Best Dog Crates for Everyday Use
🏆 Top Picks at a Glance
#1
Best Overall
BOLDBONE 48 inch Heavy Duty Indestructible and Escape-Proof Dog Crate Cage Kennel for Large Dogs, High Anxiety Dog Crate with Removable Wire Trays and Wheels, Extra Large XL XXL, Black
$129.99
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#2
Runner Up
MidWest Homes for Pets 42-Inch iCrate for Large Breeds, 71-90 lbs, Single Door Folding Dog Crate with Divider Panel, Leak-Proof Tray & Secure Latch, Portable, Durable & Easy to Assemble
$78.99
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#3
Best Value
MidWest Homes for Pets 36-Inch iCrate for Medium-Large Breeds, 41-70 lbs, Single Door Folding Dog Crate with Divider Panel, Leak-Proof Tray & Secure Latches, Portable, Durable & Easy to Assemble
$68.99
Check Price →I've been a certified professional dog trainer for years and I’ve seen owners buy cute gear that looks great in photos but fails the moment a worried, reactive, or high-prey-drive dog meets it. This roundup separates decorative crates from the ones that actually help you train, manage, and live with your dog — whether you need a living-room furniture crate, a heavy-duty wire option for escape artists, or a portable folding model for travel. Read on for practical, no-nonsense advice about sizes, latches, cleaning, and how to use a crate as a training tool with positive reinforcement, desensitization, and sensible management around thresholds.
⚡ Quick Answer: Best Dog Harnesses
Best Furniture-Style Crate: 31.5'' Wooden Dog Crate Furniture, Indoor Dog Kennel Dogs Cage for Small/Medium Dogs, Heavy Duty Dog Crates Decorative Pet House End Side Table TV Stand, White Brown DFC85114B
$96.78 — Check price on Amazon →
Table of Contents
- Main Points
- Our Top Picks
- 31.5'' Wooden Dog Crate Furniture, Indoor Dog Kennel Dogs Cage for Small/Medium Dogs, Heavy Duty Dog Crates Decorative Pet House End Side Table TV Stand, White Brown DFC85114B
- MidWest Homes for Pets 36-Inch iCrate for Medium-Large Breeds, 41-70 lbs, Single Door Folding Dog Crate with Divider Panel, Leak-Proof Tray & Secure Latches, Portable, Durable & Easy to Assemble
- Amazon Basics Portable, Easy to Assemble, Foldable Metal Wire Dog Crate with Removable Tray, Double Door, Divider Panel, Handle, 36" x 23" x 25", Black
- Amazon Basics Portable Metal Wire Dog Crate with Removable Tray, Single Door with Divider Panel, Foldable, Collapsible, Easy to Assemble & Clean, 36" x 23" x 25", Black
- MidWest Homes for Pets 30-Inch iCrate for Medium Breeds, 21-40 lbs, Single Door Folding Dog Crate with Divider Panel, Leak-Proof Tray & Secure Latch, Portable, Durable & Easy to Assemble
- MidWest Homes for Pets 24-Inch iCrate for Small Breeds, 12-20 lbs, Single Door Folding Dog Crate with Divider Panel, Leak-Proof Tray & Secure Latch, Portable, Durable & Easy to Assemble
- Collapsible Dog Crate for Medium Dogs - 28" L Heavy Duty Dog Kennel No Tools Required with 4 Sides Steel Foldable Cage for Dogs Indoor Furniture, Portable Carrier with 2 Smooth Wheels, Beige
- Buying Guide
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Main Points
- Match crate style to purpose: metal wire crates (Amazon Basics, MidWest iCrate) are the workhorses for management, training, and ventilation, while wooden/furniture-style crates (31.5" models) are great for home integration — but only if they have strong latches, good airflow, and an easy-to-clean base; don’t buy something just because it looks cute.
- Size and divider panels matter: pick a crate that lets your dog lie stretched and turn around; use a divider panel for puppies so you can shrink living space as they grow (36" suits many 41–70 lb dogs, 30" for ~21–40 lb, 24" for ~12–20 lb, and the 31.5" furniture option for small/medium builds).
