Can Two Dogs Share a Crate? What Works, What Fails, and Safer Alternatives

As a dog owner, you already know how comforting a crate can be for your pet. Most pups view their crates as little safe havens where they can go to relax, nap, and decompress after a busy and tiring day. But if you have more than one dog, you might find yourself asking, “Can two dogs share a crate?”

At first, it might seem like an easy way to save some space and money. After all, your dogs have already bonded and get along pretty well. You see them curling up on the couch together all the time. But when it comes to crate training and safety, the answer is a bit more complicated. 

Let’s explore the pros and cons of crating your pups together, when it might work, when it definitely fails, and what safer alternatives you can use. 

Why People Consider Crating Two Dogs Together

Before we get into the risks, let’s look at why some pet parents might actually consider this option in the first place. 

• Bonded pups like companionship. Some dogs actually feel calmer when they’re near their packmates. 

• Limited space. If you live in a smaller apartment or home, having two separate crates might feel impractical. 

• Cost savings. A large crate might seem like a more affordable option than buying two.

• Convenience. Feeding, monitoring, or traveling with both of your dogs in the same space can sometimes just feel easier. 

While all of these reasons might seem fair on the surface and make some sense, they often overlook the behavioral and safety challenges that can arise when you crate two dogs together.

Can Two Dogs Share a Crate Safely?

The short answer we can give you here is generally, no. Dogs are naturally territorial, and a crate is meant to be their personal den. So, when you place two pups together in the same crate, you risk tension, stress, and even fights, especially if they’re confined for longer periods of time. 

Why It Usually Fails

• Resource guarding: Even the closest canine companions can develop guarding tendencies. A crate is already a high-value space. Add in some toys, blankets, or food, and suddenly it becomes a battleground for your dogs.

• Lack of personal space: Just like humans, dogs need their own space and time to decompress. Being confined with their packmate with no option to retreat can cause anxiety and even aggression.

• Mismatched size: If your pups are two different sizes, the larger of the two could accidentally hurt the smaller one while they shift or stretch in the crate.

• Play escalation: Do your dogs like to wrestle and play together? They may get overstimulated in a small space. Without room for them to separate, harmless play can quickly escalate. 

• Medical concerns: If one dog is sick or recovering from surgery, close quarters like this can increase stress or even spread illness. 

When Crating Two Dogs Might Work

There are some exceptions when crating your pups together might be okay and safe to do.

• Puppies under 8 to 10 weeks old. Very young litters can rest together before they transition to their individual crates.

• Highly bonded pairs with calm temperaments. Some dogs that have grown up together and are extremely low-conflict might be able to tolerate sharing a crate for short periods of time.

• Very large crates. If the crate is designed to hold two dogs comfortably, it could work. Make sure there is enough room for both to stretch, stand, and move. This reduces some of the risk but doesn’t eliminate all of the risk.

Even in these scenarios, supervision is still required. Overnight or long-term crating with two dogs in the same space is very rarely recommended.

Safe Alternatives to Sharing a Crate

If your dogs truly enjoy being near each other, there are many other safer ways to accommodate them without forcing crate sharing.

Separate the Crates

The simplest way to do this is to have two crates side by side. This lets your pups see, hear, and smell each other while still maintaining their own personal space. 

Extra Large Playpens

Instead of confining your two dogs in a single crate, consider using a larger playpen for short-term containment. Just remember, playpens aren’t as secure as crates and shouldn’t be a replacement for proper training or travel. 

Partitioned Crates

Some larger dog crates can be divided with a partition. This lets you create two distinct spaces within one crate frame. Each of your pups will have its own den but still be close together.

Crate Rotations

If you have limited space, you can crate one dog at a time as needed., This works especially well if one of your dogs is older or calmer while the other needs to have some more structured downtime.

Quality Individual Crates

Overall, the best option here is going to be two high-quality individual crates for each pup. It’s the best choice for safety and long-term use. And this is where choosing the right brand also matters.

