The Dos and Don'ts of Choosing a Proper Dog Crate Size

Choosing the proper dog crate size isn't as obvious a problem to solve as you might first expect. Dog crates are invaluable for many reasons and having one close to hand at all times will benefit you and your furry friend immensely. For training purposes, safety, travel, and general good pet practice, there's no substitute for a high-quality dog crate.

Getting the wrong size may well do more harm than good, however. If you're in the market for a new dog crate and are looking for some dog crate sizing tips, keep reading! We've put this article together just for you.

What Is a Dog Crate?

First things first when selecting the right dog crate size. To understand the dos and don'ts of choosing a dog crate, it's a good idea to have a firm idea of what a dog crate is, and owning one might benefit you. Simply put, a dog crate is a safe place where your dog can go when there's nobody around to look after him.

Dog crates are sturdily constructed plastic or metal confinement methods to ensure your pup stays out of trouble while you're not at home. Some of the most popular options are made from wire and can be folded away to save space while not in use. These have the added benefit of being open and airy while allowing unobstructed vision for both pet and owner.

The door can either be left open for them to come and go as they please, or latched shut behind them to keep them from destroying the sofa. This might seem mean or otherwise unfair, but imposing boundaries on your dog is good for them, as is assigning them a space they understand is their own.

Why Is a Dog Crate Necessary?

We have an enduring love for our animals and would do anything to keep them safe and provide them with the best life possible. The strength of our love and the bond we feel for our dogs is something we've nurtured over thousands of years and has become an ingrained part of us.

So, for many, the benefit of essentially jailing our dogs for extended periods of time is a hard one to wrap our heads around.

It seems cruel, but in reality, it's just the opposite. It's our job to look after these animals so they don't come to harm and can continue living their worry-free gregarious lives. This doesn't mean giving them free rein in the house and allowing them to do whatever they like.

A certain degree of training and socialization must take place to ensure a dog fits well into our lives. Failure to strategize to this end will net you an uncooperative dog who'll be more trouble than he's worth, and the blame will fall squarely on you. A dog crate is an invaluable tool for helping them understand and navigate all manner of situations while they grow and learn.

Best Crate Size for Dogs

Throughout his formative years, your dog needs somewhere familiar to operate from. This is where he'll start and end his day, and the beginning of a routine that will serve you both well. For this to work, the crate itself must be neither too big nor too small.

A crate that's too small restricts movement and will feel oppressive. The relationship your dog has with his crate must be a positive one to play a beneficial role as time goes on. If your dog hates his crate because it's too small, (and rightly so), it's not going to work or help either of you as intended.

Purchasing a large crate for your dog might seem like a good idea, as more space would suggest they'd be more comfortable. In fact, the perfectly sized crate falls somewhere between the two. Dogs like to feel cozy and contained and will enjoy the security of their space when it's sized correctly.

The size of an overly large crate also precludes its use for travel, which is one of the most useful reasons for having one. While taking your dog to the vet, for example, it pays to keep him confined in a familiar spot. Taking the trip in his crate will do wonders for his nerves and assure him nothing too untoward is happening, despite appearances.

Dog Crate Size Guide

No article about crate sizes would be complete without some instructions detailing proper dog crate dimensions. Fortunately, finding these dimensions only takes five minutes of wrestling with a tape measure. If your dog is particularly excitable or skittish, you might find this step easier with a friend on hand to hold him still.

First, measure your dog from the tip of his nose to the base of his tail. Once you have a rough average, add two to four inches for a little breathing space. Take note of the final number and you have your crate length, simple!

Repeat the process for crate height by measuring from the tips of their ears or head to the ground. It's good practice to add a couple of inches here, too, just to be on the safe side. When it comes to width, most crates are designed so your dog can comfortably turn around based on the previous two dimensions.

Looking Ahead

You might be asking yourself about what to do six months from now and your dog has doubled in size. Puppies are notorious for growth spurts that leave them looking nearly unrecognizable. In terms of sizing a dog crate correctly, this isn't an ideal situation.

With a little foresight, this isn't an issue at all. Do some research on average sizes for your dog's breed, and choose a crate based on their likely final form. While they grow, you can easily partition the crate and expand it later as necessary.

Some crates are designed with your puppy's rapidly expanding girth in mind and come equipped for this very eventuality. As time passes, you'll be able to modify their space as necessary with the provided hardware. This saves time and money and means your dog won't have to re-familiarize themselves with a new crate every couple of months.

Crate Types and Functionality

The needs of every dog are different, as are the needs of their owners. With this in mind, the types of crates available vary significantly. Without considerable variety, it'd be difficult to find a crate to suit everyone.

With so much variety comes a little hesitancy though. Choice paralysis is a real thing, especially when the choice impacts the lives of our beloved pets. Picking the right crate comes down to basic functionality and the pros and cons of material choice.

Wire Crates

If you're in a hot climate and ventilation is a concern, the breathability of wire crates is ideal. They also allow for unparalleled visibility and are fairly tough and durable. Even the most determined dog isn't going to chew through metal, which is a bonus for those of us with entrepreneurial breeds.

They're typically also quite light, easy to maneuver, and often fold down for storage. When accidents happen in transit or during training, wire crates are also easy to clean and maintain.

Plastic Crates

These crates are often preferred for travel purposes, as they're more rigid than wire crates and provide greater security. If you're flying, it's worth double-checking the airline's pet-carrying policy, as they may have specific requirements. Most airlines have an approved list of crates that's easy enough to find with minimal sleuthing.

Soft-Sided Crates

These crates prevent dogs from getting bumped around in transit and are typically favored by smaller dogs. They're also foldable or otherwise compressible allowing for easy storage and transport while not in use. This type of crate isn't suitable for larger or more determined dogs, however, as the soft material can be chewed through when given enough time.

Heavy-Duty Crates

These are the crates for dogs who have a particularly fervent glint in their eye and are known to be too clever for their own good. The last thing anyone needs is a too-sharp dog escaping from their crate and excitedly introducing themselves to the entire airport. Any dog known to be particularly strong or intelligent should be put in a heavy-duty crate.

This is for their own safety. Remember, while they might complain, it's our job to know better. Their safety is the utmost concern, not how unhappy they might be at being denied the opportunity to make new friends and go on an impromptu adventure.

Proper Dog Crate Size

Finding the proper dog crate size for your best friend is easy once you know how. With the considerations mentioned in this article in mind, you can't go wrong! But if you're still unsure and would like the opinion of a professional, you're in the right place.

At Pet Crates Direct we've been providing pet-lovers with the highest quality and most reliable crates on the market since 2002. Our family-owned and operated business knows everything there is to know about crates, and we're here to share our knowledge and wisdom with you. When it comes to finding the perfect crate for your dog, we're second to none.

Don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. We'd love to hear from you and would be happy to help!