Crating a dog is a great way to ensure their safety and provide them with a comfortable place to rest when you are not around or want to enforce nap time.
But choosing the right crate for your goldendoodle is not easy. They are not cheap, so buying a few and testing them out is not really an option.
If you buy the wrong one, it might not be comfortable for your pup and it might be more of a hassle than a help.
To make your life easier, I've rounded up the best crates for goldendoodles!
How Did I Choose These Dog Crates?
I own a Goldendoodle and I know how hard it is to find a good fit. I researched the different types and sizes of crates out there and took into account customer reviews when making my selection.
My main criteria were that they had to be comfortable, safe, secure and durable. After all, your pup deserves the best!
Then, I asked Bailey to help me put them to the test and find out which are the best ones. This is how I came up with this article.
Top 6 Best Crates for Goldendoodles
Product Name | Image | Rating | Price |
---|---|---|---|
[EDITORS CHOICE] [Best For Chewers] | |||
ECOFLEX Dog Crate | |||
Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Travel Crate | |||
Go Pet Club Double Door Collapsible Soft-Sided Dog Crate | |||
[Best Style] | |||
unipaws Furniture Style Dog Crate End Table with Cushion |
1.MidWest Homes for Pets Newly Enhanced Single and Double Door iCrate Dog Crate [Best for Chewers]
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
Durable | Fully Open - Not Great for Barkers |
Divider Panel | Cell |
Easy to Fold | Cell |
Easy to Clean | Cell |
The Midwest Homes for Pets iCrate Double Door Folding Dog Crate is a great option for Goldendoodle owners looking for a safe, comfortable, and sturdy crate.
This heavy-duty durable dog crate features two doors—one on the front and one on the side—allowing easy access to your pet from either direction. Plus, it’s foldable so you can store it away when not in use.
This crate also features a removable divider panel to customize the space for your pet and is made of durable plastic so it can stand up to your pup’s roughhousing. It even comes with a one-year manufacturer's warranty, so you know you’re getting a quality product that will last.
With its secure door latches, easy assembly and portability, this is an excellent choice for Goldendoodle owners.
The only thing that is a con is that it's open. If you have a dog that likes to whine and bark, you might need a crate cover or just lay a blanket over the crate.
2.ECOFLEX Dog Crate
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
Stylish | Joint Covers are Thin Plastic |
Raised Floor | |
Easy to Assemble | Cell |
The ECOFLEX Dog Crate is a stylish, lightweight and durable crate for your Goldendoodle. The sides are constructed from ECOFLEX, a composite of recycled polymers and wood fibres for strength and longevity.
The streamlined design gives it an attractive look that blends into any home decor and It also features a raised floor that helps keep your Goldendoodle off the cold, hard floor.
Aside from easy assembly and good looks, this crate is also very easy to clean, although we never had accidents.
Bailey fit in it perfectly, and loves it! She sleeps in it at night and hangs out in it during the day. It’s very sturdy, and I didn't worry about her getting out of it. The assembly was really easy and came with instructions that were clear and easy to follow.
For me, it perfectly worked as an end table.
3.Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Travel Crate Kennel
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
Great Price for Value | Zipper Lock is Needed for Safety |
Mesh Windows | Cell |
Durable Material | Cell |
The Amazon Branded Soft Crate is a good budget option if you are travelling a lot and looking for a dog crate that is easy to set up, take down and transport
This portable dog crate has two doors and there are mesh windows on all four sides, so there's plenty of airflow and your pup will be able to see what’s going on outside. The top also has a mesh panel that can be zipped up when not in use.
The outer material feels durable and thick to the touch, so I wouldn't worry about your dog scratching or tearing through it.
The only downside really is that the door is zippered in the front, so if you leave even a small opening, your pup can get out. You can use a zipper-lock if you are worried about your Goldendoodle escaping.
Overall, we really like this dog crate and would recommend it if you're looking for a budget-friendly option that will last.
4.Go Pet Club Double Door Collapsible Soft-Sided Dog Crate
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
Great for Traveling (Easy to Set up and Take Apart) | No Flap Cover on the Door |
Window Covers | Cell |
The Go Pet Club Soft Crate is another great crate option for your goldendoodle if you are travelling a lot.