Why a Rock Creek Crate Is the Best Choice

When shopping for crates, durability, safety, and comfort should be top priorities. This is why Rock Creek Crates stand out as the best choice for dog owners, especially those with multiple pets.

Benefits of Rock Creek Crates

• Heavy-duty construction: They are made from aircraft-grade aluminum and designed to withstand chewing, scratching, and even Houdini escape attempts.

• Ventilation and visibility: They are designed with multiple ventilation holes that allow airflow and visibility, so your dogs can stay calm and comfortable.

• Secure locking mechanism: This prevents accidental escapes and keeps your pup safe during travel or while at home.

• Travel-ready: Rock Creek Crates are built for road trips, vet visits, and there are even airline-approved options, so you can have much greater peace of mind even while on the go.

• Lifetime investment: Unlike a flimsy wire crate that can easily bend and wear out, Rock Creek Crates last for years. This makes them more cost-effective in the long run.

So, if you’re asking, can two dogs share a crate? The smarter approach is to invest in two durable Rock Creek Crates. This way, each of your pups has its own space, and you can eliminate the risk of conflict or injury.

Some Helpful Tips for Transitioning Your Pups to Their Own Crates

If your pups are used to being together, then separating them into their own crates may be an adjustment. Here’s how to make the transition smoother for everyone.

• Start with proximity. Place the crates side by side so your pups can still feel connected.

• Reward calm behavior. Use treats and praise when they settle into their own crates.

• Create a routine. Consistency with bedtime, feeding times, and crating schedules builds comfort.

• Make each crate inviting. Add soft bedding, familiar toys, or a blanket that smells like you to make the crate more inviting. 

• Take it slow. Begin by crating them for shorter periods of time and then gradually extend that time as they begin to adjust. 

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When you explore your crate options for multiple dogs, make sure to avoid these more common mistakes.

• Buying a crate that’s too small. A cramped crate increases your pup’s stress levels and can ultimately cause some behavioral issues.

• Leaving dogs unattended in the same crate. Even well-bonded dogs can have conflicts when they are left together unsupervised. 

• Using the crate as punishment. Crates should always be associated with safety and positivity. 

• Ignoring crate quality. Low-quality crates can bend, break, or pose safety hazards.

Why Dogs Thrive With Their Own Space

Dogs are very social animals, but they’re also den animals by nature. A crate isn’t just a training tool you use; it represents a personal retreat where your pup feels safe and secure. Sharing that kind of retreat often goes against what makes a crate a psychologically valuable item in the first place.

Independence Builds Confidence

When each of your pups has its own crate, they learn how to self-soothe and relax without constant companionship. This leads to more independence, can reduce anxiety, and prevents your dogs from becoming overly reliant on one another.

Avoiding Codependency

Dogs that are constantly together, even if in their crate, might develop unhealthy codependency. While they seem inseparable, this can actually make it harder for them to cope with separation, vet visits, or boarding. When you give each dog their own crate, it balances attachment to their human family and their environment.

Stress Reduction

Crating is a break from stimulation. Just like us, our pups need downtime from everyone and everything around them. Their own crate gives them a safe place to rest without the pressure to play, share, or defend their resources.

Better Training Outcomes

Dogs that are trained separately in their own crates respond better to commands, housebreaking, and routines. Instead of distractions or conflict, each pup focuses on building positive associations with their crate.

Crates aren’t just about confinement; they’re about creating a sense of safety and independence for your furry companions. For multi-dog households, giving them access to individual crates ensures each of your pets gets the psychological benefits they need to thrive. 

Remember the Golden Rule of Crating

So, at the end of the day, the answer to can two dogs share a crate is almost always going to be a no. While it may look like a cozy or convenient solution, crate sharing usually leads to stress, conflict, and safety risks. Dogs benefit most when they have their own den. A safe space for them to relax, recharge, and feel secure.

So, what’s the golden rule of crating? Invest in an individual high-quality crate, like those from Rock Creek Crates, and give each of your pups their own personal sanctuary while giving you peace of mind. Two dogs, two crates, one happy household.