How Much Room Does My Dog Need In A Crate?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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There should be

enough room for him to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably

. The is a place where your dog can relax, sleep, and basically just chill out. The crate should be small enough that they cannot be too rowdy.

Is my dog too big for his crate?

When house-training, it's important that the crate is not too large as your pup may be tempted to potty in the corner of their crate.

If your dog's head is touching the top of the crate and you expect them to grow taller, the crate size is likely too short

.

What room should be in a dog crate?

Usually the best place for dog crates at night is in

the owner's bedroom

, so the dog has the feeling of being in safe company during sleeping time. Having the crate in your bedroom will also allow you to hear your dog if she gets restless during the night and needs to be taken to her potty area.

How big should a crate be for a dog to sleep in?

the crate should be

at least 6′′ (15 cm) longer than their body length and 6′′ (15 cm) higher than their shoulder height

for adequate comfort. Depending on the gender and the possibility of mixed ancestry, your pet may need a crate that is larger or smaller than listed below.

Is my crate too small for my dog?


If your dog's nose or rear end touch the end of the crate at the same time, the crate is too small

. Contrarily, if your dog lies down in one area of the crate only and there is space that isn't utilized, the crate is too big. Your dog's crate should be his den and he should enjoy being in it.

Do you put dog bed in crate?

The first question many people have is whether or not bedding should be included in your pup's crate, and if so, what kind. The answer is simple:

you should absolutely include bedding

. Many people, unfortunately, tend to use the crate as a punishment or simply to prevent accidents around the house.

How many hours a day should you crate your dog?

Nina Torres says it's fine for most adult dogs to be in a crate “

nine hours maximum

” during the day (with a walk in the middle), and then eight hours at night – unless they are seniors or large dogs needing to stretch their joints.

Should I lock my puppy in his crate at night?


Lock your puppy in his/her bed every night

. If you are worried about him/her being lonely, you can keep the crate by your bed so he/she can hear you nearby. He will adjust very quickly to sleeping there at night, especially if you ignore the initial fussing.

Do dogs like crates?

According to experts quoted in the book,

dogs who appear to “love” their crate because they keep running back to it even when given their freedom

are often really exhibiting a lack of self-confidence or even fearfulness toward the outside world brought on by the extreme confinement and isolation of a crate.

Should you cover a dog crate with a blanket?


You should never completely cover your dog's crate as it can block airflow

. Keep blankets away from heat sources, ensure the fabric is breathable, and avoid using knit blankets that may snag or unravel. Monitor the conditions inside the crate in humid summer weather to ensure it doesn't get too hot.

Where should dogs sleep at night?

  • Sharing your bed.
  • Sleeping in a crate.
  • Sleeping in a dog bed.
  • Allow your dog to choose his sleeping spot.

Where should I place my puppy's crate?


A corner of the family room, or in the kitchen are ideal places

. Wherever you do decide to place the crate, make sure it isn't in a drafty area, isn't close to a heat source such as a radiator or fireplace, or in direct sunlight. It needs to be comfortable with little chance of getting too hot or too cold.

Should I leave water in dog crate at night?


No. Healthy, adult dogs don't need water in their crate overnight

. Hydration isn't an issue so long as your dog has plenty of water available throughout the day. Also, your dog should associate the ritual of going into her crate at night solely with sleep, comfort, and security, and not with drinking water.

What dogs fit in a 36 inch crate?

  • Australian Cattle Dog.
  • Basset Hound.
  • Beagle.
  • Belgian Sheepdog.
  • Bull Terrier.
  • Bulldog.
  • Chinese Shar-Pei.
  • English Setter.

How big should a crate be for 2 dogs?

Answer: If you were buying a separate crate for dogs this size, we would recommend a 24 inch model which would be around

24′′L x 18′′W

. A 36′′ Life Stages Double Door LS-1636DD crate is exactly twice this size at 36′′L x 24′′W, so there should be enough room for both dogs.

When should I get a bigger dog crate?


When your dog is standing on all fours

, measure them from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail (do not include their full tail length in this measurement — this will result in a crate that is too large). Add 2 to 4 inches to this measurement for the best length of a crate for your dog.

Where should I put my puppy crate at night?

Try placing their crate in

a quiet corner or a separate, less active room

. You can also keep their crate near where you sleep at night, but set up a fan or sound machine to help muffle any noises that might interrupt your puppy's rest.

At what age do puppies not need a crate?

You can usually stop closing your dog into your crate when they are

around two years of age

. Before then, they are usually more likely to get into trouble. It isn't until they mature fully that they are able to behave properly when not supervised.

Should I put my 8 week old puppy in a crate at night?


You can move the crate at night, if necessary, to keep him near people

. Keep the puppy in the crate except for during playtimes or mealtimes. Take the puppy outside once every hour or so on a leash.

Can I crate my dog for 12 hours at night?


It is totally fine to crate your dog for that long during the night

, especially if he has plenty of activities during the day. Young puppies however won't be able to sleep for that long right away. You should take them to the bathroom halfway through the night to prevent any potty accidents.

Can I let my dog roam free in the house?

If your dog has access to all or part of the house while you're home and doesn't get into trouble, then he might be ready for more freedom when left alone, according to professional dog trainer Jennifer Mauger of L'Chaim Canine.

Should you cover dog crate overnight?

Dogs will try to reach through the crate bars for anything they can pull in and chew. Covering your dog's crate may make him feel more secure, but

it's important to use a cover he can't pull in through the bars and destroy

. Food and water aren't necessary to leave in the crate overnight.

What time should a puppy go to bed?

But in all honesty,

there's no ‘right time' for a puppy to go to sleep, as long as it's the same every night

. While this may be the case, do note that your puppy will need, on average, around 8-10 hours of sleep per night.

Where should a puppy sleep?

  • Most puppies do best in a crate with a soft and suitable bed or bedding tucked inside. …
  • Once you get your new puppy home, it will likely take him some time to get settled. …
  • Plan on some disruption of sleep for up to a few weeks after bringing home your new fur baby.
David Martineau
Author
David Martineau
David is an interior designer and home improvement expert. With a degree in architecture, David has worked on various renovation projects and has written for several home and garden publications. David's expertise in decorating, renovation, and repair will help you create your dream home.