When you bring home a puppy, a crate can feel like one of many temporary purchases: something to help with toilet training, chewing and those first unsettled nights, then fold away once the difficult stage has passed.
But a thoughtfully chosen crate can be much more than a puppy-training tool. It can become your dog’s familiar place to sleep, retreat and reset throughout their life.
That is why we believe in buying once and buying well.
The Teddy furniture-style dog crate was created to take your dog from puppyhood into adulthood, not only because it is made from premium, durable materials, but because its design can change with the role the crate plays in your dog’s life. In the early months, it can be a secure training enclosure. Later, its doors can be completely removed, transforming it into an open, cosy nook your dog can choose whenever they want some quiet.
Instead of buying a basic crate you cannot wait to hide, you can invest in one considered piece that belongs in your home from the beginning.
Why do adult dogs still need a crate?
Many people stop using a wire crate after puppy training, not necessarily because their dog has outgrown the need for a retreat, but because the crate has been hidden in the laundry, spare room or garage. Once toilet training is complete it can seem as though the dog no longer wants it because it isn't integrated in shared spaces in the home.
In reality, many dogs continue to seek out small, familiar and protected places throughout adulthood. When crate training is introduced gently and positively, a crate can become a place associated with rest rather than restriction. Veterinary guidance from VCA Animal Hospitals notes that many dogs voluntarily curl up in their crate when they are ready for a nap, while adult dogs may also use one for relaxation and time away from stressful situations.
An adult dog’s crate can provide:
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a predictable place to rest and sleep
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a retreat from visitors, children, noise or a busy household
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personal space in a multi-dog home
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a familiar environment during changes to the home or routine
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a safe place to settle with an appropriate enrichment activity
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a space they already know if a vet recommends restricted activity after illness or surgery
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continuity during travel, moving house or other disruptions
A crate should never be used as punishment or as a substitute for exercise, companionship or appropriate training. It may also be unsuitable for some dogs with confinement distress, particularly if they attempt to escape. The aim is to create a positive space your dog feels safe choosing, not somewhere they are simply shut away.
Ellie found her quiet space at six years old
Ellie’s story is a lovely reminder that a crate is not only for puppies—or only for dogs that have always been crate trained.
Ellie is a six-year-old, 10 kg Cavoodle who had never been crate trained before her family introduced a Medium Teddy. Rather than using it simply as an enclosure, Ellie began choosing to go inside every day when she wanted some quiet time.
“My dog, Ellie, was never crate trained and she’s six years old. Since we got the Teddy crate, she goes into it for some quiet time every day. The crate is aesthetically beautiful and fits so nicely in my room.”
Her family paired the crate with the Peppa Plump Mat, which includes two bouclé covers, and added the optional lockable wheels and Merino Sheepskin Topper for extra warmth in winter. Together, these details helped turn Teddy into a comfortable place that worked for Ellie and looked at home in the room.
Not every dog will respond in exactly the same way, and any new crate should be introduced gently. But Ellie’s experience shows what can happen when an adult dog is offered a calm, inviting space and allowed to build their own positive relationship with it.
From training enclosure to open retreat
The best crate for long-term use is one that can adapt when confinement is no longer the main purpose.
Teddy’s transparent sliding doors are designed to move discreetly and quietly along the front of the crate. They do not lift over your dog’s head, creating unnecessary movement or noise above them, and they do not swing out into walkways or shared living spaces.
When your dog no longer needs the doors, they can be easily removed altogether. Teddy then becomes an open piece of furniture with a sheltered resting space inside, still recognisable to your dog as their own, but accessible whenever they choose.
This transition matters. Rather than taking away the place your dog has learned to associate with calm, you are simply changing how they use it.
A large dog crate that grows with your puppy
Buying a crate for a large-breed puppy can create a dilemma. Choose one that fits them now and they may quickly outgrow it. Choose their full adult size and the interior can be unnecessarily large during toilet training.
Teddy is available in four sizes: Small, Medium, Large and Extra Large. It can accommodate dogs from smaller breeds through to much bigger family companions. For our Large and Extra Large crates, an optional divider allows you to reduce the usable space while your puppy is small, then increase it as they grow.
That means you can select the Teddy size intended for your dog’s expected adult measurements and adapt the interior during puppyhood, rather than buying one crate now and replacing it later.
Correct sizing is essential. Your dog should be able to stand comfortably, turn around and lie down in a natural position. Breed labels can be a helpful starting point, but individual dogs vary, so we recommend measuring your dog and considering their expected adult size before ordering. Think about how they naturally sleep, too: a dog who curls tightly may use space very differently from one who prefers to stretch out with all four paws in the air.
That was exactly the consideration for Alfie. Although he is a medium-sized dog, his family chose an Extra Large Teddy because he is a perpetual “big stretch” sleeper and his previous crate had begun to feel restrictive. They found the XL substantial and sturdy, with relatively straightforward assembly and minimal tools required. For them, it feels like “an investment for life.”
