper limit of 40 pounds
Double Door Pick

2. Sweetcrispy 36 Inch Double Door Dog Crate

ABS composite trayTwo sliding bolt locks

The 36-inch Sweetcrispy stands out because of its double-door layout — one on the front, one on the side — which gives you flexibility to position the crate in a corner or against a wall while still having clear access for cleaning and coaxing the puppy inside. The side door is a real advantage during early training because you can sit beside the crate and feed treats through without blocking the front entrance. The thick metal mesh has rounded-edge corners that prevent accidental scratches when the puppy is excitedly entering or exiting.

The ABS composite plastic tray is a meaningful upgrade over standard polypropylene trays. ABS resists staining from urine and does not absorb odors over multiple weeks of housebreaking accidents. It is also leak-proof, so any spills stay trapped inside the tray rather than seeping through to your floor. The tray can be removed from either door side, which simplifies cleaning when the crate is placed in a tight spot. Folding the crate flat takes roughly ten seconds, so you can relocate it between the living room and bedroom depending on your schedule.

Each door uses two heavy-duty sliding bolt locks rather than a single latch, creating redundancy that discourages escape attempts. In customer reports, the 36-inch size comfortably accommodated a Beagle mix weighing roughly 25 pounds with room to grow, and the divider (available separately) could be added to shrink the space for a smaller puppy. The open-grid design promotes airflow, which keeps the interior from becoming stuffy on warm days during longer training sessions.

Why we love it

  • ABS tray repels odors and stains more effectively than basic plastic
  • Side door allows flexible placement and easier puppy entry
  • Dual slide-bolt locks on each door for extra security

Good to know

  • Divider panel is sold separately, not included in the box
  • Folded size is still bulky for smaller car trunks
Smart Budget Pick

3. Amazon Basics 24-Inch Foldable Metal Wire Dog Crate

Divider includedFolds flat with handle

Amazon Basics delivers a no-frills crate that hits the essential requirements for potty training a small breed like a Havanese or Pug. The 24-inch length and 20-inch height are appropriate for dogs that measure under 20 inches from nose to tail base when standing, and the included divider panel lets you shrink the interior for a growing puppy. The manual door locking mechanism uses a simple slide latch that adults can operate easily but remains secure against a small dog’s nose and paw attempts.

The removable plastic base tray is easy to slide out for cleaning, and there is a metal hook at the bottom of the frame that locks the tray in position so it does not drift when the puppy moves around inside. The 15-millimeter bar spacing is narrow enough to prevent a small dog’s head from slipping through, which is a safety concern with crates designed for larger animals. Setting up the crate takes under a minute with no tools required, and folding it down is equally fast, with a top handle for carrying to the car or storing in a closet.

Owner feedback notes that the tray’s surface is smooth and easy to wipe, and the crate’s weight of 13.9 pounds makes it one of the lighter options in this roundup. While the build uses thinner wire than premium competitors, the trade-off in weight and price makes it a viable choice for a first-time puppy owner who expects the crate to serve primarily during the 4-6 month training window. The black e-coat finish is consistent and does not chip under normal handling.

Why we love it

  • Very affordable price for the essential training feature set
  • Included divider panel supports size adjustment as puppy grows
  • Lightweight at under 14 pounds for easy transport

Good to know

  • Wire gauge is lighter, less ideal for strong chewers
  • Single door only limits placement flexibility
Compact Traveler

4. Sweetcrispy 24 Inch Single Door Dog Crate

Folds in secondsHeavy-duty latch

The 24-inch Sweetcrispy targets toy breeds and small puppies that need a crate primarily for travel and short confinement periods. With interior dimensions of 24.4 inches by 16.77 inches, it fits dogs up to roughly the size of a Miniature Schnauzer or Boston Terrier. The single door features a heavy-duty latch that clicks securely closed, and the iron construction provides a solid feel that resists shaking when the puppy is restless during the first few nights of training.

