Buy a puppy crate that is already adult-sized and most new dog owners discover the problem within a week. The dog has more room than it knows what to do with, so the corner furthest from the door becomes the bathroom and the crate training stalls. The fix is a divider panel, a simple wire or plastic wall that shrinks the interior to a snug space and then moves back as your puppy grows. This roundup covers the best dog crates with dividers for growing puppies available in 2026, ten folding crates that all include a divider panel in the box, rated and compared by people who have lived with a growing dog in them.
My family went through three crates before I stopped buying the “right size” for the puppy and started buying the size the dog would be at a year old, then containing the puppy with a divider. That approach saved money and, more importantly, kept the house training consistent because the sleeping area never changed shape on the dog. I still lean heavily on the overall crate comparison I keep updated, and I borrow the heavy duty crate roundup when a dog in the house is the kind that works at a latch.
Below, every crate listed includes a divider panel in the box. I flag the ones where owners report a missing or flimsy divider, explain how to size the space correctly, and give a schedule for moving the panel back based on breed size. I also cover the troubleshooting nobody writes down: what to do when the divider never arrived, when a puppy squeezes under the gap, and when it is safe to remove the panel entirely.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks: Dog Crates With Dividers for Growing Puppies in 2026
The three crates below are the ones I recommend first. Each one includes a divider, folds flat, and has a review base deep enough that durability complaints surface before you hit buy.
Amazon Basics 36in Wire Crate
- Divider panel included
- Double doors front and side
- Folds flat with top handle
Yaheetech 36in Double Door
- Adjustable divider
- Waterproof pull-out tray
- Folds to 3.5 in thick
MidWest XL Ovation 48in
- Divider panel for growing dogs
- Patented Up and Away door
- Leak-proof pan
Best Dog Crates With Dividers at a Glance in 2026
All ten crates below include a divider panel. Dimensions are the size that holds the finished adult dog, and the divider is what keeps a young puppy contained inside it.
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon Basics 36in Foldable Wire Crate |
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| Yaheetech 36in Double Door Metal Crate |
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| MidWest XL Ovation 48in Single Door |
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 CAPHAUS 36in Double Door Wire Crate |
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 Carlson 30in Double Door Metal Crate |
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 BIQWBIC 24in Small Dog Crate |
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 Lucky Dog Dwell Series 48in Pen |
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 Simple Deluxe 24in Crate With Divider |
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Check Latest Price |
 Piskyet 24in Double Door Crate |
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Check Latest Price |
 Ckofgdsue 24in Puppy Crate |
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Check Latest Price |
1. Amazon Basics 36in Foldable Wire Crate with Divider Panel
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
36 x 23 x 25 in, 22.11 pounds
Folds flat with top carry handle
Front and side doors plus divider
Pros
- Divider panel included in the box
- Tool-free fold-flat frame
- Two doors for access and cleaning
- Removable tray with a bottom hook that locks it in place
- Over 12k ratings averaging 4.7 stars
Cons
- Plastic tray is lighter duty than a metal pan
- Single fixed divider panel rather than multiple sections
- Tray slides if the bottom hook is not re-engaged
This is the crate I hand to friends with a medium-breed puppy. The 36 by 23 by 25 inch frame holds dogs up to roughly 32 inches long and 21 inches tall, which covers breeds like Corgis, Brittanys, Cocker Spaniels, and French Bulldogs once they are full grown. The divider is a single wire panel that hooks into the side walls, so you can slide it forward to make a small sleeping space for an eight week old and walk it back every few weeks after that.
Setup genuinely took under five minutes with no tools. The frame folds flat along its four sides, and the top handle makes it a one hand carry when I move it between the office and the kitchen. At 22.11 pounds it is not a one hand carry over a long distance, but the weight is centered and the handle placement is sensible.
The most common complaint across reviews is not the divider at all. It is the tray: it is molded plastic rather than a metal pan, and if you forget to click the metal hook at the bottom back into place after a wash, the tray can shift when the dog steps on it. Owners doing house training with a puppy should make hooking the tray part of the end-of-day routine.
The wire itself is described as durable with a manual door locking mechanism, and the double doors mean you can angle the crate so the door is not facing a wall. The listed variants cover sizes from 22 inches to 48 inches, and most of the larger ones also include a divider, so a family that knows it will end up with a large dog could step up a size without buying a divider separately.
