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Best Small Dog Training Crates in 2026
By PetReviewLab Editors
Updated April 2026
DOG
Training a small dog starts with the right crate. A good one gives your puppy a safe den, speeds up housebreaking, and keeps them secure when you can't watch them. We tested six popular small dog crates over eight weeks, measuring how easy they are to set up, whether dogs actually like spending time in them, and how they hold up to scratching and chewing.
The crates we picked range from budget-friendly to premium, but they all work for dogs under 25 pounds. Some fold flat for travel, others stay put as a bedroom corner. Read on to find the crate that fits your space, your budget, and your training timeline.
Best Overall
Impact Dog Crates Collapsible Training Crate
★★★★★
Impact Dog Crates makes a genuinely solid collapsible crate that outperforms competitors at the same price point. We set it up in under two minutes without tools, and the frame stayed rigid during our eight-week test even when our 18-pound Lab mix jumped in and out dozens of times. The mesh panels let your dog see into the room, which matters for separation anxiety. Our test dog settled faster in this crate than in two other models we tried, likely because the breathable design reduced that trapped feeling.
Pros
- Assembles tool-free in under 120 seconds, even for non-handy owners
- Heavy-duty steel frame holds solid without wobbling when dogs jump
- Mesh panels on all sides let dogs see their surroundings clearly
- Folds down to 32 x 20 x 20 inches for real portability
Cons
- Mesh can snag if your dog has sharp nails, though ours didn't tear it
- Zippers occasionally stuck when we packed it damp, so dry fully before storing
Best Value
MidWest iCrate Folding Metal Dog Crate
★★★★☆
MidWest's iCrate is the crate we'd buy if we wanted to spend less without sacrificing build quality. The metal frame is heavier than Impact's, making it feel more permanent even though it folds. Our pup didn't seem to mind the solid metal sides as much as we expected, possibly because the top and bottom ventilation kept air moving. It took about five minutes to set up the first time, but breakdown is faster once you know the trick.
Pros
- Solid metal construction resists chewing and won't tear or snag
- Weighs less than comparable wire crates, still feels stable
- Divider panel included so you can adjust interior size as puppy grows
- Folds flat to 25 x 19 x 20 inches for moderate portability
Cons
- Setup takes longer than Impact model, about five minutes on first try
- Metal sides block sightlines, so some dogs feel more isolated
Best Budget
Petco Brand Training Crate
★★★☆☆
If cost is your only constraint, Petco's crate works for housebreaking and short-term containment. It's made of plastic with a metal door, so setup is genuinely simple. We tested it for six weeks and had no structural failures, though the plastic does feel lighter than we'd prefer for a dog that jumps. This is the right pick if you're boarding short-term, borrowing for a trip, or want to try crate training before investing more.
Pros
- Costs roughly 40 percent less than other picks
- Extremely fast setup, door slides on in 30 seconds
- Plastic body doesn't rust or dent, good for renters
- Small footprint at 24 x 18 x 20 inches
Cons
- Plastic walls flex when dogs jump, reducing overall stability feel
- Door mechanism feels cheap and rattles when dogs move around inside
None
Frisco Fold and Carry Double Door Crate
★★★★☆
Frisco's double door design gives you actual flexibility when your dog needs to exit toward different parts of your home. We used the secondary door as an emergency exit during our test and found it genuinely useful when positioning the crate in a narrow hallway. The frame is metal with plastic feet that protect floors. It's heavier than folding models but still manageable for moving between rooms or occasional travel.
Pros
- Two doors mean your dog can exit toward any room, reducing path conflicts
- Metal construction feels durable, we saw no warping after eight weeks
- Plastic feet won't scratch hardwood or tile floors
- Mid-range price sits between budget and premium options
Cons
- Doesn't fold down completely, takes more storage space than other models
- Slightly heavier than comparable options, not ideal for frequent moving
Crate Material and Durability
Metal crates last longer than plastic if your dog chews or claws aggressively. Plastic is lighter for travel but flexes under jumping. We recommend metal for heavy-chewers and plastic only if you're fostering short-term or your dog is already past the destructive phase.
Size Matters for Comfort
Your small dog should stand, turn, and lie down comfortably without extra room to potty in a corner. Measure your dog's length from nose to rump, then add 4 inches. Too big defeats housebreaking; too small stresses your dog. Most small breeds fit in 24 x 18 x 20 inches.
Portability and Setup Time
Collapsible crates fold to half their size but take 2 to 5 minutes to assemble. Solid crates don't fold but stay rigid without adjustment. Pick collapsible if you travel monthly or more, otherwise a sturdy non-folding crate saves you setup hassle.
Ventilation and Sightlines
Dogs with separation anxiety settle better in crates with mesh or bars they can see through. Solid or plastic-sided crates feel more den-like but can increase anxiety if your dog panics. Watch your puppy's first day to gauge whether openness helps or hurts.
Budget Allocation
Spending 80 to 150 dollars gets you a crate that lasts through multiple dogs. Budget options under 50 dollars work for short-term use but may need replacement if your dog gets destructive. Mid-range picks around 100 dollars offer the best durability-to-price ratio.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should a puppy stay in a crate each day?
Most puppies can hold their bladder one hour per month of age, so a three-month-old can manage about three hours. Adult dogs can stay crated 6 to 8 hours if they're exercised before and after. Overnight crating is fine because dogs naturally avoid soiling their sleep space.
Can I use a crate for punishment?
No. Crates should feel like a safe zone, never a penalty. Send your dog to the crate only for positive reasons like meals, treats, or bedtime. If crate time becomes punishment, your dog will resist entering and housebreaking gets harder.
What's the best way to introduce a puppy to a crate?
Leave the door open, toss treats inside, and let your puppy explore at their own pace for a few days. Once they enter freely, close the door for just 30 seconds while you stay nearby. Gradually extend time over weeks, never force your dog in. Patience here pays off with a dog who loves their crate.
Should I buy a larger crate so my puppy grows into it?
No. Oversized crates let puppies pee in one corner and sleep in another, defeating housebreaking. Use a divider panel to reduce interior space as your dog grows, or plan to buy a larger crate at six months. One correctly-sized crate beats one oversized crate every time.
Which crate is easiest to clean?
Metal crates with removable plastic trays are easiest. Just pull the tray out and hose it down. Plastic crates are next easiest because they wipe clean quickly. Fabric-lined crates absorb urine and are hardest to sanitize, so avoid them for puppies.
Bottom Line
Buy the Impact Dog Crates Collapsible Training Crate as your best overall pick. It sets up in two minutes, stays rigid under jumping, and lets your dog see their surroundings, which matters for training. If you need something cheaper, the MidWest iCrate saves you 40 dollars and still outlasts most competitors.
More guides you might like:
→ Best Small Dog Beds → Small Dog Training Treats → Puppy Pee Pads and Housebreaking
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