- Prioritize cleaning and housetraining features: leak-proof and removable trays make accidents survivable and speed up housetraining — metal trays are easiest to disinfect; fabric or enclosed furniture bases can trap odors unless designed for easy removal.
- Security for escape-prone or reactive dogs: look for secure latches, welded steel construction, and reinforced corners; heavy-duty foldable or 4-sided steel crates (including collapsible options with solid frames) are worth it if your dog has strong prey drive, high reactivity, or a history of pushing/escaping.
- Portability + training placement: choose double-door or folding crates with handles/wheels (useful on the MidWest and some collapsible models) so you can move the crate to and from the threshold during desensitization work; always pair crate time with positive reinforcement and gradual threshold training to make the crate a safe space, not a penalty box.
Our Top Picks
More Details on Our Top Picks
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31.5'' Wooden Dog Crate Furniture, Indoor Dog Kennel Dogs Cage for Small/Medium Dogs, Heavy Duty Dog Crates Decorative Pet House End Side Table TV Stand, White Brown DFC85114B
🏆 Best For: Best Furniture-Style Crate
What earns the 31.5" Wooden Dog Crate the "Best Furniture-Style Crate" badge is simple: it actually gets used. As a certified professional dog trainer who's seen hundreds of owners tuck crates into closets where dogs never enter, I appreciate gear that invites the dog into family life. This piece doubles as an end table/TV stand but keeps a secure, den-like space at floor level — exactly what helps dogs accept confinement through positive reinforcement and desensitization instead of avoidance.
Key features translate directly to real-world wins: an engineered wood cabinet aesthetic that hides the crate from sight, a metal front door and latch that give a more secure closure than flimsy fabric alternatives, and a flat top you can use daily without moving the crate. Practically, that means the crate stays in the living room, your dog can maintain visual contact (critical for dogs with separation concerns or reactivity), and you can work below threshold during training sessions so the dog builds calm confidence.
This is the right buy for owners of small-to-medium, non-destructive dogs who value home integration — people who want their dog to participate in household routines rather than be shut away. It’s especially useful when you’re crate-training a dog with mild separation anxiety, or when you’re managing reactivity and need a safe, consistent place to retreat that’s still part of family life. Use it alongside positive reinforcement and gradual desensitization so your dog willingly enters the den.
Two caveats: this is not a heavy-duty, chew-proof kennel for determined chewers or escape artists, and engineered wood offers less airflow than an open wire crate — monitor temperature and comfort. Also, some models lack a removable plastic pan for fast cleanups, so plan for puppy pads or fitted bedding that you can launder.
✅ Pros
- Doubles as functional end table
- Encourages crate use in living areas
- Sturdy metal door and latch
❌ Cons
- Not chew-proof for heavy chewers
- Less ventilation than wire crates
- Key Feature: Furniture-style crate that blends with home decor
- Material / Build: Engineered wood cabinet, metal door and latch
- Best For: Best Furniture-Style Crate
- Size / Dimensions: 31.5" model — sized for small/medium dogs
- Door Type: Front metal door with secure latch
- Special Feature: Flat top doubles as end table or TV stand
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MidWest Homes for Pets 36-Inch iCrate for Medium-Large Breeds, 41-70 lbs, Single Door Folding Dog Crate with Divider Panel, Leak-Proof Tray & Secure Latches, Portable, Durable & Easy to Assemble
🏆 Best For: Best for Medium-Large Dogs
What earns the MidWest Homes for Pets 36-Inch iCrate the "Best for Medium-Large Dogs" slot is its blend of straightforward durability, an included divider panel for staged crate training, and a price that actually lets people buy a functional crate instead of a decorative prop. For owners of 41–70 lb dogs who need a reliable home base, this wire iCrate gives you the safe containment and visibility that helps with management of reactivity and threshold control during walks, training sessions, or when guests arrive. At around $49.28 and rated 4.7 stars, it’s the practical option I reach for when the priorities are safety, cleanability, and training utility — not just looking cute in the living room.
