Can a Dog Crate Be Too Big? The Surprising Truth About Oversized Crates

Have you ever thought “the bigger the better” when shopping for your furry friend’s crate? I used to believe that too! After all, who wouldn’t want to give their beloved pup more space to stretch out and relax? But here’s the surprising truth – a dog crate actually CAN be too big, and it might cause more problems than you’d expect.

As a pet parent who’s made this mistake before I want to share what happens when your dog’s crate is oversized and why proper sizing matters more than you might think.

The Unexpected Dangers of an Oversized Dog Crate

When I first brought home my Lab puppy, I bought the biggest crate I could find, thinking I was being kind. Big mistake! Here’s what can happen when your dog’s crate is too large:

Housetraining Setbacks

One of the biggest problems with an oversized crate is how it affects potty training. Dogs naturally avoid soiling their sleeping area. In a properly sized crate, they’ll hold it because there isn’t enough space to designate a “bathroom corner.” But in a too-large crate your pup can easily

• Create separate areas for sleeping and eliminating
• Develop bad habits that are hard to break
• Experience significant setbacks in housetraining progress

My puppy started using one corner of his oversized crate as a bathroom, which completely undermined our housetraining efforts It took weeks to correct this behavior after switching to a properly sized crate!

Increased Anxiety and Insecurity

This one surprised me the most. We assume more space equals more comfort, but for dogs, the opposite is often true:

• A properly sized crate mimics a natural den, creating security
• Oversized crates can feel overwhelming and exposed
• Dogs may struggle to relax and settle in too much open space
• The lack of den-like security can trigger anxiety

Dogs with too much crate space often pace, whine, or bark because they don’t feel secure. My dog would pace in circles in his big crate instead of settling down to sleep.

Development of Destructive Behaviors

Boredom and anxiety in an oversized space can lead to:

• Destructive chewing of bedding or the crate itself
• Digging behaviors
• Excessive barking and whining
• Self-soothing behaviors like excessive licking

Difficulty with Crate Training Acceptance

When a crate is too big, dogs often:

• Show hesitation or resistance to entering
• Take longer to acclimate to the crate
• Associate the crate with negative feelings rather than seeing it as a safe haven

Safety Concerns

A larger crate can actually create safety issues:

• More room to gain momentum and potentially injure themselves
• Increased leverage for escape attempts
• Greater risk of getting paws caught in wire mesh

How to Choose the Right Crate Size

So what’s the perfect size? A properly sized crate should be just large enough for your dog to:

1. Stand up without hunching
2. Turn around comfortably
3. Lie down stretched out

That’s it! No extra room needed.

Measuring Your Dog for the Perfect Fit

To get the right size crate:

1. Measure your dog’s height from the top of their head to the floor when standing normally
2. Measure length from the tip of their nose to the base of their tail
3. Add 2-4 inches to both measurements to get your ideal crate dimensions

For my 65-pound Lab, a 42-inch crate was actually too big. A 36-inch crate with adequate height was the perfect fit!

The Puppy Problem: Planning for Growth

If you have a puppy, you’ll need to consider their future size. I recommend:

• Buying a crate that will fit their adult size
• Using a divider panel to reduce the space while they grow
• Adjusting the divider as your puppy gets bigger

This approach saves money and ensures the crate is always the right size during those crucial housetraining months.

What to Do if Your Dog’s Crate is Already Too Big

If you’ve already purchased an oversized crate, don’t worry! There are solutions:

Use a Divider Panel

Many wire crates come with divider panels, or you can purchase one separately. This is the most effective solution as it physically reduces the usable space.

Create a Cozier Space

If a divider isn’t possible:

• Add extra bedding to fill some of the space
• Place toys strategically to reduce open areas
• Consider a crate cover to create a more den-like atmosphere

Consider a New Crate

Sometimes the best solution is to invest in a properly sized crate. Trust me, it’s worth it for your dog’s comfort and your training success!

Are There Exceptions to the “Not Too Big” Rule?

While the general rule is to avoid oversized crates, there are a few exceptions:

• Dogs with medical conditions requiring extra space for bandaging or limited mobility
• Multi-dog households where dogs prefer to share a crate (though individual crates are usually better)
• Temporary situations where a properly sized crate isn’t immediately available

In these cases, close supervision and more frequent potty breaks are essential to prevent the problems associated with oversized crates.

Beyond Size: Other Important Crate Considerations

While size is crucial, don’t forget these other factors when choosing a crate:

Crate Material

• Wire crates: Good ventilation, visibility, often come with dividers
• Plastic crates: More den-like, less visibility, better insulation
• Soft-sided crates: Lightweight for travel, not ideal for puppies or chewers

Crate Style and Features

Look for:

• Secure latches that your dog can’t manipulate
• Removable trays for easy cleaning
• Rounded edges for safety
• Multiple entry points for flexibility

Real Talk: My Experience with Crate Sizing

When I downsized my Lab’s crate from a 42-inch to a 36-inch, the difference in his behavior was amazing. He settled faster, slept better, and had zero accidents. The smaller space helped him feel secure rather than exposed, and his anxiety-related behaviors like whining and pacing stopped almost immediately.

It seems counter-intuitive, but dogs really do prefer smaller, cozier spaces that tap into their natural denning instincts. My mistake of “going big” actually made crate training harder, not easier!

The Bottom Line on Crate Size

So, can a dog crate be too big? Absolutely yes! A properly sized crate:

• Supports natural denning instincts
• Aids in housetraining
• Reduces anxiety and stress
• Prevents destructive behaviors
• Creates positive associations with the crate

Remember that your dog’s crate should be their sanctuary – their own personal den where they feel safe and secure. By choosing the right size, you’re not limiting their freedom; you’re actually providing them with the comfortable, secure space they naturally crave.

Have you had experience with crate sizing for your dog? I’d love to hear what worked (or didn’t work) for you and your furry friend!

Your dog’s crate is too big if they can use one area as a bathroom and another for sleeping or if they have too much extra space to move around freely.