When it comes to crate training their dogs, new pet parents frequently have a lot of questions. It’s important for a lot of reasons. Among other things, a crate can help with housebreaking, reduce destructive behaviors, and keep your dog safe while you’re away.
Some people worry that crate confinement is cruel. But if you do it correctly, your dog won’t perceive it in any way. Their crate can be a comfortable den where they hide from the chaos of the house or simply unwind. It’s like their own personal bedroom.
Your dog will have complete access to the house once they are trained, as well as a cozy den of their own. Just remember to leave the door open for them.
Reduced boredom and separation anxiety are two crucial training tasks that can be accomplished with the help of crates.
Crates make housetraining easier. Dogs don’t like to urinate or defecate where they eat and sleep, so when they’re in their crate, they’ll probably be more motivated to hold it.
When you leave your dog alone in their crate, they won’t have any accidents inside the house. This prevents a bad habit from forming.
They’re more likely to urinate outside if you regularly take them outside to use the restroom. This helps them learn a good habit.
They’ll acquire two more positive behaviors if you fill their crate with toys, particularly chew toys filled with treats or xylitol-free peanut butter: chewing on their toys rather than your favorite shoes and settling down to amuse themselves when you’re not around.
If your dog’s crate is too large, they might believe they can relieve themselves at one end and still maintain a clean living space. If it’s too small, they’ll feel cramped.
Your dog should be able to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably in the ideal crate size. It must be just long enough to prevent their nose and tail from touching the crate’s ends.
You can section off a portion of an adult-sized crate to keep a puppy in one side of it if you have one but don’t want to buy new ones as they get bigger. Some crates come with dividers just for this purpose.
Most crates are made of solid plastic or collapsible wire, each of which has advantages and disadvantages.
Wire crates enable your dog to observe their surroundings. They are beneficial for a dog that is prone to feeling lonely and are typically less expensive.
Solid plastic crates can be used for both car and airplane travel, and an easily overstimulated dog may prefer them because of their den-like atmosphere. However, you can make a wire crate cozier by covering the top, sides, and door with a blanket while leaving the opening exposed.
How can a dog crate be too big?
Knowing the function of a crate will help you comprehend how a dog crate could be too large.
Dogs are den animals by nature, so they require a private, secure area where they can feel secure and unwind.
It must be no bigger than the dog because a den in nature is a small, enclosed space where the animal must stay to feel safe.
If the dog’s crate is too large, it ceases to be a den and the entire process of crate training cannot be successfully completed.
What if your puppy outgrows his crate?
It’s crucial to pick the ideal crate size for your dog, but what should you do if you get a new puppy who is quickly outgrowing his crate?
Changing crates every few months is not practical for small puppies because they mature quickly, especially if they are of a large breed. However, you can’t buy your puppy a very large crate that will fit him in six months.
The best and least expensive option is to purchase a metal crate with a divider, which is why we suggested it because you can have a crate that will eventually fit an adult dog while also being able to adjust the size to the puppy as he grows.
We strongly advise using a metal crate until the puppy reaches adult size before switching to wooden crates if you want to invest in a furniture crate because they can be expensive and difficult to replace every few months.
Signs Your Dog Crate is Too Big
FAQ
How do I know if my puppy’s crate is too big?
Your dog should be able to turn around and stand up comfortably. There shouldn’t be too much additional space in the crate. Dogs prefer a small space that feels secure and safe. As your dog grows, using a puppy divider can help ensure that the crate is the right size.
Is it better to have a bigger or smaller dog crate?
Size the crate to your dog’s size. Most owners buy crates that are far too large. The dog should have enough space in the crate to stand up and turn around, but not much more. Keep in mind that we’re trying to provide the dog with a tiny, secure area to unwind that resembles a den, not a play pen.
How much bigger should a crate be than the dog?
Measuring your dog’s height and length while it is standing (from the tip of its nose to the base of its tail) will help you choose the right size. The ideal dog crate size is then calculated by adding 4 inches to the dog’s measurements.
Is it OK to put a small dog in a large crate?
The crate shouldn’t be too big so that the dog can relieve himself and still have a clean place to sleep. You want them to have just enough room to stand up and turn around, which may sound cruel. They will learn to hold it because they don’t want to sleep in their own toilet.