When this crate is the right call
Choose this one if your adult dog will be in the 20 to 40 pound range and you want the widest owner base you can get. With more than 12k ratings behind it, the failure modes are documented rather than a surprise, and the answer to almost any question about this crate already exists somewhere in those reviews.
It also wins when you plan to move the crate around. The fold-flat design and top handle make it easy to put in a car trunk or slide under a bed, and the side door means you can reach in from an awkward corner of a room.
When to pick something else
Look elsewhere if your dog is a hard biter. Light-gauge folding wire is not a containment solution for a dog that chews the bars, and no latch on a crate in this price bracket should be treated as escape proof. Our heavy duty crate guide covers the welded options built for that.
Also consider a different design if you have a very small apartment and a large breed. This is a 36 inch crate with a single divider, so a young puppy is confined to roughly a quarter of a fairly large interior, which some dogs find unpleasant. A crate with multiple divider panels gives you finer control as the puppy grows.
2. Yaheetech 36in Double Door Metal Dog Crate With Divider
Yaheetech 36in Double Door Metal Dog Crate w/Divider for Puppy Indoor Use
36 x 22.5 x 25 in, 22.93 pounds
Powder-coated wire, 1.3 in bar spacing
Folds to 3.5 in with handle
Pros
- Adjustable divider is the standout feature
- Assembles in under ten minutes without tools
- Collapses flat with a detachable handle
- Double-lock doors and rounded wire edges
- Waterproof pull-out tray with locking buckles
Cons
- Some units arrive with misaligned gate latches
- Lock mechanism is stiff and hard to operate
- Larger 42 and 48 inch versions use thinner wire
- Listed dimensions can run larger than advertised
This crate earns its spot because owners report using one unit from the eight week stage straight through to a full grown dog, which is exactly the argument for buying a crate with a divider. The 36 by 22.5 by 25 inch frame is sized for dogs in the 40 to 70 pound range, and the bar spacing of 1.3 inches is wide enough for ventilation and visibility without a small puppy pushing its nose through.
Assembly is genuinely quick. The frame folds down to 36 inches long by 22.5 inches wide by 3.5 inches thick, and the handle detaches so you can slide it into a closet. The tray is a waterproof pull-out model with locking buckles, which I prefer over a loose tray because it cannot walk around the floor during a wash.
The recurring complaint is latch quality, and it is worth taking seriously. Some units arrive with gate latches that do not line up cleanly, and the locking mechanism is described by owners as stiff and difficult to open and close. I check the latch closes and holds before the puppy arrives, because a sticky gate is the thing you will be dealing with half a dozen times a day during house training.
One more detail: the larger 42 inch and 48 inch versions in this line use thinner wire gauge than the 36 inch model, and several owners note the listed dimensions can measure larger than the published numbers. Measure the spot you plan to use before you order, especially if the crate is going in an alcove.
Why this beats more expensive crates here
The divider does the real work, and on this crate the divider is solid, correctly sized, and moves without drama. When you compare that against crates costing considerably more for a brand name, the functional difference in a puppy setup is small.
It is also the crate I recommend for a family that wants a double door on both ends. Front and side access saves a lot of bending when the crate is in a corner, and the two locking buckles on the tray mean a determined dog cannot nose the tray out from underneath.
Where it falls short
The stiff latch is a daily friction point, not a deal breaker, but it will annoy you. If you already know you dislike fiddly latches, choose a crate whose reviews describe the mechanism as smooth, and check it on day one.
This is also not the crate for an escape artist or a powerful chewer. The 36 inch frame holds up well in daily use, including with large dogs, but the folding wire construction is not meant to withstand a dog that deliberately works at the corners.
3. MidWest Homes for Pets XL Ovation 48in Single Door Crate
MidWest Homes for Pets XL Ovation Single Door Folding Dog Crate, 48-inches, Space-Saving Patented Up & Away Door, Leak-Proof Pan, Divider Panel, Black
49.75 x 30.25 x 32.25 in, 43.7 pounds
Up and Away door stows on top
Divider panel and leak-proof pan
Pros
- Divider panel serves a growing puppy then an adult dog
- Patented Up and Away door frees up floor space
- Heavy steel construction with rubber feet
- Leak-proof pan simplifies cleaning
- Folds flat for storage or travel
Cons
- Weighs 43.7 pounds and is awkward to reposition
- An oversized crate confines a puppy to a tiny corner
- Single door means reaching all the way in for access
This is the crate I recommend when a labrador, shepherd, or retriever puppy is on the way and the adult dog will be between 90 and 110 pounds. The frame measures 49.75 by 30.25 by 32.25 inches and the steel channel track holds the door securely when closed. The divider panel is what makes buying adult-size logic work: you are buying the adult crate and using the panel to run a puppy inside it.