Key features translate directly to real-world benefits: heavy-gauge welded wire construction and secure latches keep most escape-oriented dogs contained, the leak-proof plastic tray makes cleanup after accidents or travel easy, and the fold-flat design makes it simple to move or store between uses. The included divider panel is a trainer’s friend — it lets you shrink the space to the dog’s current size so puppies learn bladder control, or so newly adopted adults don’t feel overwhelmed. Because the crate is open and visible, it also lets you work on desensitization and positive reinforcement without turning the crate into a stress box.
This is the crate I recommend for owners of medium-large breeds who need a long-term, multi-purpose crate: housetraining, calm-time management for dogs with moderate reactivity, or a portable containment option for visits and travel. If you’re introducing a dog to crate life, you can use the divider and short, frequent sessions to keep them under threshold and focused on rewards instead of escape attempts. It’s also a good starter crate for owners who are practical about gear — you want function over fashion.
Honest caveats: this is a wire crate, not a chew-proof kennel. Determined chewers or dogs with severe separation anxiety may dismantle or bend the wire over time — for those dogs you’ll need a heavy-duty or solid-panel option. Also, the single-door layout limits placement in tight rooms, and the tray can be pulled out by resourceful pups unless secured under bedding or a tether. Overall it’s very good for most medium-large dogs, but don’t expect indestructible performance against persistent chewing.
✅ Pros
- Durable welded-wire construction
- Divider panel eases housetraining
- Folds flat for storage and travel
❌ Cons
- Not chew-proof for determined chewers
- Single door limits placement flexibility
- Key Feature: Affordable, practical crate for 41–70 lb dogs
- Material / Build: Heavy-gauge welded wire with plastic tray
- Best For: Best for Medium-Large Dogs
- Size / Dimensions: 36-inch length (suitable for 41–70 lb dogs)
- Special Feature: Included divider panel and leak-proof tray
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Amazon Basics Portable, Easy to Assemble, Foldable Metal Wire Dog Crate with Removable Tray, Double Door, Divider Panel, Handle, 36" x 23" x 25", Black
🏆 Best For: Best for Frequent Travelers
As a certified professional dog trainer who's seen hundreds of owners wrestle with the wrong gear, this Amazon Basics foldable wire crate earns "Best for Frequent Travelers" because it actually does the job on the road: it folds flat, carries with a built-in handle, and sets up or breaks down in seconds. At 36" x 23" x 25" it's compact enough for compact cars and hotel closets, the divider panel makes it useful from puppy stage through adolescent size changes, and the $44.78 price with a 4.7-star rating makes it a practical, low-risk choice for people who travel often.
Key features that matter in real-world use: the double-door layout gives flexible placement in hotel rooms and cars, the removable plastic tray simplifies cleaning after a messy stop, and the metal wire construction provides visibility that helps with crate desensitization and managing a dog's threshold behavior. For owners using positive reinforcement to build calm crate habit, the open wire lets the dog see the environment while still being contained — important for dogs with mild reactivity or high prey drive where visual access reduces panic compared with opaque carriers.
Who should buy this? Frequent travelers, weekend adventurers, and puppy owners who need one crate that adapts as the dog grows. It's great as a travel-ready den for dogs who do well with wire crates and for trainers teaching place and settling cues away from home. If you plan to move hotels, visit family, or take short road trips, this is the lightweight, inexpensive option that actually survives being packed, shifted, and reassembled without needing a toolbox.
Honest caveats: it's not a fortress — heavy chewers, determined escape artists, or dogs with severe separation anxiety will need a heavier-duty or welded option. Expect some rattling on bumpy roads and that the metal edges can pinch if you fold it carelessly. Also, it's not airline-approved for cargo travel and it's barebones — add a proper pad and secure bedding to manage temperature and comfort.
✅ Pros
- Folds flat for easy transport
- Divider panel grows with puppy
- Double doors for flexible placement
❌ Cons
- Not chew- or escape-proof
- Can rattle on rough roads
- Key Feature: Portable, quick-fold design
- Material / Build: Metal wire with removable plastic tray
- Best For: Best for Frequent Travelers
- Size / Dimensions: 36" x 23" x 25"
- Special Feature: Divider panel and double doors
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Amazon Basics Portable Metal Wire Dog Crate with Removable Tray, Single Door with Divider Panel, Foldable, Collapsible, Easy to Assemble & Clean, 36" x 23" x 25", Black
🏆 Best For: Best Budget Single-Door Crate
This Amazon Basics Portable Metal Wire Dog Crate earns the "Best Budget Single-Door Crate" spot because it gives owners the core features that actually matter—sturdy metal wiring, a removable plastic tray for fast cleaning, and a built‑in divider panel—at a price that's hard to beat ($39.05, 4.7★). I’ve seen hundreds of people buy cute soft crates that collapse the first week; this one is basic, dependable, and holds up to everyday household use for dogs that aren’t determined chewers or escape artists.
