Choosing The Right Puppy Crate Size
As a first-time pet parent, it can be confusing to decide which crate size is right for your puppy. Crate training your animal can especially be challenging if you do not have the right size. Crates that are too large often lead to accidents and encourage bad habits. To help you, we’ll talk about factors that are worth considering.
But before that, remember that a crate should be your pet’s safe zone in your home. It should not be a place for long-term confinement, rather a place where they feel secure. Using a crate also helps as you get your pup used to your house rules.
Moving forward, the first step is to get your puppy’s measurements.
Getting Your Dog’s Measurements
Take your puppy’s measurements to ensure you’re getting the right crate size for him.
His crate should be big enough so he’ll be able to sit, lie down, and stretch comfortably. And not too big he’ll think he can use the other end for his “business”.
That said, start off by getting your four-legged friend’s length. To get this, measure from the tip of his nose to the base of his tail, instead of its tip. Once you get that, add around 2-4 inches to your measurement and there you have the right crate length for your pup.
For his height, consider that some dogs tend to be taller when seated. If your puppy is like this, have him sit before you measure his height. Measure from the tallest point of his nose down to their paws. From there, add about 2-4 inches.
For the width, meanwhile, keep it proportional to the length (plus 2-4 inches) and height ( plus 2-4 inches) size of your puppy.
Factor in your dog’s weight too to ensure that the crate is sturdy enough for him. If the crate is too light, he might be able to destroy it without an effort.
Can I Get an Adult-Sized Crate?
By all means, you can. It’ll be costly (and impractical) to keep purchasing a new crate as your puppy grows. That said, you can always consider your puppy’s would-be height as he matures, and then use dividers to resize his crate and fit his existing measurements. I would recommend getting an adjustable crate so that you can leave a small enough space to ensure they do not have accidents.
What Are Crate Types that I Can Choose From?
Choosing a crate type depends on your furry family member. Consider how strong your puppy is or how he behaves. Generally, there are four common crate types that you can choose from.
1. Soft-sided crates
This type of dog crate is ideal for small-sized breeds. The advantage with a soft-sided dog crate is that it’s lightweight and easy to assemble and collapse. Cleaning may require more work, especially that odors may tend to hold on to odor. Soft sided-crates aren’t the strongest too. If you have destructive pets, this will not work for them.
2. Wooden crates
This type may be ideal if you’re conscious of style or aesthetics. These are luxurious in design and can be costly. You can choose one depending on the look that will work with your home decor. The downside for wooden crates is that they may be easy to destroy if your dog is too energetic or powerful. Odors and stains may also linger, making them harder to maintain. And generally, they’re also more expensive than other crate types.
3. Plastic Crates
The good thing about plastic crates is that their walls are softer but they’re also sturdy. If you travel often, this is a good option to consider for your puppy as they tend to be airline-approved. Plastic crates also offer good insulation and can be more difficult to escape from. Although this type offers visibility too, it may not work if your four-legged friend wants to see more of their environment. It’s not collapsible too, unlike soft-sided or wire options. Ventilation is also reduced and cleaning may be harder too.
4. Wire Crates
This type of crate comes in a variety of style and prices. Wire crates are often collapsible, which makes them suitable for travels and for homes with limited space. It also works great for puppies with a thick, long coat for it allows ample airflow. If you have a puppy that will soon grow into powerful, large dogs, then steel crates may work well for them. Look out for cheap wire crates, though. Your puppy may be able to bend them when he gets too excited.
Making Dog Crates Comfortable
Say you have already decided which crate size to get your dog. Now, it’s time to make his place more comfortable. Here are tips to do just that.
Add bedding. You can make your puppy’s crate more comfortable by adding soft bedding he can use for rest.
Place the crate where there’s activity. Consider keeping the crate in a room that you frequent, such as your living room.
Look out for ventilation. If you’re traveling, always check the available ventilation for your dog. Some crates offer less ventilation.
Be sure there’s enough space. Your puppy should be able to sit, stand, and lie down comfortably while inside his crate.
So, Which Crate Size Will Work Best for My Pup?
To summarize, here are points you’ll want to consider:
- Your puppy’s height, length, and weight
- Your puppy’s measurements as he grows
- Other non-quantitative factors such as their behavior
- Your personal preferences, such as style
- Your lifestyle, say you travel often
- The available space in your home
- The crate’s maintenance requirements
Deciding which crate size to choose for your puppy depends on your preferences. If you’re armed with necessary details about your dog, you’ll be able to make a better decision. Don’t forget to consider your personal needs.