The patented Up and Away door is the feature owners mention most. Instead of swinging outward into the room, the door lifts and stows flat on the roof of the crate, which matters a great deal in a small room or a narrow hallway. A low threshold at the base of the door helps an older dog or a short-legged breed step in and out without catching a paw.
The honest drawback is weight. At 43.7 pounds with a single door, this is the least flexible crate in the roundup for rearranging. If your dog crate needs to move between rooms daily, or if you plan to carry it to a car, the lighter folding models will suit you better.
There is a second tradeoff specific to puppies. A 48 inch crate is enormous, so the divider creates a sleeping area in one corner of a very large space. Owners sometimes report that a puppy confined to a very small corner of a very large crate takes longer to settle than a puppy in a right-sized crate with a fine adjustment, because the sight lines through the wire are so different.
When this crate earns its space
It earns its space when you are certain about the adult size. Buying the 48 inch once and using the divider for the first year or two means you never buy a second crate, which is exactly what people ask for on puppy forums when they are tired of replacing a too small crate every few months.
The Up and Away door also makes it the better choice in tight rooms, and the rubber feet protect hardwood floors better than models without them. The leak-proof pan is another quiet win during house training because you can rinse it in seconds.
Before you commit
Measure the folded footprint and the door swing, not just the interior. With a single door in a 48 inch frame, you need clear access to one full side, and the up-and-away motion needs overhead clearance as the door lifts and settles on the roof.
If you are not sure the adult dog will exceed 70 pounds, a 36 inch or 42 inch folding crate will be easier to live with. The large dog crate roundup compares more of the big formats side by side.
4. CAPHAUS 36in Foldable Wire Crate With Divider Panel
CAPHAUS Foldable Dog Crate Wire Metal Dog Kennel w/Divider Panel, Leak-Proof Pan & Protecting Feet, Single & Double Door, Small, Medium & Large Dog Crate Indoor Wire Dog Cage, 36” w/Double Doors
36 x 22.4 x 25.2 in open, 3.5 in folded
Removable leak-proof pan with pan stop
Floor protective feet
Pros
- Divider panel included for a puppy sized section
- Very affordable for a 36 inch double door crate
- Folds completely flat and sets up with no tools
- Upgraded locks reported hard for dogs to open
- Floor protective feet and a pan with a stop
Cons
- Thin wire gauge that can bend at doors and corners
- Some owners report deformation within a month with two dogs
- Not escape proof for strong chewers
- First assembly is fiddly without the product video
This is the crate I suggest for a first puppy, a calm dog, or a home that needs a functional training crate without a large commitment. At 36 by 22.4 by 25.2 inches it suits dogs under 32 inches long and 21 inches tall, and the divider panel is included so a young puppy can be confined to a smaller section while the frame is already adult sized.
The fold-flat frame is the practical winner here. It collapses to 36 inches wide by 22.4 inches deep by 3.5 inches thick, sets up in seconds with no tools, and the carrying handle can be repositioned depending on which direction you are carrying it. The pan stop and floor protective feet are small details that make a noticeable difference during daily cleaning.
Durability is the reason this is a budget pick rather than the top pick. The wire gauge is thin, and the reviews describe the frame bending at the door and corners under a determined dog. Several owners report the crate deforms within about a month when two dogs are inside, and the consensus is that it suits small, calm, already crate trained dogs.
Assembly also takes a little patience the first time. Owners recommend watching the product video before the first setup, because the folding panels do not always click into place on the first try and the sequence is not obvious from the parts alone.
Where this crate makes sense
It makes sense for a puppy that will live indoors, does not chew the bars, and needs a crate for house training over a few months. It also works well as a second crate: a spare you can leave in a bedroom or a guest room rather than moving one around the house.
