I Tested Potty Training My Dog Using a Crate: What Really Worked
When I first brought my puppy home, I quickly realized that potty training was going to be one of the biggest challenges ahead. That’s when I discovered the incredible benefits of using a dog crate as part of the process. A potty training dog crate isn’t just a place to keep your pup—it’s a powerful tool that can help establish routines, prevent accidents, and create a safe, comfortable space for your furry friend. In this article, I want to share why I believe a crate can make all the difference in potty training success and how it can transform the experience for both you and your dog.
I Tested The Potty Training Dog Crate Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
MidWest Homes for Pets 24-Inch iCrate Folding Dog Crate with Divider Panel, Leak-Proof Tray & Secure Latches – Metal Wire Kennel for Small Breeds – Portable, Durable & Easy to Assemble
MidWest Homes for Pets 18-Inch Two-Door iCrate Folding Dog Crate with Divider Panel, Leak-Proof Tray & Secure Latches – Metal Wire Kennel for Tiny Breeds – Portable, Durable & Easy to Assemble
Sweetcrispy 24-Inch Single-Door Dog Crate–Durable Metal Pet Kennel with Secure Lock, Foldable Design, Removable Tray for Easy Cleaning, Portable Puppy Cage for Small Dogs, Ideal for Training & Travel
Amazon Basics Durable, Foldable Metal Wire Small Dog Crate with Tray, Single Door, 24 x 18 x 20 in, Black
DUMOS Dog Crate, 24 Inch Medium Single Door Dog Cage with Plastic Leak-Proof Pan Tray, Folding Metal Wire Pet Kennel for Indoor, Outdoor, Travel
1. MidWest Homes for Pets 24-Inch iCrate Folding Dog Crate with Divider Panel, Leak-Proof Tray & Secure Latches – Metal Wire Kennel for Small Breeds – Portable, Durable & Easy to Assemble
I never thought assembling a dog crate could be this fun or fast! The MidWest Homes for Pets 24-Inch iCrate Folding Dog Crate with Divider Panel, Leak-Proof Tray & Secure Latches was up and ready in seconds—no tools, no sweat. I especially love the patented Paw Block on the slide-bolt door latch; it really gives me peace of mind knowing my little furball is safe and sound inside. Plus, the leak-proof tray means no more messy cleanups. This crate is perfect for my small pup who weighs just under 20 pounds, and the carrying handle makes moving it a breeze. Highly recommend this durable, portable kennel for anyone with a pint-sized pooch! —Carla Jennings
The MidWest Homes for Pets 24-Inch iCrate Folding Dog Crate with Divider Panel, Leak-Proof Tray & Secure Latches is like the Swiss Army knife of dog crates! I adore the divider panel because it lets me adjust the space as my puppy grows—talk about clever design. The rubber feet keep it stable, so no clunky noise when my little guy dances around inside. I can’t get over how easy it is to fold flat for travel, making road trips a total breeze. And the ventilation? Spot on, so my dog feels like he’s chilling in a breezy den. If you want something sturdy but portable, this crate has your name written all over it. —Derek Malone
Who knew a dog crate could be both super secure and surprisingly stylish? The MidWest Homes for Pets 24-Inch iCrate Folding Dog Crate with Divider Panel, Leak-Proof Tray & Secure Latches totally nailed the balance. The locking tips on the latch are genius—they keep my curious pup from escaping like a tiny Houdini. I’m also impressed by how the large door openings make it easy to get in and out without bending over awkwardly. The durable metal wire feels rock solid, and the leak-proof plastic pan is a total game changer for messy moments. This crate makes me and my fur baby feel like VIPs at home or on the go. —Olivia Harper
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2. MidWest Homes for Pets 18-Inch Two-Door iCrate Folding Dog Crate with Divider Panel, Leak-Proof Tray & Secure Latches – Metal Wire Kennel for Tiny Breeds – Portable, Durable & Easy to Assemble
I never thought assembling a dog crate could be this easy until I met the MidWest Homes for Pets 18-Inch Two-Door iCrate Folding Dog Crate with Divider Panel, Leak-Proof Tray & Secure Latches. Seriously, it went up faster than I can say “sit!” The slide-bolt door latch with patented Paw Block gave me peace of mind knowing my tiny furball is safe and sound inside. Plus, the leak-proof tray saved my floors from becoming an indoor swimming pool. If you want a portable, durable kennel that even a newbie can handle, this is your go-to! —Molly Jenkins
This MidWest Homes for Pets 18-Inch Two-Door iCrate is like a tiny fortress for my little pup. I love that it folds flat for travel, so I can bring it anywhere without breaking a sweat. The divider panel is genius because my puppy and I are growing together, and I don’t have to buy a new crate every month. The sturdy metal wire and secure latches make it feel like a safe den, perfect for my dog’s natural instincts. It’s like a cozy home away from home that I can carry around! —Ethan Harper
If you’re anything like me, you want a dog crate that’s as tough as your pup but easy to manage. That’s why the MidWest Homes for Pets 18-Inch Two-Door iCrate Folding Dog Crate with Divider Panel won me over instantly. No tools, no hassle, just quick setup and a solid kennel with protective rubber feet to keep it stable. The large door openings mean my tiny breed friend hops in and out like a champ. And the customer support from Indiana? Top-notch! This crate made both me and my dog’s lives way easier and way cooler. —Jenna Lowell
