Best Crate For Goldendoodle

In an ideal world, you wouldn’t need a Goldendoodle crate. Your dog would be on his best behavior, and he’d never have to go inside. Your couches, furniture, ceramics and fragile glass would go untouched. In the real world, you may just come home to your garbage bags upended and a couch pillow torn apart. This is one of many reasons you simply cannot leave your dog alone at home, especially if he is not trained. But for some, even the best crate for Goldendoodle still looks like dog jail. It doesn’t have to, and your dog (even after being trained) doesn’t necessarily feel this way about all crates.

Crate-training your dog and watching his behavior when he uses this in the early stages is absolutely mandatory. While there are mixed opinions about whether crates should be used for punishment, it is definitely a good idea to keep the door open in the early stages. Give your dog treats. Make him feel safe inside. Most importantly, try to avoid tricking him into getting inside. If the door shuts every time he goes into the crate, he’ll be less likely to want to relax inside. And these eight crates below can be relaxation for him.

If you have just welcomed a Goldendoodle to the family, you may be interested in our other detailed reviews:

• Best Clippers for Goldendoodles
• Best Shampoo for Goldendoodles
• Best Brush for Goldendoodles

Best Crate For Goldendoodle

1. MidWest iCrate Folding Metal Dog Crate

The average Golden Retriever is up to two feet and weighs anywhere from 55 pounds to 75 pounds. A Standard Poodle stands up to 15 inches and weighs anywhere from 40 pounds to 70 pounds. So no matter which parent your Goldendoodle takes after, this crossbreed is going to be one pretty big dog. Make sure to purchase a dog crate that he can comfortably sit and stand in.

Key Features

• Carrying handle
• Available in seven sizes, ranging from 18 inches to 48 inches
• Available with single and double doors

If you’re concerned about sudden growth spurts in your dog, this crate comes with a convenient panel that allows the crate to expand as your pup grows. The heavy duty slide-bolt latch makes sure the crate doesn’t accidentally open too.

Pros

• Four roller wheels protect hardwood floors from scratches
• Folds flat for storage and/or carry it like a suitcase

Cons

• Assembly required (but no tools needed)
• Several owners reported that their dogs were able to open the latch because it’s not L-shaped

iCrates include a one-year limited warranty and support from MidWest’s customer service team.

2. AmazonBasics Single Door Folding Metal Cage

Dogs do not want to sit in their own feces or urine. But they may be totally OK with marking another room. Crate training is one of the most efficient ways to help your dog get used to going outside to relieve himself. If you’re not there to let him release himself on a regular routine, consider a professional dog walker or sitter.

Key Features

• Available with single and double doors
• Available in six sizes, ranging from 22 inches to 48 inches
• Two slide-bolt door latches

This crate comes with an optional divider panel and removable composite plastic pan for easy cleaning. With optimal ventilation in the metal-wire construction, this crate is durable and the rounded corners keep your animal safe.

Pros

• Sturdy metal construction
• Folds flat for easy storage

Cons

• Metal is not rubber coated
• One owner’s dog was able to easily bend the bars

This crate is covered by a one-year limited warranty.

3. EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate

If you ever wonder why there are dividing panels in the crates, it’s so your Goldendoodle doesn’t choose to release himself on one side of the crate and hang out on another. It’s a bit like paper training dogs who start to think those floor pads are blankets instead of a “toilet.”

Key Features

• Available in 14 colors
• Available in five sizes, ranging from 20 inches to 42 inches
• Mesh doors on front, side and top

While the crate frame is made of strong steel tube, the crate cover is made of high-quality 600D fabric and hex mesh fabric. Enjoy the two accessory pockets, free carrying bag and fleece bed, which are all included. If you need to move the crate from one side of the room to the other, there is an adjustable padded shoulder strap.

Pros

• Three-door easy folding crate
• Fully assembled, no tools needed

Cons

• Only the cover and bed are machine washable
• One owner reported the mesh gave in 15 minutes after use

This crate is covered by a two-year warranty from EliteField, a New York-based pet product manufacturer.

4. iCrate Dog Crate Starter Kit

Conveniently packed in one box, this crate set comes with rubber floor protectors that are easy to clean and leakproof. Having a leakproof bottom on any crate prevents staining your floors and makes it that much easier and quicker to clean.

Key Features

• 48-inch QuietTime fleece bed and crate cover
• 48-inch double door iCrate
• Two Snap’y fit food and water bowls

Available in three colors and six sizes (ranging from 22 inches to 48 inches), this crate is secured by slide-bolt door latches. Set up is simple, and no tools are required.

Pros

• Folds flat for easy storage
• Bed and crate cover are machine washable

Cons

• Polyester crate cover is not waterproof
• Owner was able to bend the door back in shape by hand after dog escaped

This crate is covered by a one-year manufacturer warranty for all items included.