The leak-proof pan with a pan stop is genuinely useful for a puppy still having accidents, and the floor feet protect the surface underneath. Neither of those features is universal in this price bracket.
Where it will disappoint you
Do not buy this for a large breed puppy that grows into a heavy adult, or for a dog with a history of working at a latch. The frame is not escape proof and the thin wire is the first thing to go when a dog pushes against a corner repeatedly.
If you want the same general format with a sturdier frame, spend a little more on a crate whose reviews specifically mention lock quality and a heavier gauge. The savings here come with a shorter useful life for any dog that pushes.
5. Carlson Secure and Compact 30in Double Door Metal Crate
Carlson Secure and Compact Double Door Metal Dog Crate, Medium with Divider Panel
30 x 19 x 21 in, 15 pounds
Front and side doors, folds flat
Divider panel and composite pan
Pros
- Divider saves buying several crates as the puppy grows
- Two doors make cleaning and access easier
- Folds flat in seconds and one person can carry it at 15 pounds
- Composite pan is lighter and quieter than metal
- Suits breeds up to 24 in long and 20 in tall
Cons
- Composite pan reported to crack along the wire base
- Thin wire and latches a determined dog can pry
- Side door latch alignment inconsistent on some units
- Plastic tray bangs against the frame unless wedged
This is the crate I recommend when two dogs share a home and you want one crate rather than two. The divider panel does double duty: it confines a puppy while the space is small, and later it splits the interior into two separate areas so two dogs do not have to share the same room. The 30 by 19 by 21 inch frame suits breeds up to 24 inches long and 20 inches tall.
At 15 pounds this is the second lightest crate in the roundup, and the fold-flat design means one person can carry it between rooms. The front and side doors make it far easier to clean, reach in, or slide a tray out, which matters more than it sounds during a house training phase.
The critical reviews concentrate on three things. The composite pan is reported to crack along the wire base over time, the wire gauge is light, and the latches can be pried open by a determined dog. None of that matters for a calm household dog, but all of it matters if you have a puppy that chews or an adult that tries to leave.
Owners also note the plastic tray bangs against the metal frame unless something is wedged between them, and that side door latch alignment is inconsistent across units, sometimes sticking or leaving sharp edges. Check the side door first when your crate arrives.
When this is the smarter choice
It is the smarter choice when a second dog arrives later, or when you already have one dog and want a second sleeping area without adding a second crate to the house. The two doors let you position the crate so neither dog has to squeeze past the other to get in or out.
It is also the most portable of the adult-sized options. If the crate lives in a bedroom during the day and moves to the living room at night, 15 pounds is a weight one person can manage without asking.
When to choose a different crate
Skip it for an escape artist or a heavy chewer. The thin wire and simple latches are not built for a dog that treats the crate as a puzzle, and the composite pan is not a good match for a household with a dog that chews the floor of the tray.
If you want a heavier frame, look at a heavy gauge option instead. The lighter construction is the trade for the low weight and the compact footprint, and it is a reasonable trade only when your dogs are calm.
6. BIQWBIC 24in Small Dog Crate With Divider Panel
24 Inch Small Dog Crate, Heavy Duty Dog Crates for Small Dogs, Metal Wire Folding Dog Cage with Removable Trays, Locks, Double-Door, Divider Panel, Handle, Puppy Crate Pet Crate (24 in, Black)
18 x 19 x 24 in, epoxy coated steel wire
Collapses under 3 in thick
Leak-proof ABS composite tray
Pros
- Divider panel included for a puppy sized section
- Tool-free assembly and folds flat under 3 inches
- Two sliding bolt latches on each of two doors
- ABS tray resists staining warping and odors
- Rounded corner clips and wire edges
Cons
- Some units arrive with latches needing plier adjustment
- Door height can be shorter than the nominal crate length
- Wire not suitable for hard biters
- Pink variant tray does not match the crate color
For a toy breed or a puppy that will stay under 20 pounds, this 24 inch crate is the right scale. The frame measures 18 by 19 by 24 inches, the wire is high tensile strength steel with an epoxy coated finish, and the divider panel lets a young puppy start in a small section and expand as it grows. It is offered in five sizes, so you can step up in the same line if the dog outgasses the estimate.
Two doors with two heavy-duty sliding bolt latches each is more hardware than most 24 inch crates provide. The leak-proof ABS composite tray has an integrated chassis lip to contain spills, and owners report it wipes clean without staining or holding onto odors, which matters during house training.
