Bringing a new puppy into your home is a moment filled with excitement, anticipation, and—let’s be honest—a little bit of chaos.

Whether you’re adopting a rescue or welcoming a carefully chosen purebred, there’s nothing quite like those first few weeks of puppy snuggles, chewed slippers, and the pitter-patter of tiny paws.

But as any seasoned dog owner will tell you, preparation is key to making the transition smooth for both you and your new furry family member.


One of the biggest decisions you’ll face is where your pup will sleep. Many dog owners opt for crate training, a method that not only helps your dog feel safe and secure but also assists with toilet training and establishing a routine.

However, if you’ve ever seen a standard dog crate, you’ll know they’re not exactly the most stylish addition to your living room—think black metal bars and a distinctly 'clinical' vibe.


Enter Kmart’s new Oak Look Puppy Crate, a product that’s got Aussie dog owners talking—and not all of them are barking with approval.

Kmart’s $89 Oak Look Puppy Crate has been making waves online, with some shoppers praising its home-friendly design.

Katherine Chen, proud owner of a two-month-old English Cocker Spaniel named Hunter, said she was thrilled with the crate’s appearance: ‘It looks SO much better than a wire crate. Blends in nicely and feels a bit more like part of the home rather than something more clinical.’


Hunter, for his part, seems to agree. Katherine shared that after some positive reinforcement, her pup took to the crate straight away and was happily putting himself to bed by day two.

‘Size-wise, we think it will be okay, but if he is on the bigger side of the breed and he still loves it as he gets bigger, we’ll look at sizing up,’ she said.

As for assembly, Katherine described it as ‘really easy’—a relief for anyone who’s ever wrestled with flat-pack furniture.

The only challenge? Lugging the 20kg box home from the store. But as with any new product, not everyone is convinced.

After Katherine posted about her purchase on social media (where her video quickly racked up over 450,000 views), the comments section exploded with opinions.

Some dog owners loved the look, while others were quick to point out potential pitfalls—especially for pups with a penchant for chewing.

‘Jumped online to buy one and then remembered my dog likes to eat wood and would just chew her way out of this,’ one commenter wrote. Another added, ‘My lab would chew this in 1 hour hahaha he chewed his metal one.’

Katherine, however, says the crate has held up well so far, even with the occasional scratch or nibble. ‘The design makes it hard for him to really get his teeth into it,’ she explained.

Another hot topic was hygiene. Some worried that a wooden crate would be harder to clean than a metal one, especially if your puppy is still having the odd accident.

‘Wouldn’t this be so hard to clean?? Especially a pup who still has accidents in their crate?’ one person asked.

Others pointed out that wood is porous and could absorb odours over time.

Katherine’s solution? She lined the crate with a waterproof mat, just in case. ‘Seems like it would be very easy to wipe down if needed,’ she said, adding that they haven’t had any accidents yet.

Of course, crate training itself is a divisive topic among pet owners. Some see crates as a safe haven for dogs, while others view them as little more than ‘doggy jails’.

Comments ranged from ‘Looks like a little jail’ to ‘It’s cute as a dog bed, but locking a dog in there is crazy and cruel.’

So, what’s the official word? According to the RSPCA, crate training is perfectly acceptable—provided it’s done correctly.

The crate should never be used as a punishment, and dogs should only be crated for short periods to aid with training or to provide a safe space.

The crate must be large enough for your dog to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably.

Puppies, in particular, shouldn’t spend more than two to three hours at a time in a crate without a toilet break, and crate time should never replace exercise or enrichment.

At the end of the day, whether or not you choose to crate train—and what kind of crate you use—is a personal decision.

Katherine says she would recommend the Kmart crate to others, especially those who have crate-trained before or have a pup who adapts well to routines.

‘I looked at more expensive options, but knowing what puppies are like, I didn’t want to spend big on something that might get chewed or destroyed. This looks good and feels sturdy, without the guilt if it ends up with bite marks. It’s been a great setup for us.’

While some commenters joked about buying the crate for their husbands or toddlers (not recommended, folks!), the debate highlights just how passionate Aussies are about their pets’ wellbeing.

If you’re considering crate training, remember to do your research, follow expert guidelines, and choose a crate that suits both your dog’s needs and your lifestyle.

And if you’re on the fence about the Kmart Oak Look Puppy Crate, maybe take a cue from Hunter—sometimes, a little positive association goes a long way.


We’d love to hear from you! Have you tried crate training, or do you have a creative solution for keeping your pup safe and comfortable at home? What do you think of Kmart’s new crate—stylish upgrade or a disaster waiting to happen? Share your thoughts, tips, and puppy pics in the comments below.

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