Key features translate directly to real-world benefits: the removable tray wipes clean in seconds after an accident; the divider panel lets you gradually shrink the usable space during puppy house training; and the foldable, collapsible design makes it easy to move between rooms or store when not in use. The single-door layout is simple to set up and the latch keeps most calm dogs contained. For owners using positive reinforcement and desensitization to introduce a crate, this model gives a sensible, consistent base to work from without breaking the bank.
Who should buy this: puppy owners working through house training, apartment dwellers who need a compact everyday crate, and anyone who wants a no‑frills, portable option for short trips and visits. It’s also a useful second crate for travel or guests. If your dog has moderate to low reactivity and no serious prey‑drive chewing tendency, this crate will serve you well while you manage thresholds and crate introduction exercises.
Honest drawbacks: the metal is lightweight—fine for calm dogs but not chew‑proof or ideal for dogs that panic and thrash. The single door limits placement options compared with a two‑door model, and the sliding plastic tray is thin and can dent with rough use. If your dog is a high‑drive chewer, highly reactive, or an escape artist, budget wire construction won’t replace a heavy‑duty or welded crate designed for those behaviors.
✅ Pros
- Excellent price for a full-size wire crate
- Removable tray for fast, hygienic cleaning
- Foldable and easy to store or transport
❌ Cons
- Thin metal—not chew or panic proof
- Single door limits placement flexibility
- Key Feature: Affordable, functional everyday crate
- Material / Build: Metal wire frame with plastic tray
- Best For: Best Budget Single-Door Crate
- Size / Dimensions: 36" x 23" x 25"
- Special Feature: Divider panel; foldable and collapsible
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MidWest Homes for Pets 30-Inch iCrate for Medium Breeds, 21-40 lbs, Single Door Folding Dog Crate with Divider Panel, Leak-Proof Tray & Secure Latch, Portable, Durable & Easy to Assemble
🏆 Best For: Best for Medium Breeds
What earns the MidWest Homes for Pets 30-Inch iCrate the "Best for Medium Breeds" slot is simple: it matches the common size and behavior profile of 21–40 lb dogs while giving owners practical tools for real training work. At 30 inches, this crate provides an appropriately sized den for many medium breeds, includes a removable divider to manage a growing puppy's usable space, and comes with a leak-proof tray and a secure latch — features that matter when you're shaping routines around threshold control and safe containment. It's not flashy, but it does what functional gear should do.
Key features translate directly to everyday benefits: welded steel wire holds up to general use and basic reactivity management, the plastic tray slides out for quick cleanup after a mess, and the fold-flat design makes it portable for travel or storage. The divider panel is especially useful for housetraining because it limits space without isolating the dog, which helps keep success rates high when paired with positive reinforcement and consistent desensitization to the crate. Assembly is straightforward, which means less friction getting your dog comfortable with their new den.
This is the crate I recommend to owners of medium breeds who need durable, affordable containment for home, travel, or managing thresholds during training sessions. It’s a good choice for housetraining puppies that will grow into this size, for adults who need a safe retreat during stressful events, and for families who value a straightforward setup over designer aesthetics. If you’re working on reactivity, use the crate as part of a broader plan — short, calm sessions, then slowly increase duration as you build tolerance and success with positive reinforcement.
Honest caveats: this is not an indestructible solution for determined chewers or escape artists — heavy gnawing can damage the plastic tray and the latch can be defeated by persistent dogs. It also doesn’t come with a padded floor, so add a crate pad that won’t shift under your dog if they’re prone to digging. For dogs with very high prey drive or serious separation anxiety, you’ll need reinforced crates or a professional behavior plan rather than relying on a basic wire crate alone.