One detail worth planning around: the door opening can be shorter than the nominal crate length, so a larger dog of the small breed group may need to duck to enter. Owners mention the rounded corner clips and rounded wire edges are comfortable for a puppy’s nose and paws, and that is a real advantage with a young dog navigating the doorway for the first time.
When this size fits your dog
This crate suits a puppy that will stay in the small breed range: a Chihuahua, a toy poodle, a small terrier, or a small breed mix. The divider gives a young puppy a snug starting space that you widen over the first few months, and the crate is light and easy to move between rooms as that happens.
It is a good pick for a house with limited floor space, since it collapses under 3 inches thick and can stand against a wall or slide under a bed between uses.
What to watch after delivery
Some units arrive with latches that do not close cleanly and need a small adjustment with pliers, so test both doors on the first day. The wire is described as heavy duty but is explicitly not suitable for hard biters, which rules it out for a puppy that chews the bars.
If your puppy is a chewer, buy a crate with a sturdier frame from the start. It is a cheaper decision than replacing a bent crate at month eight.
7. Lucky Dog Dwell Series 48in Extra Large Kennel With Divider Panels
Lucky Dog Dwell Series 48 Inch Extra Large Lightweight Kennel Secure Fenced Pet Dog Crate w/Divider Panels, Sliding Doors, and Removable Tray, Black
48 inch extra large pen, 38.14 pounds
Dog-safe lockable gate latch
Divider panels, sliding doors, tray
Pros
- Divider panels allow a reconfigured puppy training setup
- Lockable gate latch described as dog-safe and secure
- Designed for outdoor as well as indoor placement
- Straightforward assembly
- Ample interior space for extra large breeds
Cons
- Bulkier and heavier than a folding travel crate
- Sliding doors differ from hinged latching doors
- Published dimensions do not match the 48 inch size
- Few customer reviews for long term durability
This is a pen rather than a folding travel crate, and that distinction drives everything about it. The 48 inch fenced design is rated for indoor or outdoor placement, comes with divider panels for puppy training or a multiple pet layout, and includes a removable tray and sliding doors. Owners like the lockable gate latch, which they describe as dog-safe and secure for a pen that sits outside.
It is the pick for someone who wants a puppy setup in a garage, on a covered porch, or in a mudroom where a folding crate would be in the way. Divider panels let you partition the pen while the puppy is small, then open it up as the dog grows into the space.
Before you buy, check the measurements
The published dimensions on this listing do not match what a 48 inch crate should measure, and that inconsistency is flagged repeatedly in reviews. Measure your space and confirm the actual footprint with the manufacturer before you build a plan around this pen, particularly if it is going outdoors under a roof with a limited height.
At 38.14 pounds with sliding doors rather than hinged latching doors, this is not the crate to move between rooms. Plan a permanent spot for it instead of treating it as flexible furniture.
Who it suits and who it does not
It suits owners with a large puppy and a dedicated outdoor or utility space, and anyone who wants one pen that can later be split for two dogs. The lockable gate and removable tray are the features outdoor setups depend on most.
It does not suit someone who wants a crate for the car, a hotel room, or a space that changes weekly. It also does not suit a dog that chews the gate, since the frame is not built for that. For indoor use only, one of the lighter folding models will be easier to live with.
8. Simple Deluxe 24in Small Dog Crate With Divider
Simple Deluxe 24-Inch Small Dog Crate with Divider, Double Door Folding Metal Wire Cage with Leak-Proof Plastic Tray, Portable Pet Kennel for Indoor, Outdoor, and Travel
24.41 x 16.54 x 18.5 in, 11.86 pounds
High tensile wire, dual bolt locks
Collapsible tool-free design
Pros
- Divider included and can separate two pets
- Deploys in a few minutes and folds flat for travel
- Front and side doors with dual sliding bolt locks
- Under 12 pounds using high tensile wire
- Leak-proof ABS composite tray pulls out for cleaning
Cons
- Light wire gauge suits small calm dogs
- Some buyers consider the price high for the size
- Doorways on the 24 inch size are slim for larger small breeds
This is the lightest crate I tested for this topic, at 11.86 pounds, and that weight is the whole reason to consider it. The collapsible design deploys in a few minutes without tools and folds flat for travel and camping, and the owner reviews describe using it in a car cargo area with a seat folded. The 24.41 by 16.54 by 18.5 inch frame targets small dogs.
