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 to tell if your dog crate is too small
When standing or sitting in the crate, if your dog is hunched, it’s too small for him. Ideal crate design allows your dog to feel at ease in any position while not having too much space around him. He should be able to fully extend himself while lying on his side.
If you’re going to crate your dog to sleep while you’re away during the day or at night, it’s crucial that he have a comfortable environment. He must also be able to fully turn around while inside the crate. If he can’t do these things or if, while standing, his nose and rear end touch the crate walls, it’s too small.
Some crates can be quite pricey, such as those that are incredibly strong and indestructible. Please don’t reduce the size to lower the price. Your dog should have enough room to turn around and stand up comfortably; otherwise, it would be unfair to him.
If the crate is too big, why does it matter?
The kindest thing you could do for your dog if he’s going to spend time in a crate is to give him as much space as possible. This can actually create more anxiety for your dog. In the wild, dogs choose dens that are small enough for them to fit comfortably while minimizing exposure. There should only be enough space for you to comfortably lie down, stretch out, and sleep. This keeps them hidden from predators, as well. While smaller spaces feel safer and more secure, larger spaces mean more exposure and space.
If you’re crate training a puppy, you’re probably doing it to help with housebreaking. Dogs prefer not to relieve themselves in the same place where they are sleeping. Your puppy will understand that this is his time for rest if you place him in a crate. Smaller crates help puppies relax and feel safe. With too much space, they might feel scared and lonely, and it might take them a while to settle down. Another important factor influencing why a puppy’s crate needs to be the right size is Too much space will result in a puppy who uses one end of the crate as a sleeping area and the other as a bathroom!
While he won’t typically relieve himself where he sleeps unless it’s an absolute emergency, having enough room in the crate will give him the impression that he can have separate areas for each. Because your puppy won’t understand that crate time is for rest, not going potty, this will make housebreaking much more difficult. He won’t learn to hold it and wait for potty time if he can use the restroom whenever he wants. It’s best to deny him the chance to leave if he so chooses.
Your dog can’t sit up straight
The sitting up straight test is the first test you should always perform to determine if there are any indications that a dog crate is too small.
Make sure your dog is not hitting its head in any way while sitting up straight in the kennel.
The dog should have sufficient space inside to avoid any instances of cramping or hunching.
If you are somewhat tall and have ever spent several hours in a car or a cramped space, you are familiar with the discomfort. Make sure the dog passes that test.
Just enough space is required so that it can sit naturally without being cramped.
FAQ
Should my dog be able to stretch out in his crate?
Simple: give the dog a piece of food and ask him to circle the crate a few times. The only part of the dog that should touch the crate is possibly a small portion of its tail. The dog should be able to turn easily on itself without any hunching.
How much bigger should a dog 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 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.
Does the size of a crate matter for a dog?
In crates, at least, size does matter. Your dog needs enough space in the crate to stand, sit, turn around, and sleep peacefully. However, there is one more size consideration to make if you have a puppy. Some puppies are fine in a large crate.