5. New World Folding Metal Dog Crate

If your dog suffers from anxiety, a crate like this gives him a secure place to rest. While having a big home to run around in may make sense on the surface, have you ever noticed even big dogs will snuggle up into small spots near you or on the corners of the couch? There’s a reason for that.

Key Features

• Available with single and double doors
• Available in five sizes, ranging from 24 inches to 48 inches
• Black E-coat finish

When cleaning the pan for this crate, use a mild and pet-safe cleaner. Make sure the crate is in an area in which it can cool off and dry. Leakproof with easy cleanup, this crate should be comfortable enough to sit in but still fitted enough to avoid your dog getting used to releasing himself inside.

Pros

• Folds flat for easy storage
• Leakproof plastic pan

Cons

• Bed not included
• Warping may result if pan is left in sunlight

This crate is covered by a one-year manufacturer’s warranty.

6. Petsfit Black Polyester Crate Cover

Although every dog is different, it is especially important in the early stages to remove all collars, tags and leads when getting a crate. Keep leashes and harnesses away from the crate too. For dogs who want to escape, they will often “attack” the door and wrestle with it, which puts them in danger of getting caught between the doors.

Key Features

• Available in three sizes, ranging from 21 inches to 42 inches
• Two mesh side windows
• Top openings for better ventilation

Made from durable oxford cloth, this windproof and waterproof crate comes in handy for outside use.

Pros

• Multiple panels can be folded over
• Back zipper feature for easier fit

Cons

• Reviewer reported that the flaps do not close properly
• A few users questioned the real size of the crate and cover, specifically for 30-inch to 36-inch crate.

This crate is covered by the 30-day Amazon refund/replacement warranty.

7. AmazonBasics Soft Dog Travel Crate

American Kennel Club recommends 10-minute increments to get your dog accustomed to the crate, with fun toys and tasty treats included. This type of positive reinforcement lets your dog know he did nothing wrong.

Key Features

• Top and front doors
• Mesh windows and front door for ventilation on all four sides
• PVC frame and polyester fabric

Ideal for dogs up to 80 pounds, this crate can keep your dog feeling secure and safe inside. And when he’s ready to just hang out, the fastening strap above can keep the unzipped, rolled up doors in place. The rounded tips help you avoid nicks and scratches on your floor, and they keep your dog safe. The water-resistant fabric can be cleaned by handwashing it and letting it air dry. Because the material is a bit more sensitive than other machine washable covers, it is generally a good idea to keep the crate away from high-dust and high-dirt areas such as unfinished basements or attics.

Pros

• Folds flat for easy storage
• Easy assembly with no tools required

Cons

• Should only be used with crate-trained dogs
• Beige colored heavy-duty fabric may easily stain compared to other crates with darker colors

This crate is backed by Amazon’s one-year limited warranty.

8. Sliverylake XXL Heavy Duty Dog Pet Cage

Are you wondering just how long your Goldendoodle can stay in the crate overnight? According to the American Kennel Club, most puppies should be able to sleep overnight without a potty break by four months of age. In the early stages of crate training, leaving the dog inside of the crate for approximately 10 minutes and then taking him outside will help him link the idea of leaving a crate to going outside to relieve himself. However, if this is the training pattern, it must be consistently done so the dog isn’t left guessing when he will go outside or not.

Key Features

• Metal tray wheels
• Available in four colors
• Available in three sizes, ranging from 37 inches to 48 inches

This crate consists of a heavy-duty steel wire cage body and metal square tube on the frame. The crate also has a rust- and corrosion-resistant floor grate and steel tray with a lip. There are also two doors, one at the front of the crate and the other on top.

Pros

• Heavy-duty double door
• Wheels help with easy movement across floors and to avoid collapsing the crate

Cons

• One user’s Goldendoodle managed to break off the top lock
• One user’s Doberman broke through the crate, but they didn’t return it because it was reportedly a “pain” to assemble

Make sure to ask about the warranty and/or return policy before purchasing this crate. It is not immediately clear on Amazon’s site.

Bottom Line

While there are techniques that help your dog treat a crate as less like punishment and more like a home away from home, finding a quality crate such as one of the eight above is significant. Depending on how your pet is treated, that crate can feel about equal to a dog house—except you can see inside. Add a few towels, soft-stuffed bedding or blankets, and your dog may prefer sleeping in his crate more than at the foot of your own bed. (If you let him on your actual comforters and blankets, there’s a pretty good chance he’ll abandon the crate altogether so beware.) In the summer months, cooling mats in the crate may come in handy to keep your dog from overheating on especially humid days. And if your dog is the type who needs background noise while you’re away, don’t forget to turn on your television or radio before you leave. The site of your TV or sound of music may distract your dog from plotting on how to get out of the crate.

When buying one of these crates, just know that every dog is different. While some dogs may warm up to one type of crate immediately, others may require a bit more testing. This is why it is especially important that you know what the warranty process is before purchasing this product. And if your dog is not crate-trained, make sure those crate visits are in short intervals. This way your dog will not freak out when you finally really need to use the crate while you’re away.