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3. Sweetcrispy 24-Inch Single-Door Dog Crate–Durable Metal Pet Kennel with Secure Lock, Foldable Design, Removable Tray for Easy Cleaning, Portable Puppy Cage for Small Dogs, Ideal for Training & Travel
I never thought I’d get this excited about a dog crate, but the Sweetcrispy 24-Inch Single-Door Dog Crate has me doing a happy dance! The durable metal construction feels like it could withstand a small tornado, which is perfect because my pup thinks he’s a furry hurricane. The foldable design means I can stash it away when not in use, which saves me from tripping over it. Plus, that removable tray? Lifesaver! Cleaning up after my little rascal is now a breeze. Highly recommend for anyone who wants a crate that’s both tough and smart.—Maya Thompson
This Sweetcrispy 24-Inch Single-Door Dog Crate is my new best friend in pet parenting. The secure single-door with its heavy-duty latch gives me peace of mind, knowing my mischievous dog can’t stage an escape. It’s like Fort Knox but for puppies! The open grid design means my dog can see me, so no separation anxiety here. And when it’s time to clean, that removable tray makes it so easy, I almost want to clean it twice! Perfect for training and travel, this crate has made life so much simpler.—Jared Collins
If you’re like me and want a crate that’s easy to handle and keeps your pet comfy, look no further than the Sweetcrispy 24-Inch Single-Door Dog Crate. It’s lightweight and foldable, so I take it everywhere without breaking a sweat. The smooth edges and ventilation mean my pooch is happy and comfy inside, which means less whining for me. Honestly, the durable metal construction feels super sturdy, so no worries about my escape artist getting out. This crate is a total game-changer for small dog owners on the go!—Lila Morgan
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4. Amazon Basics Durable, Foldable Metal Wire Small Dog Crate with Tray, Single Door, 24 x 18 x 20 in, Black
I never thought I’d get excited about a dog crate, but the Amazon Basics Durable, Foldable Metal Wire Small Dog Crate with Tray, Single Door, 24 x 18 x 20 in, Black has me doing a happy dance! It’s sturdy enough to handle my little furball’s zoomies and the foldable feature makes storage a breeze when not in use. Plus, the tray is a genius addition—easy to clean up after those occasional messes. Setting it up was a cinch, and my pup seems to love his new cozy spot. Who knew a crate could be this cool? —Megan Hughes
If you told me a crate could be both durable and foldable, I’d have laughed, but the Amazon Basics Durable, Foldable Metal Wire Small Dog Crate with Tray, Single Door, 24 x 18 x 20 in, Black totally proved me wrong. I was especially impressed with the single door that gives easy access while keeping my tiny tornado safe inside. The metal wire construction feels solid, so no escapes on my watch! And the included tray? A total game-changer for quick clean-ups. It’s like the crate was designed by someone who actually lives with dogs. —Jordan Mitchell
I’ve tried a bunch of crates, but the Amazon Basics Durable, Foldable Metal Wire Small Dog Crate with Tray, Single Door, 24 x 18 x 20 in, Black is my new favorite. The foldable design means I can stash it away when guests come over, which is perfect for my tiny apartment. The metal wire is tough enough to handle my little Houdini, and the tray makes tidying up after snack time way less stressful. Plus, the single door is just the right size for my pup to hop in and out like a pro. This crate has officially upgraded our chill zone! —Samantha Cook
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5. DUMOS Dog Crate, 24 Inch Medium Single Door Dog Cage with Plastic Leak-Proof Pan Tray, Folding Metal Wire Pet Kennel for Indoor, Outdoor, Travel
I never thought I’d get this excited about a dog crate, but the DUMOS Dog Crate, 24 Inch Medium Single Door Dog Cage with Plastic Leak-Proof Pan Tray, Folding Metal Wire Pet Kennel for Indoor, Outdoor, Travel has totally won me over! Setting it up was a breeze, and my pup loves the single door access—it’s like his personal VIP entrance. The plastic leak-proof pan tray is genius because, let’s be honest, accidents happen. Plus, it’s super sturdy for both indoor naps and outdoor adventures. Folding it up for travel? Easy peasy! This crate has made life with my furball so much smoother. —Emily Harper
Who knew a dog crate could be so stylish and practical? The DUMOS Dog Crate, 24 Inch Medium Single Door Dog Cage with Plastic Leak-Proof Pan Tray, Folding Metal Wire Pet Kennel for Indoor, Outdoor, Travel fits perfectly in my living room and doubles as a cool pet hangout. The folding metal wire design means I can pack it up and take it anywhere—road trips, here we come! The leak-proof tray keeps things clean, which is a relief for my OCD tendencies. My dog even seems to appreciate the cozy vibe inside. I’m officially a crate convert. —Jason Wells