✅ Pros
- Affordable and excellent value
- Removable divider for growing dogs
- Folds flat for easy transport
❌ Cons
- Not chew-proof for determined chewers
- Latch can be opened by resourceful dogs
- Key Feature: 30" single-door crate with removable divider
- Material / Build: Welded steel wire frame, plastic leak-proof tray
- Best For: Best for Medium Breeds
- Size / Dimensions: 30" length (approx. 30" x 19" x 21")
- Weight Capacity: Designed for 21–40 lbs
- Special Feature: Folds flat for storage and travel
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MidWest Homes for Pets 24-Inch iCrate for Small Breeds, 12-20 lbs, Single Door Folding Dog Crate with Divider Panel, Leak-Proof Tray & Secure Latch, Portable, Durable & Easy to Assemble
🏆 Best For: Best for Small Breeds
What earns the MidWest Homes for Pets 24-Inch iCrate the "Best for Small Breeds" slot is simple: it nails the fundamentals smaller dogs actually need. At a true 24-inch footprint built for 12–20 lb dogs, the included divider panel lets you create a den-sized space for puppies and then expand it as they grow — a critical detail for successful crate training and maintaining a dog below threshold during desensitization work. As a trainer who's seen hundreds of dogs and owners struggle with over‑large or flimsy gear, this crate gets the sizing and basic containment right without a lot of useless bells that only look cute online.
Key features are straightforward and translate directly to everyday benefits: a steel wire frame with a removable, leak‑proof plastic pan that makes cleanups fast after accidents; a single-door, secure latch for reliable containment; and a fold-flat design that’s easy to move or stash between uses. In practice that means you can use it for house training with positive reinforcement, short-term vehicle or vet transport, and as a predictable safe-space for short periods of time. Visibility through the wire helps with gradual threshold work and desensitization, though I’ll note that visibility can be a pro or con depending on the dog’s reactivity.
Buy this if you have a small-breed puppy or adult (12–20 lbs) who needs a durable, affordable crate for training, travel, or temporary containment. It’s a great starter crate for people who plan to use positive reinforcement and graduated desensitization to build calm crate behavior. It’s also an excellent choice for fosters, apartment dwellers, or anyone who needs an inexpensive, easy-to-clean option that still holds up to regular use.
Honest caveats: this isn’t a heavy‑duty option for determined chewers or escape artists — the wire can be bent by a persistent dog and the single-door layout limits placement options. The metal can clank if you move the crate abruptly, so add a soft mat and consider a crate cover for visually reactive dogs. For dogs with high prey drive or severe separation anxiety, upgrade to a reinforced, escape‑proof model.
✅ Pros
- Affordable, excellent value
- Includes adjustable divider panel
- Folds flat for storage and travel
❌ Cons
- Not chew‑proof for determined dogs
- Single door limits placement options
- Key Feature: Practical, no‑frills small-breed crate
- Material / Build: Steel wire frame with plastic pan
- Best For: Best for Small Breeds
- Size / Dimensions: 24-inch (sized for 12–20 lb dogs)
- Special Feature: Divider panel and fold-flat portability
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Collapsible Dog Crate for Medium Dogs - 28" L Heavy Duty Dog Kennel No Tools Required with 4 Sides Steel Foldable Cage for Dogs Indoor Furniture, Portable Carrier with 2 Smooth Wheels, Beige
🏆 Best For: Best for Easy Mobility
As a certified professional dog trainer who's watched hundreds of owners wrestle unwieldy crates, this 28" Collapsible Dog Crate earns the "Best for Easy Mobility" slot because it genuinely makes moving a safe, medium-size den simple. The folding four-sided steel frame plus two smooth wheels and tool-free setup mean you can shift a familiar safe space from living room to car or vet waiting area without straining your back or upsetting your dog’s settled threshold. For owners who need to reposition a crate during training sessions — to manage reactivity or gradually increase distance during desensitization — those wheels are more than convenience; they’re a training aid.