Setting it up is pretty easy, I managed to put it together in maybe a minute or two. You just have to zip on the front and back panels and it is all set up.
When you take it apart, it folds flat and fits nicely in the carrying case that they provide by default.
It has three mesh windows, two on the sides and one on the back. What I like about this crate is that there are window covers on all windows, which you can roll down if you would like to darken the inside of the crate for your goldendoodle.
Unfortunately, there is no flap covering the door. And as this crate has mesh windows, it's not great for dogs who like to chew their way out.
5.Zoovilla Dog Crate, Dog Kennel, Dog Cage
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
Great Style | Doesn't have a Floor (only a plastic tray) |
Easy to Assemble | Cell |
Sturdy | Cell |
The Zoovilla Dog Crate is a stylish and easy-to-assemble crate that is stylish and sturdy.
It is very easy to put together, although I have to say I'm pretty trained in the art of putting together Ikea furniture.
I put this under the window and it was perfect as a bench for Bailey to watch the cats outside. It is sturdy enough for him to jump on and off of it all day!
This crate doesn't have a floor, only a plastic tray, so I put a pet cushion in it for Bailey to lie on.
If your dog tends to destroy stuff, don't buy this though. It's sturdy, but it's made of the cheaper type of wood which they can chew threw if they are persistent.
6.unipaws Furniture Style Dog Crate End Table with Cushion
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
Great Style | Not for Heavy Chewers |
Secure Doors | Cell |
Comfortable | Cell |
The Unipaws Pet Crate is a durable, but stylish-looking dog crate for your Goldendoodle. It doesn't look like fancy furniture, but it can fit into your home and act as a coffee table or side table.
When I was assembling it, I got a bit confused as the walls "can" be attached in several ways, so look out for that. But you can't really mess it up so no worries.
It's very sturdy and has plenty of space for a Goldendoodle, Bailey was comfortable in it. It has two access doors, one at the front and one on the side.
The doors are quite safe and secure so there were no escapes on our watch! It's also very easy to clean which is great.
The same goes for this crate too, if your dog is a heavy chewer and very determined to escape, it won't hold forever. But for normal wear and tear, this is a great crate.
+1 Crate Kit
If you choose a wire crate and you don't really have any accessories for it or it just doesn't seem comfortable for your Goldendoodle, consider picking up a crate kit.
Paw.com sells one, we tested it out with Bailey, with the first crate mentioned in this list and it is great!
It includes a memory foam crate pad, a washable faux fur pad cover, a waterproof pad liner, a U- Shaped faux fur foam bolster and a faux fur crate cover, all of which feel great and fit perfectly into the crate.
I really recommend this kit if you're looking to make your Goldendoodle even more comfortable while in its crate!
How to Choose The Best Goldendoodle Dog Crate?
When it comes to choosing a dog crate for your goldendoodle, you are bombarded with so many options, it is very hard to choose.
Later, we will look at the different types of crates and what makes each type of crate a good choice for goldendoodles. But, before we do that, there are a few key things you should consider when looking for the right dog crate:
Size: Goldendoodles can range in size from small to large, so you will want to measure your dog’s height and length before buying a crate. Make sure the crate is big enough for your dog to comfortably stand up and turn around in.
Construction: Look for crates made with durable materials that are easy to clean. The last thing you want is for your goldendoodle to escape or chew through its crate.
Your Goldendodles Sleeping Positions: Goldendoodles can sleep in a variety of positions, from curling up in a ball to sprawled out on their back. Consider the size and shape of the crate to make sure it is comfortable for your pup no matter how they like to snooze.
Travel: Do you plan on taking your goldendoodle with you when you travel? If so, look for crates that are lightweight and easy to transport.
Pros and Cons of Each Type of Crates
There is a wide range of crates made for goldendoodles, however not all are created equal. Let's look at each type of crate and what their pros and cons are to help you make the best decision for your pup.
Wooden Crates
The main benefits of a wooden dog crate are that they are far sturdier than your regular plastic crates and they fit in well with just about any home decor. Wooden crates can come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colours which allows you to choose the best one for your Goldendoodle.