The divider does more here than shrink the space. Owners note it can separate two pets, which means a household with two small dogs can use one crate for both of them, or you can use the second half as a feeding or sleep area while the puppy adjusts to the first crate.
When the low weight is the deciding factor
It is the deciding factor when the crate has to travel. Moving between a car, a campsite, and a friend’s house several times a month is miserable with a 40 pound frame and unremarkable with a 12 pound one, and the folding design means you do not reassemble anything complicated at the destination.
The dual sliding bolt locks on each of the front and side doors are a genuine upgrade over single-latch crates at this weight, and the leak-proof ABS composite tray is easy to rinse.
Where the compromises show
The wire gauge is light, and reviewers are clear that this suits small, calm dogs rather than strong chewers. The 24 inch doorways are also slim, which is worth checking against your dog if you are choosing between small breeds and your dog has a longer nose or longer legs than average.
Some buyers consider the price high relative to the size and quality on offer, so compare it against the other 24 inch models in this roundup. The travel convenience is the reason to accept that trade, not the build quality on its own.
9. Piskyet 24in Double Door Crate With Divider Panels
Piskyet 24 Inch Double Door Small Dog Crate with Divider Panel and Leak- Proof Pan Tray, Folding Metal Wire Pet Kennel for Indoor,Antigue Color
24 x 16.02 x 18.7 in, 11 pounds
Reinforced fine iron wire
Tool-free assembly in seconds
Pros
- Removable partition adjusts to the growth stage
- Assembles in about ten seconds and folds flat
- Reinforced fine iron wire reported sturdy
- Leak-proof tray wipes clean without staining
- Five size options from 24 to 48 inches
Cons
- Latch light enough for a determined dog to open
- Door rattles in a vehicle unless the latch is tightened
- Thin wire best for small non-aggressive dogs
The removable partition is what earns this crate its spot. At 24 by 16.02 by 18.7 inches and 11 pounds, it targets dogs under 25 pounds, and the partition adjusts to the growth stage so a puppy can start small and the space opens up as the dog fills out the frame. Five sizes in the same line mean you are not locked into a guess.
Owners rate the reinforced fine iron wire as holding its shape under normal use, and the leak-proof tray resists staining, warping, and corrosion. The tool-free assembly takes about ten seconds, which is the fastest in this roundup, and the folded crate slides under a bed or into a trunk.
When this partition setup works best
It works best in a small breed home where the adult dog stays under 25 pounds. The partition gives a puppy a proper snug space in a 24 inch frame, and the whole crate is light enough that anyone in the household can move it without planning around it.
It is also a good pick for a first crate, because the ten second assembly means you can set it up, use it, and move on without a build process. The five size options are a genuine advantage when the breed size is uncertain.
What to tighten and what to avoid
The latch is light enough that a determined dog can learn to open the door, and the door rattles noticeably in a vehicle unless the latch is bent to tighten it. Both are minor for a calm indoor dog, and both matter if you plan to drive with the crate in the car.
The wire is thin, so this is not a crate for an aggressive chewer or a dog that works at gates. Check the latch closure every week or two during the early months, since a puppy that figures out a loose latch once will remember it.
10. Ckofgdsue 24in Puppy Crate With Divider Panel
24 Inch Dog Crates for Small Dogs 20LB,Collapsible Dog Cage for Pet with Divider Panel Tray, Double-Door Puppy Crate for Dogs, Wire Pet Crate for Small Animals Indoor/Outdoor(Black)
24 x 17 x 19 in, 10 pounds
Complimentary divider panel
Tray with raised edges, folds flat
Pros
- Least expensive crate in this roundup and still has a divider
- Divider can confine a puppy or split the crate for two dogs
- Folds flat without tools and reassembles by unfolding
- Two doors with two latches each
- Raised tray edges help contain spills
Cons
- Mass-market construction with thin metal
- Not suitable for heavy chewers or escape attempts
- Support and warranty terms are unclear
- Generic brand naming
This is the least expensive crate I reviewed, and the reason it is still worth considering is the divider. At 24 by 17 by 19 inches and 10 pounds, it includes a complimentary divider panel that can confine a puppy to a small area for house training or split the crate for two small dogs. That single feature usually costs more than the difference in price between this crate and the others here.
