Puppy Wee Cleaner

Short answer: No. When done properly, crate training can be a kind and supportive tool.

Longer answer:

Crates are not about confinement or punishment. When introduced thoughtfully, a crate becomes a dog’s own predictable, low-stimulation space, similar to a den. Many dogs naturally seek out small, enclosed areas to rest and feel safe.

Crate training becomes problematic only when a crate is used as a punishment, a place of isolation, or without proper introduction. Our approach is grounded in calm, choice and routine, not force. A crate should support your dog’s wellbeing, not restrict it.

A well-set-up crate reduces stimulation and provides clarity.

For many dogs, especially puppies or anxious dogs, the modern home can be overwhelming: noise, movement, visitors, screens, and constant interaction. A crate offers a predictable environment where their nervous system can down-regulate, making it easier for dogs to rest and reset.

Calm behaviour isn’t something dogs are born with. It’s supported by structure, routine, and environment. A crate is one tool that can help provide that structure when used correctly.

A crate feels safe when it is:

• introduced gradually and positively
  
• associated with rest, not isolation
  
• placed in a calm, familiar part of the home
• sized appropriately so the dog can stand, turn and lie comfortably
  
• never used as punishment
  

Equally important is how the crate is used. Doors don’t need to be closed all the time, and many dogs choose to rest in their crate voluntarily once they feel secure. Safety comes from predictability and choice, not restriction.

No. Crates can be helpful at many life stages.

While crates are commonly associated with puppies, many adult dogs continue to benefit from having a dedicated resting space. Some dogs use their crate as a quiet retreat, others during times of change (guests, moves, new routines), and some throughout their life.

What matters most isn’t your dog’s age. It’s whether the crate supports calm, confidence and rest.

A positive introduction is slow, affirming and pressure-free.

This often includes:

• allowing your dog to explore the crate at their own pace
  
• pairing the crate with positive experiences (meals, chews, rest)
  
• keeping the door open initially
  
• avoiding forcing or locking your dog inside
  
• building duration gradually
  

Every dog is different, and some benefit from professional guidance, especially if they are anxious or have had negative experiences in the past.

A crate is not a cure for anxiety or reactivity but it can be a valuable support tool.

For anxious or easily overstimulated dogs, a crate can provide:

• physical separation from triggers
  
• a clear boundary during busy or stressful moments
  
• a place to decompress after stimulation
  

Used alongside appropriate training and guidance, a crate can help reduce the rehearsal of anxious or reactive behaviours by giving dogs a safe place to retreat and recover.

No. Crates are not meant for extended confinement.

A crate should be one part of a balanced routine that includes exercise, enrichment, training, and connection. The purpose of a crate is to support rest and regulation, not to replace engagement or activity.

Most dogs use their crate in short, purposeful periods: for naps, overnight sleep, or during particularly busy moments in the home.

We recommend consulting with your breeder whenever possible. They will generally have a good idea what size crate is best for your dog and know the measurements of your puppy's parents.

Please note our crate quiz recommendations are based on the average size of your dog breed as an adult and suggest using a divider or interim crate if required for a very young puppy with large and XL crates.

Commonly crates will be referred to as 24", 30", 36", 42" or 48". You can use the internal measurments of our crates to pick which one best aligns with the recommended crate size.

As a guide:

Our small crates are between a 24' and 30" crate and are best for dogs no taller than 50cm and no longer than 48cm.

Our medium crates are closest to a 30" crate and are best for dogs no taller than 53cm and no longer than 69cm.

Our large crates are closest to a 36" crate and are best for dogs no taller than 60cm and no longer than 88cm.

Our XL crates are closest to a 42" crate and is best for dogs no taller than 70cm and no longer than 98cm.

Our Busta crate covers are made to fit over the medium and XL Kmart crates or most 30" and 42" wire crates.

Generally we can ship Archie, Small, Medium and Large Teddy, Buddy and Medium Busta within 2 days. All XLs, TIlly and Honey are currently made to order so please allow 2 weeks for dispatch. Delivery time typically is between 2-10 business days, depending on your location. You can also choose to pick-up your order from our Brisbane-based showroom.

Shipping is free for accesory items and with our crate and pen bundles that include all you need for crate success! Alternatively, bundle any four items including a crate or pen for free shipping.

For furniture only orders, flat rate shipping costs are by weight.

$50 - SM Teddy, Archie, Buddy, M Busta

$75 - XL Busta, Honey

$150 - Large Teddy, XL Teddy

Please note additional shipping charges may apply for WA.

Our crates, covers and pens are designed and made in Austraia from a clear coated birch plywood, which ensures a sturdy and durable table top, as well as easy cleaning and maintenance.

Crate doors and chewproofing are made with a slotted cut-out design in transparent perspex for ventilation and visibility.  

Please note birch is a very pale blonde wood. Given the nature of the material, it is likely that there will be deviations in the wood, including knots, closed cracks, curly grain, sap stains and bark pockets. It does not have the uniform appearance of some other materials -that's one of the things we love about it! 

Our Archie crate is made overseas from premium birch with a hardwood oak veneer and powder coated steel rods.

We most commonly ship with Startrack and Allied Express.

We accept payments from Afterpay and major credit card companies like Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. We also accept Apple Pay and Google Pay and Paypal.

We accept returns within a 30 day window of your order. Shipping charges do apply and the crate must be returned in it's original condition and packaging.

Yes, we can ship to most countries although given the weight of crate furniture, we ask you to please reach out to us at bestfriends@thepawsroom.com.au for a shipping quote. Please note we can not currently ship to the US and we do not accept returns on international orders.