The single most common crate training mistake? Buying too big. If a puppy has enough room to designate a toilet area separate from their sleeping area, the crate isn't doing its job.
The golden rule: your puppy's crate should be just large enough for them to stand up, turn around, and lie down fully stretched out. No more room than that. If there's extra space, use a divider panel.
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What actually matters here
Correct size for your breed — just large enough to stand, turn around, and lie down.
Divider panel included or available — essential for medium-to-large breeds.
Removable leak-proof tray for easy cleaning after accidents.
The divider trick: buy the adult size from day one with a divider panel. Shrink the usable space and expand as the puppy grows. Saves buying two crates.
Crate training in the first week: a realistic timeline
Day 1–2: place crate with door open, throw treats inside, feed meals inside. Day 3–4: close door for 30 seconds, extend to 1–2 minutes, stay in the room. Day 5–7: work up to 10–15 minutes with door closed, start leaving room briefly.
Most puppies are sleeping 4–5 hour stretches by day 7–14. Some take to a crate in 48 hours. Others take 3 weeks. Breed temperament and individual personality matter more than technique.
Common crate training mistakes
Never use the crate as punishment. Don't leave a puppy too long — roughly 1 hour per month of age plus one. Don't let the puppy out when they cry — wait for a pause. Don't keep the crate past 12–18 months once they're housetrained.
And the most common: buying too big. If your puppy can wander to a far corner to toilet, the crate is too large. Use a divider.
Quick questions before you buy
What age should I start crate training?
From the day your puppy comes home — typically 8 weeks. The younger they start, the easier it is.
How long can I leave a puppy in a crate?
Their age in months plus one hour. A 2-month-old shouldn't be crated more than 3 hours. No puppy should be crated more than 6 hours at a stretch.
Why it made the list: Complete kit: crate, divider panel, leak-proof tray. Double-door design for flexible placement. Folds completely flat for storage. The divider is the single most important feature for toilet training.
Main drawback: Kit price (~£45) is higher than crate-only options. Latches rattle slightly if puppy paws at the door.
Typical price band: ££
Pros
Divider panel included — essential for crate training.
Double door for front and side access.
Leak-proof removable tray.
Folds completely flat for travel or storage.
4.5/5 from 5,000+ reviews.
Cons
~£45 is higher than crate-only options.
Latches rattle slightly.
24” maxes out at roughly 10–11kg.
Included fleece pad is thin — replace with Vetbed.
From the day your puppy comes home — typically 8 weeks. The younger they start, the easier it is.
How long can I leave a puppy in a crate?
Their age in months plus one hour. A 2-month-old shouldn't be crated more than 3 hours. No puppy should be crated more than 6 hours at a stretch.
My puppy cries all night in the crate. What do I do?
Check they don't need the toilet. If not, move the crate next to your bed so they can hear and smell you. This usually resolves crying within 2–3 nights.
Should I get a wire crate or a plastic one?
Wire for home use — better ventilation, folds flat, lets your puppy see what's happening. Plastic airline-style crates are best for travel.
Do I need a crate cover?
Most puppies settle faster with one. Use a lightweight cotton sheet, leaving the front partially open for airflow. Skip in summer if temperature is a concern.
What type of crate is best for a puppy?
For most UK puppies, a wire crate with a divider is the practical choice — it adjusts as the puppy grows, has good airflow and is easy to clean. Plastic airline-style crates are better for travel. Fabric crates are not suitable for puppies — they will be destroyed.
What is the safest dog crate in the UK?
For home use, wire crates with double latches from Ellie-Bo, MidWest Homes for Pets and Savic rate highest for security and airflow. For car travel, the MIM Variocage is the only fully crash-tested option on the UK market, though it is expensive.
What is the 2:1 crate rule?
The 2:1 crate rule is a sizing guideline: the crate length should be roughly twice the dog's nose-to-tail length, and the height should be at least one-and-a-bit times the shoulder height. Enough to stand, turn, and lie stretched out, not much more.
What is the best crate set up for a puppy?
A wire crate with a divider, soft bedding on one side, water bowl attached to the side, safe chew toys, and covered partially with a blanket to create a den feel. Place the crate in a quiet corner of the main living area, not in isolation.
Should I put my 8 week old puppy in a crate at night?
Yes, crate training from 8 weeks is widely recommended by UK trainers. Place the crate beside the owner's bed for the first few nights, then gradually move it to its permanent location. The crate should be just large enough for the puppy to stand, turn and lie down.
What should the puppy crate never be used for?
The crate should never be used as punishment, for long daytime confinement, or without prior positive association. Used this way, crates become stressful rather than safe. The rule is: the crate is a den the puppy chooses, not a prison the owner imposes.
What to buy alongside
A few obvious extras that buyers on this page almost always need. We do not keep specific picks for these — the Amazon search results for each are consistently good.
Puppy pee pads
Even with a crate plan, accidents happen in the first few weeks. Pee pads protect floors and make clean-up manageable.
