How Big Should My Dog Crate Be?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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We recommend

measuring the length from their nose to the base of their tail, then add between 2-4 inches

. Room to grow. If you have a , get a that fits their estimated adult size and use a divider to adjust the inside space as they get bigger. Avoid too much space.

How do I know if my dog's crate is too small?

  1. Your dog should be able to stand up comfortably and turn around.
  2. There shouldn't be too much additional space in the crate. …
  3. 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.

How much room should a dog have in a crate?

The size of your dog should determine the size of their crate. There should be

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

. The crate 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.

Can a dog crate be too big?

While they can be too small,

they can also definitely be too big

. When a crate is too big, your dog may start to use part of it as a potty area, which will hinder housebreaking and not teach your dog to hold it. Your dog should be able to stand up, sit, lie down, and stretch out comfortably in his crate.

How do you know if a dog is too big for his 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.

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 big should the crate be for a puppy?

Your puppy needs a crate that is

just large enough for him to comfortably turn around in and not much larger

— otherwise, accidents are more likely to occur. But when your puppy reaches his full size, he should still be able to comfortably stand up and turn around inside the 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.

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.

Where should a dog 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 you crate your dog?

Place the crate in

an area of your house where the family spends a lot of time, such as the family room

. Put a soft blanket or bed in the crate. Take the door off or keep it propped open and let the dog explore the crate at their leisure. Some dogs will be naturally curious and start sleeping in the crate right away.

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 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.

Does dog crate size matter?

In crates,

at least, size does matter

. Your crate must have enough room for your dog to stand, sit, turn around, and sleep comfortably. However, if you have a puppy, there is one more size factor to consider. Some puppies are fine in a large crate.

When should you stop crate training?

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. This is especially true for larger dogs, who tend to mature later.

How big should a dog crate be for sleeping?

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.

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.

Do Puppies Need water at night?

As a rule of thumb,

remove the food and water bowls about two-to-three hours before bedtime

. So, if your lights-out time is at 11 p.m., a puppy should have no food or water after about 8–8:30 p.m. This gives you a chance to take him out for a one last potty break before settling in for the night.

How long can I leave my 8 week old puppy in a crate?

So a puppy who is… Can usually hold it for… 8 weeks old (2 months)

3 hours
12 weeks old (3 months) 4 hours 16 weeks old (4 months) 5 hours 20 weeks old (5 months) 6 hours

What dogs fit in a 36 inch crate?

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

Where should my puppy sleep on the first night?


Start with their bed in your bedroom

. Slowly move it further away every few nights until it's where your pup will usually be sleeping. Have your puppy's bed where you prefer it to be and have a sleepover near them. Gradually move your temporary bed away from them every few nights until you're in your own room.

What room should a puppy sleep in?

We recommend

at least having them in your bedroom

with you in the beginning in either a dog bed or crate. Having your puppy in your bedroom with you will make them feel more reassured. Then, you can gradually move them to where you would like them to sleep permanently.

Will puppy stop barking in crate?

Try leaving the door open but lying down across the doorway of the crate as if to nap with him, to make him feel more comfortable in the crate, and at the same time make your body block the doorway. When he's in the crate and being quiet make sure to give him lots of praise. Try the heart beat toy.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.