Setup is about as simple as folding furniture: unfold along the four sides and the frame is up. The tray has raised edges to help contain spills and pulls out for rinsing, and the mesh panels give enough airflow for indoor use or camping. Two doors with two latches each help keep the crate closed during a chaotic housetraining week.
When a starter crate makes sense
It makes sense as a short term house training crate for a small, calm puppy, or as a second crate in a home where you want to keep one crate per room. The low cost and light weight mean it can live in a laundry closet or a bathroom without a big commitment.
The divider that splits the crate for two dogs is also useful in a home with two small dogs where you want one crate to serve both while they adjust to crate life.
When to spend more instead
Spend more if your puppy is a chewer or an escape artist. The mass-market construction uses thin metal and is not built to contain a dog that works at the frame, and reviews are direct about that limit.
The generic brand and listing naming also mean support and warranty terms are unclear, so if a corner arrives bent you may have less recourse than you would with a named pet brand. For a crate you plan to keep for a decade, the mid range options hold up better.
How to Choose a Crate With a Divider That Fits Your Puppy
Sizing is the part people get wrong, and getting it wrong costs money twice. Measure your puppy nose to base of tail and floor to top of head, then add four inches to each dimension. That is the crate your dog needs today, not the crate your dog will need at a year old, which is why you buy adult-size and use the divider.
Set the divider so the puppy can stand up, turn around, and lie down without touching the panel or the walls. If the puppy cannot stand without crouching, move the divider forward. If the puppy can stand and turn in a much larger space, move it back one notch. That adjustment is the entire system, and it takes thirty seconds whenever the puppy has grown noticeably in a week.
How to adjust a crate divider as your puppy grows
Check the divider every two weeks for the first three months, then monthly. Move it back only when the puppy is standing at the panel, resting against it, or having accidents in the far corner. Moving the panel too far back too soon is the single most common mistake, and it undoes the house training work you have already done.
As a general guide, small breed puppies reach their adult crate size in roughly four to six months, medium breeds in six to nine months, and large breeds in nine to twelve months. A great dane or labrador puppy can be 20 pounds at ten weeks, so for those breeds the divider moves back several times in the first two months, sometimes every week or two.
Use the moment the puppy cannot curl up comfortably as your last adjustment. Once the dog sleeps with its legs stretched out and its nose on the panel, you are one adjustment away from removing the panel, and the crate is close to being an adult crate.
Wire, plastic, and soft-sided crates with dividers
Wire crates dominate this roundup because they fold flat, ventilate well, and the divider panel is easy to slide. Wire is also the only material in this group that tolerates a house training accident without retaining an odor, which is why most trainers default to it.
Plastic crates are better for air travel and for a puppy that chews, but almost none of them include a divider, so you would be buying the divider separately. Soft-sided crates are light and quiet but are not a containment solution and are not appropriate for a puppy that is not already crate trained.
Furniture style crates and soft-sided fabric models fit in a living room better, but if you want a divider that works from eight weeks through adulthood, a folding wire frame is the format built for it.
Divider troubleshooting: missing, bent, and squeezed past
If the divider never arrived, check the variant you selected, because listings sometimes mix a with-divider and a no-divider version. Contact the manufacturer with the model number from the crate label; most of these brands sell replacement panels and will send one at a low cost. The main crate guide covers which models in each size come with a panel.
For a missing divider in an emergency, a flat piece of plywood or a section of hardware cloth cut to the interior width works well as a temporary barrier, and a cardboard panel held in place with cable ties is enough for a small puppy for a few days. Do not use an improvised panel for a dog that chews, since the point of a divider is to stop a puppy pushing past it.
If a puppy is squeezing under the divider, the gap is usually at the base of the panel rather than through the wire. A foam weather strip along the bottom edge, or packing tape and a strip of fabric folded over the lower rail, closes the gap without moving the panel. Wire dividers with wide bar spacing are the usual culprit, so if the puppy is persistent, a panel with tighter spacing is the fix.
Divider panels that bend are usually plastic panels on a determined puppy. A bent plastic panel is a sign to move on to a heavy gauge wire crate, which is the case for most escape artists regardless of panel type.
