Kennel buying guide

Best kennels for crate training

A useful training crate is easy to approach, easy to reward around and easy for you to operate. Hardware is only part of the setup. VCA describes gradual introductions with the door initially open, followed by brief closed-door periods as the dog becomes comfortable.

EveryYay Two Door Wire Crate
Source product photo; pictured size or color may differ from your selection. Image source ↗

Measure before choosing

Inside space answers “can my dog use it?” Outside space answers “can I put it here?” Both need checking.

  1. Measure nose to tail base, widest body point, and natural standing and sitting height in inches.
  2. Keep usable inside L × W × H separate from complete outside L × W × H; never substitute one for the other.
  3. Record bedding thickness and leave door, ventilation and walking access clear.
  4. Check natural standing, turning and resting room before starting introductions.
  5. Check how the door opens and whether the person can operate the latch without crowding the dog.

Set up, inspect and clean

Introduce the resting area in manageable steps and observe the dog’s response. A comfortable routine matters more than progressing on a fixed schedule. Stop and reassess distress or escape attempts.

Questions for this setup

Does choosing the right product make introduction automatic?

No. Fit and construction are equipment questions; learning to use the space comfortably is a separate process.

Should I cover every kennel?

Check the maker’s ventilation and use instructions. A cover is an optional setup decision and should not obstruct airflow or become accessible material to pull inside.

What if the dog forces the door?

Pause use and seek an individual assessment. Do not treat an extra latch as proof that continuing the same setup is appropriate.

Choose a crate that makes short, positive sessions practical

Place convenience ahead of complicated extras. A door that stays out of the way during introduction is useful. So is a removable tray that can be cleaned without a long disassembly. If the dog is growing, confirm that a divider is included and follow the installation instructions.

The room matters too. You should be able to observe the dog and reach the crate without making every practice session a production. Compare two-door models when a front-only entrance would be blocked by the layout. Avoid selecting a setup mainly because it can be hidden out of sight.

Our practical comparisons start with basic wire ranges from MidWest, Frisco, Top Paw and EveryYay. The purchase decision is about the correct size, access and cleanup, not a promise that one crate will train the dog for you. If a dog remains distressed when confined, revisit the plan before making the enclosure stronger or the sessions longer.

Our take

We would spend first on fit, accessible placement and cleaning. A divider may help you adjust a growing puppy’s space; no latch or premium finish replaces a gradual introduction.

What to compare

Models discussed in this guide

Research comparisons, not hands-on test results or confirmation that a model fits your dog.

Source prices are shown from lower to higher within each model. Different sizes and configurations are not an exact-SKU savings comparison. Shipping, tax and checkout availability are excluded.

EveryYay Two Door Wire Crate

EveryYay Two Door Wire Crate

We would compare the EveryYay two-door wire model for a room where a side entrance keeps the dog’s route clear. It belongs beside the other ordinary double-door crates in the same size.

What could make us pass: Measure both door swings and the cleaning route. The second opening earns its place only if your furniture arrangement leaves it accessible.

RetailerObserved priceVariantProduct page
Petco$42.99 · 2026-10-2524 x 17.5 x 19.5 in (listed dimensions); blackView product at Petco

Read the full review and buying options →

MidWest iCrate Double Door

MidWest iCrate Double Door

We would put the double-door iCrate near the beginning of a puppy-crate comparison. Its clearest advantage over the single-door version is flexibility when you move the crate or rearrange the room.

What could make us pass: Compare the exact size and included divider. We would choose the single-door version if one accessible entrance already does everything your setup needs.

RetailerObserved priceVariantProduct page
Chewy$54.99 · 2026-10-2530 in; Color not confirmedView product at Chewy
Petco$100.99 · 2026-10-2542 x 28 x 30 in (listed dimensions); Color not confirmedView product at Petco
Target$101.37 · 2026-10-2530 in; Color not confirmedView product at Target
Target$133.00 · 2026-10-2536 in; Color not confirmedView product at Target

Read the full review and buying options →

Top Paw Double Door Wire Crate

Top Paw Double Door Wire Crate

We would start here when a puppy crate has to work in more than one room. The extra door gives you another way to place it beside furniture without blocking the entrance.

What could make us pass: Choose the size and door position first. A second door is worth paying for only if your layout will use it; the single-door Top Paw is the comparison to make.

RetailerObserved priceVariantProduct page
PetSmart$64.88 · 2026-10-2542 in; Color not confirmedView product at PetSmart

Read the full review and buying options →

Frisco Double Door Fold and Carry Crate

Frisco Double Door Fold and Carry Crate

We would compare the standard double-door Frisco for a home setup that needs more placement options. It is a useful alternative to investigate beside the iCrate and Top Paw double-door models.

What could make us pass: Match the measurements and accessories before choosing on price. A low starting price is not a bargain comparison if it represents a smaller crate.

RetailerObserved priceVariantProduct page
Chewy$72.49 · 2026-10-25Size not confirmed; Color not confirmedView product at Chewy

Read the full review and buying options →

Keep reading

Sources and next steps

Research snapshot: 2026-10-25. Confirm current specifications, travel requirements and prices with the source before purchase.