How to Choose a Dog House Crate

dog house cage

Crates are useful for temporarily confining dogs when you cannot supervise them or they must be left alone for extended periods, such as when you go to work, run errands or take your dog on a road trip. However, some people over-crate their dogs for too long, leading to behavioral issues such as cage rage, anxiety and fearfulness. This is especially common with puppies.

Unlike dens in the wild, which are naturally constructed of solid material and can only be entered through a doorway, crates feature windows and wire mesh so they can be opened from multiple sides. Those same openings also allow for more ventilation and better visibility for your pet, so they can feel safer and secure. Most crates are collapsible to make transport and storage easy, although some are more portable than others. Regardless of the model you choose, it should be durable enough to withstand chewing and have sturdy latches that won’t easily give way.

The best crates are chew-resistant and offer a comfortable, safe space for your pet to relax. Some are designed to look like furniture so you can easily incorporate them into your home’s decor, while others have a more traditional cage look with bars and a roof. Some of the most popular crates have an open side that can be used as a gate or to let in natural light, while others have doors on all four sides.

If you prefer a more traditional appearance, we recommend the Diggs Revol Collapsible Dog Crate. This crate earned perfect scores for ease of setup and use, durability, and value. It can accommodate dogs of all sizes and features two dual-zippers with velcro straps to keep them closed or open. It’s also designed to grow with your puppy thanks to removable dividers, which can be adjusted as they grow.