For one family, the XL Teddy created a full-size space they could adapt while their puppy was still little:
“We love our XL Teddy crate. It has been thoughtfully designed to accommodate our little puppy and grow with him as he gets bigger. I love that it can be divided while he is still small. The castor wheels let us move it to suit his routine during the day and night, and the comfortable mattress fits perfectly inside. Thank you for creating a beautiful, calming space for our new addition.”
The divider reduces the area available to a small puppy, then can be repositioned or removed as they mature. Optional lockable wheels allow the same familiar crate to move with the puppy’s routine rather than requiring separate setups in different rooms.
Built for real life, including life with bigger dogs
Furniture-style does not have to mean fragile.
Teddy is constructed from sturdy plywood, with thick transparent acrylic doors designed for everyday use. The result is a substantial furniture crate made to handle the normal wear and tear of life with dogs, including larger dogs, while maintaining a light and refined appearance in the home.
As with any home crate, suitability also depends on the individual dog. A crate is not designed to contain a dog who is panicking, making sustained escape attempts or aggressively chewing the structure. Puppies should be introduced gradually and monitored, and dogs experiencing significant distress should be supported by a veterinarian or appropriately qualified behaviour professional.
This distinction is important: robust construction supports long-term everyday use, but no material should be treated as a substitute for positive crate training or care tailored to the dog in front of you.
One Teddy owner noticed a difference not only in the crate’s craftsmanship, but in how their dog used it:
“The crate is absolute quality. Unlike other brands that look similar, The Paws Room really takes its craftsmanship seriously. It is a beautiful, stylish piece that will stand the test of time, not a huge eyesore in the middle of the house. Our dog now goes in there for a nap without us taking him there, which he didn’t do in his old crate. He is also obsessed with the sheepskin. We are so happy with the quality.”
Optional lockable wheels add flexibility without turning Teddy into a temporary-looking or lightweight crate. As Darcy’s family found, they make it easy to move the crate from room to room, allowing a dog to keep the same familiar space close to family life as the household moves through the day.
Ventilation without the visual clutter
Good airflow is fundamental in any enclosed resting space.
Teddy’s open front, sturdy vertical slats and carefully positioned slot cut-outs are designed to optimise ventilation throughout the crate. The transparent doors retain the open visual feel and allow you and your dog to see one another, while the ventilation details are incorporated into the minimalist structure rather than added as an afterthought.
The result is a crate that feels sheltered without feeling visually heavy: a calm nook for your dog and a considered piece for your room.
Always position any crate away from direct heat and monitor your dog’s comfort, particularly during warm Australian weather. Bedding should also be appropriate for the season and for your individual dog.
Why choose sliding doors on a furniture-style dog crate?
Doors have an outsized effect on how a crate functions in everyday life.
Traditional hinged doors need clear floor space and can swing into walkways, furniture or the path of passing family members. Overhead or garage-style doors remove that swing, but they still travel above the dog and remain part of the structure when open.
Teddy’s transparent doors slide quietly across the front. This makes them particularly practical in living rooms, bedrooms and shared spaces where every centimetre matters. There is no wide door projecting into the room and no panel moving over your dog’s head.
Most importantly, the doors are completely removable. Once your dog can safely enjoy free access, Teddy can make the natural transition from crate to open den without needing to be replaced.
Minimalist dog furniture designed to belong
If a dog’s safe place is tucked away because the crate looks temporary or industrial, it can become disconnected from family life. Teddy was designed around a different idea: that your dog’s space can sit comfortably within your space.
Its clean lines, warm furniture-grade finish, transparent doors and restrained detailing create a minimalist silhouette rather than the visual grid of a conventional wire crate. The top also provides a useful furniture surface, helping Teddy function as part of the room rather than an object placed reluctantly within it.
Good design is not only about appearance. When a crate looks at home in the rooms where people actually live, it is more likely to remain where the dog can use it: near the family, but with enough enclosure to rest.
That is the heart of Teddy’s design—their happy space at your place.
Coco’s family described the difference simply:
“Coco adores her new crate and the design is so chic. We love the Scandi lines and blonde wood. No need to hide this one away!”
That final point is more important than it may first appear. A crate that can remain in the room is not only easier on the eye; it allows your dog’s familiar space to remain part of everyday family life.
Why does the Teddy crate cost more than a Kmart or mass-market furniture crate?
A low-cost crate can be a practical option, particularly when budget, portability or occasional use is the priority. Teddy is designed for a different purpose.
It combines a dog crate, a long-term resting space and a substantial piece of furniture. Its price reflects the premium materials, plywood construction, thick acrylic, specialised sliding and removable door system, ventilation detailing and considered finish that allow it to remain in your home well beyond puppy training.
Wiley’s experience brings those different kinds of value together:
“Wiley is absolutely obsessed with his Teddy crate. He gets the best sleep on his mattress, and there’s plenty of room for him as he continues to grow. He’s crate trained and genuinely loves spending time in his crate. Not only is it practical, but it’s also a beautiful piece of furniture that fits perfectly into our home and doubles as a handy side table. The quality is incredible—you can really see and feel the difference. Worth every dollar.”
