If new to crate training, we recommend using the Pocket Scout:
Ensure you are on the right track with personalized crate training guidance for your dog.

Pocket Scout
Pet parent assistant powered by a community of pet parents
Is your dog familiar with an existing crate?
If your puppy is already familiar with a certain type of crate, then it’s recommended to use that crate.
What we recommend
Scout9 doesn’t promote specific brands unless they rank high among your dog’s individual wellness scores (best fit for your dog). But for new pet parents, generally, we find plastic crates are a better fit.
Plastic crates are…
- Easier to clean (great for messy puppies)
- Less prone to incidents (toes getting stuck, jaw getting caught on the bars, etc.)
- And they are easy to assemble
What about soft-sided fabric crates?
These crates are great, but generally for dog sports – designed to travel. Dogs that are supervised and crate-savvy are great with soft-sided crates, but puppies are not a great fit for these crates.
Some of the advice might not apply to you, make sure to check with your Pocket Scout
Ensure you are on the right track with personalized crate training guidance for your dog.

Pocket Scout
Pet parent assistant powered by a community of pet parents