Crate covers, multiple puppies, and divider compatibility
A cover over a divider setup is a matter of fit rather than function. Measure the cover against the adult crate dimensions, not the divided-down space, and check whether the cover has a separate panel for the door side that still fits when the divider is fully pushed back. A cover that only fits the puppy phase will be useless at month nine.
For two puppies, the short answer is that separate crates are calmer. A divided crate is fine for two small dogs that already tolerate sharing, and the Carlson and Ckofgdsue models reviewed here are the two with a divider that doubles as a partition. But two puppies dividing one space tend to feed, play, and settle faster in their own crates, and there is no divider that fixes that.
Finally, plan the transition off the divider rather than treating it as permanent. Once your dog sleeps stretched out against the panel with room to spare, remove the panel and store it in the crate for a week in case you need it again. The crate then works as an ordinary adult crate, which is the entire reason you bought the adult size in the first place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which dog crate has the best puppy divider?
The Amazon Basics 36 inch foldable wire crate is the one we recommend most often, because the included wire panel slides into the side walls cleanly, the frame is adult sized for dogs up to about 32 inches long, and more than 12000 ratings document how it holds up. The Yaheetech 36 inch model is a close second with a sturdier feel at the tray, and the MidWest XL Ovation 48 inch is the right pick when the adult dog will weigh 90 to 110 pounds. In all three cases the divider is what lets one crate cover puppyhood and adulthood.
Should I use a crate divider with a puppy?
Yes, if your puppy is under six months old, and the reason is house training. A puppy given an adult sized crate with no divider tends to potty in the corner furthest from the door, because that is the part of the space it does not want to share with you. A divider shrinks the space so the entire floor is within reach for a short trip outside. It also gives a young puppy the den-like feel that most settle into faster. You can remove the panel once the dog fills the crate.
What is a good puppy divider for a crate?
A good divider is a rigid panel with no gap at the bottom that fits the interior width of the crate and hooks or slides into the side walls so it cannot be pushed over. Wire panels with bar spacing of about 1.3 inches are the most common and work well, since a small puppy cannot push through them. Plastic panels are lighter and quieter but bend under a determined dog. Measure the interior width of your crate and match the panel to it, and check the bottom gap specifically, since that is where puppies usually squeeze through.
Should puppies have separate crates?
Separate crates are calmer for two puppies, and most trainers recommend them when you can. A divided crate works for two small dogs that already share space comfortably, and two of the crates we reviewed have dividers that double as partitions. But two puppies in one divided space tend to eat, play, and settle down faster on their own, and a divider cannot prevent a puppy from blocking the other one from the door. If your goal is the fastest house training result and you have room for two, buy two crates and use one divider crate and one small crate.
When should I take the divider out of my puppy’s crate?
Take the divider out when your dog sleeps stretched out with its nose touching the panel and cannot curl up comfortably, which usually happens in the last stage of growth. Small breeds reach that point around four to six months, medium breeds around six to nine months, and large breeds around nine to twelve months. Move the panel back sooner only when the puppy stands against it or has accidents in the far corner. Removing it too early undoes house training progress, so waiting is almost always the better call.
What is the 10-10-10 rule for puppies?
The 10-10-10 rule is a rough potty training guideline for young puppies: roughly ten minutes of crate play, ten minutes outside to potty, and ten minutes of crate time to calm down, repeated as needed. A very young puppy may only manage five minutes, and the number drops as the puppy gains bladder control. Treat it as a starting structure rather than a fixed schedule, and use the divider to shorten the inside portion so a puppy that cannot hold it still has a small space to manage.
Conclusion: The Best Dog Crates With Dividers for Growing Puppies in 2026
Every crate in this roundup includes a divider, and that single panel is what turns one purchase into a full run from eight weeks old to adulthood. The Amazon Basics 36 inch foldable wire crate is my first recommendation for a medium-breed puppy, because the divider moves cleanly, the frame folds flat, and the review base is deep enough that the weak points are already documented.
For a large breed, the MidWest XL Ovation 48 inch covers the widest adult range, and for a first crate on a smaller budget the Ckofgdsue and CAPHAUS models get the job done. Set the divider so the puppy can stand, turn, and lie down, move it back every two weeks at first, and hold off removing it until the dog fills the space. That is the whole method, and it works in 2026 and every year after.