The fairest comparison is not simply the upfront price of one crate against another. It is the value of buying a single, appropriately sized crate that can:
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adapt as a large-breed puppy grows with the optional divider
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change from a secure enclosure into an open nook
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remain useful throughout adulthood
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withstand everyday family life
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replace the cycle of buying, hiding, discarding and upgrading
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sit confidently in the main living areas of your home
“Buy once, buy well” does not mean everyone must choose the most expensive option. It means considering the full life of the product: how it is made, how long you expect to use it and whether its design will continue to work when your puppy becomes an adult.
One long-term Teddy owner captured this idea beautifully:
“I got a crate years ago—the best thing I did. It’s my dog’s safe space. I recently upgraded to a new mattress, luxe sheepskin and sturdy, easy-clean Pebble and Twirl enrichment toys. Quality, stylish products that fit seamlessly with your home décor, along with excellent customer service.”
This is how we believe a well-designed crate should work. The crate itself remains the foundation, while bedding, comfort and enrichment can be refreshed as your dog’s needs, the season or your home changes. You are not repeatedly replacing their entire space; you are caring for and evolving the one they already know.
So, which dog crate should I choose?
The best dog crate depends on your dog, your home and how you need the crate to function.
A folding wire crate may suit temporary use, travel or a tight budget. A crate with garage-style doors may appeal if an overhead-opening mechanism or stone-look top is your priority. A steel-bar furniture crate may be preferred by someone who specifically wants a heavier industrial aesthetic.
Choose the Teddy crate if you want:
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one furniture-style crate designed for puppyhood and adult life
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discreet, quiet transparent doors that slide rather than swing outward or move overhead
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doors that can be completely removed when confinement is no longer needed
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a Large or Extra Large crate that can be reduced with a puppy divider and expanded as your dog grows
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sturdy plywood construction and thick acrylic doors
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generous ventilation through front openings, vertical slats and slot cut-outs
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a considered flat-pack design with straightforward home assembly
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a refined, minimalist design that belongs in a living room or bedroom
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a calm resting space that remains available to your dog throughout their life
The goal is not simply to find somewhere to put your puppy. It is to create a space your dog can build a lasting relationship with—and that you will still be happy to live with years from now.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best dog crate for puppyhood and adulthood?
Look for a durable crate that fits your dog’s expected adult size and can be adapted while they grow. The Teddy crate is available in four sizes, with an optional divider for Large and Extra Large crates. Its removable sliding doors allow it to change from a puppy-training enclosure into an open adult resting space.
Do adult dogs still need a crate?
Not every adult dog needs to be confined, but many continue to enjoy having a familiar, sheltered place to rest. Once training is complete, leaving the crate open—or removing Teddy’s doors—allows the dog to choose when they want to use their nook.
Are furniture-style dog crates suitable for large dogs?
They can be, provided the crate is correctly sized, well ventilated and made from suitable materials. Teddy’s Large and Extra Large sizes use sturdy plywood and thick acrylic doors, with an optional divider that lets the interior grow with a large-breed puppy. Always assess the individual dog’s behaviour as well as their size.
Are sliding crate doors better than hinged or garage-style doors?
It depends on your space and preferences. Teddy’s sliding doors do not swing into the room or travel above the dog, and they operate discreetly across the front. They can also be completely removed when the dog no longer requires an enclosed crate.
Does the Teddy dog crate have enough ventilation?
Teddy is designed with an open front, vertical slats and additional slot cut-outs to optimise airflow while maintaining a sheltered, furniture-style form. As with any crate, it should be positioned away from excessive heat and your dog’s comfort should be monitored.
Is an expensive dog crate worth it?
A premium crate can be worthwhile if you intend to use it every day and keep it throughout your dog’s life. Teddy’s value lies in its durable materials, adaptable design, removable doors, divider options and ability to remain part of the home after puppy training ends.
Can a crate help a dog with anxiety?
A positively introduced crate may give some dogs a predictable retreat from household activity, but it is not a treatment for separation anxiety or serious distress. Dogs that panic, injure themselves or make repeated escape attempts when confined should be assessed by a veterinarian or qualified behaviour professional.
Should I remove my dog’s crate after toilet training?
Not necessarily. If your dog continues to sleep or relax in it, the crate is still serving a valuable purpose. With Teddy, you can remove the doors and retain the familiar sheltered space without keeping it as a closed training enclosure.
Can I move my puppy’s crate easily
Yes. Optional lockable wheels make it easier to move the Teddy crate as your puppy’s routine changes. You may initially keep Teddy beside your bed to help your puppy settle overnight, then move the same familiar crate into the living room or another shared space during the day. This allows their safe space to adapt with them without introducing an unfamiliar second crate. Always move Teddy while your dog is outside the crate, then lock the wheels securely in its new position.
Is the top of the Teddy crate sturdy enough to use as furniture?
Yes. Teddy’s solid plywood construction creates a strong, substantial top that can comfortably hold everyday household items up to 50kgs.