Most comes with removable bottom, so it makes them easy to clean.
The downside is that they can be quite heavy and expensive especially if you’re buying a large one. They also require more maintenance if your goldendoodle is a scratcher, as they can damage the wood.
If your dog tends to chew on the crate while being crated, I wouldn't recommend a wooden crate as they can get splinters and hurt your pup's mouth.
Plastic Crates
The pros of plastic crates are that they're lightweight and easy to move around. Plus, there are a ton of great colors and sizes for you to choose from. Most of these plastic crates are airline approved, which makes them great if you will be traveling with your pup.
They also offer more privacy for your pup as they are made from more solid materials and can block out distractions.
The cons of plastic crates are that they are less aesthetic looking and if your dog feels stressed if isolated, this type of crate can make them feel even more so.
Soft-Sided Crates
The main advantage of soft-sided crates is that they weigh much less than any other crates and they are foldable, making them perfect for travelling or even storage.
Since they are made of a softer material than other crates, your Goldendoodle can feel more secure and comfortable in them. They also offer more ventilation usually through mesh windows.
The downside is that they are much less durable than the other types of crates, so your pup will be able to chews through them if left alone for too long.
The downside is that these type of crates are less durable than the other types, so it's not recommended for chewers or dogs that like to scratch.
They are also harder to clean since most have a padded bottom and aren’t as supportive and can collapse if your Goldendoodle jumps a lot or is overly active.
Wire Crates
The write crate is the only crate that offers your pup a 360° view and airflow, making it great for dogs that like to stay connected with their surroundings.
Most wire crates come with a divider which is perfect for puppies as it means you can adjust the size of the crate as your Goldendoodle grows.
They are also foldable, which means they are great for travelling and storage.
Unfortunately, the downside of a 360° view is that it offers your pup a lot of distraction and that can lead to a lot of barking and whining. Also, because it's so open, it offers less insulation and privacy for your pup.
But, you can easily fix that with dog crate kits or covers.
Airline-Approved Dog Crates
Airline-Approve Dog Crates are usually hand-carry crates that are made to fit perfectly on most airline regulations. The advantage of these types of crates is that they afford comfort, security and convenience while flying.
They are usually made of hard plastic with steel wire doors and they are quite durable.
However, since they are smaller, they are not suitable for large breeds and can be a bit uncomfortable for your pup.
So I would only recommend using this type of crate if you have a mini goldendoodle.
Furniture-Style Dog Crates
If you have a constant place for your goldendoodles crate, the furniture-style dog crate might be the right choice for you.
These types of crates are usually made of wood and look like a piece of furniture, making them blend in nicely with your home decor. Don't let the luxurious look fool you, they are durable and easy to assemble.
The downside is that they are heavier and more expensive than the other types of crates, so you will have to be careful not to damage it if you ever need to move it around.
When and How Should You Start Crate Training Your Goldendoodle puppy?
Crate training your Goldendoodle puppy should start as soon as possible. The earlier you begin crate training, the easier it will be for them to get used to it.
Start by introducing the crate in a positive way with treats and toys. Make sure they have plenty of space inside and are comfortable.
Never push your dog into the crate and then close the door on them (Too many dog owners make this mistake).
This process shouldn't be forced, the crate should be a safe place for them to stay in.
For the next couple of days, leave the dog crate door open and let your dog go in and out as they please.
Once your Goldendoodle has been comfortable with the crate, start closing the door for short periods of time. A few minutes at a time and then gradually increase the amount of time.
Make sure to leave some treats and toys inside the crate before closing the door that way your goldendoodle puppy can associate this place with something fun.
Once your goldendoodle is fine with being crated, you can leave the room for a few minutes and then come back. If the pup is still relaxed, you can leave the room for longer.
Remember to always be consistent with crate training your Goldendoodle puppy and never use it as a punishment!
Conclusion
Now you have a better idea of the best type of crates for your Goldendoodle, as well as when and how to start crate training them.
Remember to never use the dog crate as a punishment and always make sure that your pup is comfortable with it by introducing them in a positive way.
The most important thing is to have patience and consistency during this process, so you can ensure that your Goldendoodle will be happy in their new home away from home. Good luck!