Key features you’ll use every day: a heavy-duty, foldable steel frame that packs flat; tool-free assembly that reduces fumbling around when a fearful dog needs a calm entry; and a beige finish that reads like indoor furniture, so the crate doesn’t scream “containment” in a living room. In practice that means faster setup for positive reinforcement-based crate introductions, easier relocation for threshold management, and a lower likelihood you’ll abandon crate work because moving the unit is a pain. The portability also helps when you’re pairing crate time with short car rides to generalize calm behavior.
Who should buy it: owners of medium-sized dogs who value mobility — people who travel, rotate dogs between rooms, or need a movable base during multi-stage desensitization work. It’s good for dogs learning calm crate behavior under positive reinforcement, for temporary confinement during vet visits, and for households that want a less industrial-looking kennel. Measure your dog nose-to-tail and include room to stand, turn, and lie down: 28" fits many medium breeds but always check fit before committing to training plans built around the crate size.
Honest caveats: foldable crates trade a bit of permanence for portability — seams and folding points can be less chew-resistant than welded wire, so it’s not my pick for determined chewers or escape artists. The wheels are smooth for moving, but on slick floors they can allow unintended rolling unless you use a rug or wheel locks (if provided) — I’d treat this as a mobility feature, not a stability guarantee during high-arousal moments.
✅ Pros
- Tool-free setup and breakdown
- Built-in wheels for effortless mobility
- Neutral beige blends with home decor
❌ Cons
- Less chew-resistant than welded crates
- Wheels can roll on smooth floors
- Key Feature: Collapsible, tool-free mobility
- Material / Build: 4-sided foldable steel frame
- Best For: Best for Easy Mobility
- Size / Dimensions: 28" L — medium dogs
- Special Feature: Portable carrier with two smooth wheels
Factors to Consider
Frequently Asked Questions
What size crate should I buy for my dog?
Measure from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail and add 2–4 inches, and make sure the dog can stand up and turn around with ears up. For puppies, buy a crate with a divider panel so you can reduce usable space as they grow instead of repeatedly upgrading.
How long can my dog be left in a crate?
Adult dogs can usually handle 3–6 hours depending on age, activity level, and training; puppies need much more frequent breaks for toileting and socialization. Crates are a management tool, not a substitute for exercise, enrichment, and supervised downtime — prolonged confinement can increase anxiety and reactivity.
Are soft-sided crates safe?
Soft-sided crates are fine for calm, non-chewing dogs and short supervised outings, but they’re not safe for dogs with a history of escaping, chewing, or reactivity. If your dog has a high prey drive, is destructive, or will be left unattended, choose a sturdy wire or heavy-duty metal crate instead.
What’s the best crate for a chewer or escape artist?
Heavy-duty welded-wire crates with reinforced latches or commercial-strength metal crates are the most reliable for chewers and escape artists. Avoid plastic and soft-sided options, and pair the crate with enrichment and a desensitization plan so the dog learns to be calm inside rather than obsess about escape.
Can crates help with reactivity or separation anxiety?
Crates can be part of a management and training plan: use them to keep your dog under threshold and practice short, positive departures paired with enrichment and counterconditioning. For separation anxiety, crate time should be gradually increased and paired with training and, if needed, professional behavior support — the crate alone won't fix underlying anxiety.
How do I stop my dog from barking in the crate?
Start by identifying triggers — boredom, attention-seeking, or real distress — and address them with exercise, enrichment, and gradual desensitization to alone time. Reward quiet behavior with high-value treats and keep departures/arrivals low-key; never shout or punish barking from inside the crate, as that increases anxiety and reactivity.
Which crate is best for car travel and flights?
For car travel, use a crash-tested travel crate or secure a sturdy wire or plastic crate to the vehicle with seatbelts or anchor points, and choose one that allows airflow and visibility. For airline travel, always use an IATA-compliant plastic airline crate with secure ventilation and locking hardware — the cute fabric carriers won’t meet requirements or protect your dog in transit.
Conclusion
As a trainer who’s worked with hundreds of dogs, I steer owners toward a sturdy wire crate with a divider panel and removable pan for everyday use — it balances visibility, durability, and training flexibility. Match the crate type to your dog’s temperament (heavy-duty for chewers, plastic for flight, soft-sided only for calm, supervised dogs), and pair it with positive reinforcement and gradual desensitization so the crate becomes a safe, successful part of daily life.