The removable plastic tray catches spills and accidents, and its smooth surface wipes down quickly with a damp cloth. One notable design decision is the folded-edge finish on the metal panels — there are no sharp burrs at the welded junctions, which reduces the risk of the puppy cutting a paw pad when entering or exiting the crate. The open grid pattern allows the puppy to see the surrounding room, which reduces anxiety during the early phase of crate training when separation is still unfamiliar.

The folding mechanism collapses the crate flat in a few seconds, making it easy to tuck into a car trunk or store under a bed. The dimensions are compact enough that this crate would also serve as a secondary unit for the office or a family member’s home. For a budget-conscious shopper seeking a dedicated travel crate for a small breed, this model offers a low-fuss solution that does not sacrifice the necessary structural integrity for daily use.

Why we love it

  • Compact footprint fits well in small apartments and vehicles
  • Heavy-duty latch holds securely even during travel jostling
  • Smooth rolled edges prevent paw injuries

Good to know

  • No divider panel included for size adjustment
  • Limited to very small breeds only due to dimensions
Large Breed Specialist

5. Yaheetech 42 Inch Double Door Dog Crate w/Divider

Grow-with-me dividerPull-out leak-proof tray

The 42-inch Yaheetech is built for large breeds like Labradors, Golden Retrievers, and Border Collies that need a spacious crate without sacrificing the training benefits of size control. The included divider panel adjusts the interior space from full 42-inch length down to a puppy-sized den, which is essential for preventing a large-breed puppy from using one half of the crate as a bathroom. The bar spacing of 1.3 inches keeps the puppy securely inside while providing enough ventilation for a big frame.

The pull-out leak-proof tray slides out from the front for cleaning without needing to unfold the crate or remove the dog. The locking buckles on the tray hold it in place during normal use, preventing the puppy from shifting it with their paws. The collapsible mechanism uses a buckle setup rather than screws, so the crate folds down to a 10-inch-thick profile for storage. The detachable handle makes carrying this 30-pound crate manageable when moving it between the house and the car for vet trips or boarding.

This crate’s 42-inch length provides enough room for a full-grown Golden Retriever to stretch out comfortably while still feeling like a den. The double-door design includes a front door and a side door, offering the same placement flexibility seen in other premium models. Owners who have used this crate through the full puppy-to-adult transition report that the divider holds its position without sliding, even when the dog pushes against it during excited moments.

Why we love it

  • Divider supports large-breed puppy training from 8 weeks to full size
  • Pull-out tray allows cleaning without moving the crate
  • Collapses to thin profile for efficient storage

Good to know

  • Weight of 30 pounds makes it less portable than smaller models
  • Some assembly required for the divider installation
Furniture Dual Crate

6. MAHANCRIS 43.3″ Dog Crate Furniture with Removable Divider

160 lb top loadRemovable divider for 2 dogs

The MAHANCRIS furniture crate is a dual-purpose solution for households with two small dogs or one medium-large dog up to 80 pounds. The removable divider splits the 43.3-inch-wide interior into two separate compartments, allowing you to crate two dogs side by side for simultaneous potty training. With the divider removed, a single large dog like an American Staffordshire Terrier or a Corgi has enough horizontal space to stretch out fully. The rustic brown finish and solid engineered wood panels make this crate blend into living room decor far better than a wire cage.

The top panel supports up to 160 pounds, so it can function as an end table or display surface for plants, lamps, or books. The internal shelf holds up to 80 pounds, which is adequate for a medium dog to sit or lie on if you choose to use the upper level. Construction uses a combination of durable panels and metal wire, with an anti-tip kit included to prevent the unit from falling forward when the door is opened. The accessory kit comes with clear installation instructions that require basic tools but no specialized expertise.

For potty training specifically, the divider ensures each dog has a correctly sized den without excess space. The interior metal frame is sturdy enough that a determined dog cannot push the divider out of position. The crate measures 43.3 inches by 21.7 inches by 26.4 inches, so it occupies a significant floor footprint — measure your intended location before ordering. Owner feedback highlights that the assembly takes roughly 30 minutes with two people, and the finished piece looks like custom furniture rather than a pet enclosure.

