Crate TrainingModule 2 / 8

Module 2: Choosing the Right Crate

Wire, plastic, soft-sided, furniture-style — the wrong crate makes training twice as hard.

4 min read Beginner
Course progress0%

Wire vs. plastic

Wire = better ventilation, foldable, requires a cover. Plastic = darker, calmer, airline-approved, harder to clean. Most puppies do best in covered wire at home + plastic for travel.

Sizing

Adult dog should stand, turn, and lie flat — no more. Use a divider while the puppy grows. Oversized crates encourage corner-pottying.

Soft-sided warning

Never for a puppy in active training. Chewers shred them; escapers learn to escape.

Key takeaways

  • Get a wire crate with divider
  • Plastic for travel
  • Skip soft-sided until adulthood

Lesson checklist

Action items to put this module into practice.

  • Measure your adult breed standard
  • Confirm divider compatibility
  • Buy a breathable cover
  • Designate a calm low-traffic spot