Buying a dog crate might seem straightforward—pick one that looks good, seems strong, and fits in the corner of your living room, right? Not quite. Crates are more than just temporary boxes or tools for training. They’re long-term investments in your dog’s safety, comfort, and well-being.

Unfortunately, many dog owners make simple but costly mistakes that lead to discomfort, escape attempts, or wasted money. In this guide, we’ll cover the most common crate-buying mistakes to avoid at all costs, so you can make the right choice the first time—and give your dog a space they’ll actually want to use.

Mistake #1: Guessing the Size

This is the most common crate-buying misstep. Choosing a crate based on your dog’s breed or weight alone often leads to getting something too small… or way too big.

Why it’s a problem:

• A crate that’s too small causes stress, discomfort, and joint issues.
  
• A crate that’s too big encourages potty accidents and pacing.
  

The fix:
Always measure your dog. From the nose to the base of the tail for length, and floor to the top of the head (or ears) for height. Add a few inches to each to determine proper crate dimensions. For puppies, buy a crate for their adult size and use a divider panel to adjust space as they grow.

Mistake #2: Choosing a Crate That’s Too Weak for Your Dog

Not all crates are created equal—especially when it comes to materials. Many owners purchase wire or soft-sided crates without considering their dog’s strength or anxiety level.

Why it’s a problem:

• Escape attempts can lead to injury.
  
• Chewers can destroy soft crates within hours.
  
• Weak latches or thin bars bend easily with large or powerful breeds.
  

The fix:
Choose the crate based on your dog’s behavior, not just size.

• For anxious, strong, or high-energy dogs, go for heavy-duty aluminum or steel with secure locks.
  
• For calm or crate-trained dogs, lighter materials may suffice.
  
• For chewers, avoid fabric crates completely.

Mistake #3: Buying Only for Price, Not Longevity

It’s tempting to go with the cheapest crate available, especially for a puppy you expect to grow out of. But low-cost crates often wear out quickly, forcing you to buy replacements—sometimes multiple times.

Why it’s a problem:

• Cheap crates often rust, break, or warp.
  
• Replacing them adds up in cost and frustration.
  
• Your dog loses the comfort and routine of a consistent space.
  

The fix:
Look at your crate as a long-term investment. A high-quality crate may cost more upfront, but it’ll outlast cheaper models and provide your dog with a consistent safe haven. Opt for quality materials, thoughtful design, and proven durability—especially for large breeds or active dogs.

Mistake #4: Ignoring Ventilation and Visibility Needs

Some crates offer tons of coverage but little airflow or visibility. Others have open bars but leave anxious dogs feeling overexposed.

Why it’s a problem:

• Poor ventilation can cause overheating or distress.
  
• Dogs prone to anxiety may panic in open-wire crates with full exposure to movement or noise.
  

The fix:
Match the crate style to your dog’s personality:

• Choose open ventilation for calm dogs that like to see their surroundings.
  
• For anxious dogs, consider solid-sided crates with limited sightlines.
  
• Always ensure there’s enough airflow—especially for outdoor or travel use.

Mistake #5: Overlooking Travel Needs

Buying a crate without considering how (or if) you’ll travel with it can lead to frustrating limitations later. Not all crates are car-safe, airline-approved, or easy to move.

Why it’s a problem:

• Bulky crates can be difficult to transport.
  
• Some crates don’t fit airline or car safety guidelines.
  
• Lack of handles or wheels makes even lightweight crates hard to carry.
  

The fix:
If you plan to travel—even occasionally—opt for a crate with:

• Tie-down points or brackets for vehicle use
  
• Handles or wheels for portability
  
• IATA compliance for air travel
  
• Crash-tested strength, especially for car rides

Mistake #6: Picking Style Over Safety

It’s great that modern crates look better than ever, but don’t let style win over structure. A crate may match your furniture, but if it’s not safe, it’s not worth it.

Why it’s a problem:

• Many furniture-style crates are made from thin wood or composite that dogs can chew through.
  
• They often lack secure locks or chew-resistant surfaces.
  

The fix:
If you want a crate that looks good and performs well, consider aluminum crates with clean finishes, or pair a strong crate with a cover or surround that enhances your space without sacrificing function.

Mistake #7: Not Considering Your Dog’s Age or Stage

A crate that works for your 10-week-old pup may not work when they’re 80 lbs and full of energy. Buying a “starter” crate with no plan to scale leads to quick obsolescence.

Why it’s a problem:

• Puppies grow—fast.
  
• Seniors need more room, comfort, or easier entry.
  
• Behavior changes over time and may demand stronger features.
  

The fix:
Buy for the future, not just today. Use divider panels to manage space for puppies, and ensure older dogs can enter and exit easily without stepping too high or slipping.

Final Thoughts: Buy Smart, Buy Once

The right crate supports everything from house training to recovery, relaxation, and travel. A bad one can lead to stress, escape attempts, or injury—not to mention unnecessary expenses.

Avoid these common mistakes by measuring your dog properly, considering their behavior, and thinking long-term. When you invest in a crate that fits your dog’s needs and your lifestyle, you both win.For secure, durable, thoughtfully built crates trusted by dog owners across the world, explore premium options at Impact Dog Crates—where every crate is engineered to be the last one you’ll ever need.