Why we love it

  • Removable divider allows training two puppies simultaneously
  • Top surface serves as functional furniture with high weight capacity
  • Anti-tip kit adds safety against tipping during excited entry

Good to know

  • Assembly is more involved, requiring basic tools and two people
  • Wood panels can absorb odors if accidents are not cleaned promptly
No-Tool Setup

7. Easycom 41.3″ Foldable Dog Crate Furniture

Fully pre-assembled0.47″ steel tubes

The Easycom furniture crate eliminates the single biggest frustration of crate purchase: assembly. This unit comes fully pre-assembled and folds out of the box in under two minutes — no screws, no panels to align, no instructions to decode. The design uses 0.47-inch-diameter steel tubes combined with solid wood panels, creating a build that supports dogs up to 100 pounds without sagging or wobbling. For potty training, the reinforced base includes steel bars that add rigidity when the puppy moves around inside.

A unique feature for practical feeding is the pair of stainless-steel bowls mounted in a swivel door. The bowls rotate 360 degrees and can be adjusted to two height positions, accommodating dogs of different sizes. This keeps food and water contained within the crate and avoids the mess of a separate bowl sliding across the floor. The package also includes a name tag and a small box of chalk for personalization, which is a thoughtful touch for making the puppy feel their crate is their own space from day one.

The dimensions of 41.34 inches by 25.59 inches by 27.56 inches are suitable for medium to large dogs in the 35-to-60-pound range. The rustic brown finish and clean lines allow it to serve as a side table or coffee table without clashing with existing furniture. Owner reviews consistently mention how quickly they had the crate set up and how sturdy it felt once unfolded. The foldable mechanism means you can collapse it for seasonal storage or moving without losing structural integrity each time you reassemble.

Why we love it

  • Zero assembly required — unfold and use immediately
  • Sturdy steel tube construction supports up to 100-pound dogs
  • Swivel feeding bowls with adjustable height reduce mealtime mess

Good to know

  • Higher price point compared to wire crates with similar footprint
  • No divider panel for adjusting interior space during growth

FAQ

Why does my puppy still have accidents inside the crate?
If accidents persist, the crate is likely too large. A puppy will naturally avoid soiling their sleeping area, but excess space allows them to sleep in one corner and eliminate in another. Measure your puppy from nose to base of tail, then add four inches — the crate’s length should not exceed that measurement. Use a divider panel to shrink the interior if you cannot exchange the crate for a smaller model. Also check that you are not leaving the puppy confined for longer than their bladder can physically hold, which at eight weeks is roughly two hours.
Should I line the crate floor with pee pads during training?
No. Placing a pee pad inside the crate teaches the puppy that eliminating inside their confinement area is acceptable, which directly undermines the potty training instinct. The goal is to create a space the puppy wants to keep clean. If you must use pads for overnight accidents, place them directly under the crate’s tray to protect the floor, not inside the crate itself. The tray is designed to catch spills and can be cleaned thoroughly after each incident.
What is the best way to introduce a puppy to the crate for the first time?
Start with the door open and toss treats or a favorite toy inside without closing the door. Feed meals inside the crate to build positive association. Once the puppy willingly enters, close the door for two minutes while sitting next to the crate, then gradually extend the duration. Never use the crate as punishment, because a positive den association is essential for the puppy to feel secure enough to self-isolate during potty training intervals. Place the crate in a high-traffic area like the living room so the puppy does not feel isolated.

Final Thoughts: The Verdict

For most dog owners seeking a crate for potty training, the winner is the MidWest iCrate 30″ because it combines a secure divider panel, durable steel construction, and a leak-proof tray at a fair price. If you need a double-door design for placement flexibility, the Sweetcrispy 36″ Double Door offers a superior ABS tray and dual slide-bolt locks. And for owners who want a furniture piece that does not require any assembly, the Easycom Foldable Furniture Crate provides a sturdy, pre-assembled solution that blends into your home decor.