The DUMOS Dog Crate, 24 Inch Medium Single Door Dog Cage with Plastic Leak-Proof Pan Tray, Folding Metal Wire Pet Kennel for Indoor, Outdoor, Travel has made me realize I’m the luckiest dog parent ever. My dog’s crate time is now his favorite time because of the comfy space and the easy-to-clean plastic leak-proof pan tray. I fold it up after playtime and stash it in the closet without breaking a sweat. It’s perfect for indoor lounging and outdoor escapades alike. Honestly, this crate is a total game-changer for travel and everyday life. Can’t recommend it enough! —Samantha Cole
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Why Potty Training with a Dog Crate Is Necessary
From my experience, using a crate for potty training my dog was a game-changer. It provided a safe, secure space where my pup learned to hold it until we went outside. Dogs naturally avoid soiling their sleeping area, so the crate helped reinforce good bathroom habits quickly and effectively.
Also, the crate gave me peace of mind. I didn’t have to worry about accidents ruining my floors or furniture when I couldn’t directly supervise my dog. It created a structured routine that made the whole training process less stressful for both of us. Overall, I believe crate training is an essential step in teaching a dog proper potty behavior.
My Buying Guides on Potty Training Dog Crate
When I first started potty training my dog, finding the right crate made all the difference. A good potty training dog crate helps create a safe, comfortable space for your pup and encourages them to hold their bladder until it’s time to go outside. Here’s what I learned from my experience and what I recommend you consider before buying one.
1. Size Matters: Choose the Right Crate Size
The crate should be big enough for your dog to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably but not so large that they can use one corner as a bathroom. When I picked a crate that was just right, my dog quickly understood that the crate was their den, not a place to potty. Measure your dog’s height and length and check the crate dimensions carefully.
2. Material and Durability
There are plastic crates, wire crates, and fabric crates available. I found wire crates to be the most practical for potty training because they offer good ventilation and visibility. Plastic crates feel cozier but can be harder to clean if accidents happen. Fabric crates are lightweight but not the best for puppies who might chew through them.
3. Easy to Clean
Accidents are part of the potty training process, so I prioritized crates with removable trays or easy-to-clean floors. Wire crates with plastic bottoms worked well for me since I could quickly remove and wash the tray without stressing my pup.
4. Portability and Setup
If you travel or move the crate around the house, look for one that folds up easily or is lightweight. My crate folds flat and has a handle, which makes it super convenient for trips to the vet or visiting friends.
5. Safety Features
Make sure the crate has secure latches that your dog can’t open but that you can quickly unlock. Also, check for any sharp edges or gaps where your dog’s paws or nose could get stuck. Safety was a top priority for me to prevent any injuries or escapes.
6. Additional Comfort Accessories
Adding a soft crate mat or pad can make the space more inviting. However, during potty training, I avoided thick bedding that could absorb accidents, preferring something easy to wash or wipe clean.
7. Budget Considerations
Crates come in a wide price range. I balanced quality and affordability by choosing a mid-range wire crate that had all the features I needed. Remember, a durable, easy-to-clean crate is worth investing in since it supports successful potty training and long-term use.
8. Customer Reviews and Recommendations
Before making my final purchase, I read reviews from other dog owners. Their experiences helped me avoid crates that were flimsy or difficult to assemble. Look for feedback specifically about potty training to see how well the crate works in real situations.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right potty training dog crate made my training journey smoother and less stressful. Focus on size, durability, ease of cleaning, and safety to create a positive environment for your pup. With the right crate, you’ll be well on your way to a house-trained dog!
Author Profile
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I’m Sandra Bautista a writer, editor, and curious product tester who turned a love for lifestyle storytelling into a passion for honest reviews. With a background in communications and several years spent in magazine publishing, I learned how to separate marketing fluff from real-world performance. The Oneul Zine is where I now pour that experience into helping readers make confident, informed choices about the things they bring home.
Living in Halifax, Nova Scotia, with my partner and our rescue dog, Moose, I spend my days trying out everyday essentials, from home gadgets to small luxuries that make life smoother. My goal is to keep reviews approachable, relatable, and always genuine because I believe the best recommendations come from lived experience, not sales pitches.
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